Texas Medical Card Patient FAQs

How does NuggMD work in Texas?

NuggMD connects eligible patients with qualified physicians for evaluation under the Texas state Compassionate Use Program. If approved, your prescription is entered directly into the state registry so licensed Texas dispensaries can dispense it.

Questions? Chat with our team anytime using the icon in the corner.

Can I get medical cannabis without a Texas state ID?

You must be a permanent Texas resident to qualify for the Compassionate Use Program. A Texas driver’s license or other proof of residency is typically required for identity verification during your evaluation.

Where can I find a qualified health professional who is licensed to prescribe medical cannabis in Texas?

Only physicians registered with the Texas Compassionate Use Program may prescribe low-THC cannabis. NuggMD connects people with Texas-licensed physicians who are registered in the CURT system and authorized to issue prescriptions.

Can a dentist or nurse practitioner recommend marijuana in Texas?

No. Only physicians who are registered with the Compassionate Use Program may prescribe medical marijuana in Texas.

How much does it cost to get my medical marijuana card in Texas?

Texas does not charge a state registration fee because there is no card or application process. The primary cost patients are responsible for paying is the required physician evaluation.

With NuggMD, Texas medical marijuana evaluations start at just $98, and you are only charged if the physician issues your prescription.

Will health insurance cover the cost of my medical marijuana?

No. While medical cannabis has been rescheduled, health insurance providers are not required to cover any cost associated with obtaining your medical cannabis prescription or products. 

Note: this may change with the upcoming federal regulatory changes, including revisions to Medicare coverage of CBD. We'll keep this page updated as new information becomes available.

Who qualifies for medical marijuana in Texas?

To qualify for medical cannabis in Texas, you must:

• Be a permanent Texas resident
• Have a qualifying medical condition
• Be evaluated by a physician registered in the Compassionate Use Program

There is no minimum age requirement. Patients under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian involved in the process. Out-of-state patients are not eligible to purchase from Texas dispensing organizations.

What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Texas?

Texas allows low-THC cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program for specific qualifying conditions, which have expanded in recent years. These include, but aren't limited to, chronic pain, PTSD, autism, and multiple sclerosis. 

A registered physician determines eligibility based on the program rules and your medical history. Find a complete list of qualifying conditions or connect with a Texas practitioner online to find out if you qualify in minutes. And with NuggMD, you’re approved by the physician or you get your money back.

What if my medical condition isn't listed?

Texas requires that licensed physicians only prescribe medical cannabis to those with a qualifying condition. Those who do not have any of these conditions are not eligible for the Compassionate Use Program.

Can I use medical cannabis if I am on probation or parole in Texas?

Medical authorization under the Compassionate Use Program does not automatically override court-imposed conditions. If you are on probation, parole, or another form of court supervision, you must follow the terms set by the court.

Some supervision agreements prohibit controlled substances regardless of state authorization. If you are under supervision, review your conditions carefully and consult your supervising officer or a qualified attorney before using medical cannabis.

Can law enforcement see my prescription in CURT?

The Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) is accessible to authorized parties, including prescribing physicians and licensed dispensing organizations. Law enforcement may verify a prescription through the system during an investigation.

Patients should ensure that any medical cannabis in their possession was dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription entered into CURT.

Will I be placed on a public government list if I participate in the Compassionate Use Program?

Patient information in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) is not publicly available. Access to registry information is restricted under state law.

Can I own or purchase a firearm if I’m a medical cannabis patient in Texas?

Federal law currently classifies cannabis as a controlled substance. Under federal firearm law, individuals who use marijuana, including state-authorized medical cannabis, may be considered “unlawful users” for firearm eligibility purposes.

Texas participation in the Compassionate Use Program does not change federal firearm rules. Patients should review current federal firearm laws or consult a qualified attorney before purchasing or possessing a firearm.

What are the benefits of participating in the Texas Compassionate Use Program?

Getting registered in the CURT as a Texas medical cannabis patient provides:

• Legal access to state-regulated medical cannabis, the only lawful way to obtain products containing more than 0.3% THC by weight in Texas
• Physician-supervised treatment, with your prescription entered into the secure CURT system
• Peace of mind knowing your treatment complies with current state law
• Access to a defined set of low-THC products through licensed dispensaries
• Protections from arrest or prosecution for lawful possession tied to your prescription

The program does not provide broad employment or civil rights protections, and recreational cannabis remains illegal statewide.

How do I get medical marijuana in Texas?

Texas does not issue traditional medical marijuana cards. Instead, qualified patients receive a prescription for low-THC cannabis from a physician registered with the state’s Compassionate Use Program (CUP).

If the physician determines you qualify, your prescription is entered into the state’s secure Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). You can then fill your prescription at a licensed dispensing organization.

NuggMD connects Texas residents with registered physicians for online evaluations to determine if they’re eligible for medical cannabis.

How long does it take to get medical cannabis in Texas with NuggMD?

Texas does not issue medical marijuana cards. If a registered physician determines you qualify, your prescription is entered into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).

With NuggMD, evaluations are conducted online. If approved, your physician will enter your prescription into CURT shortly after the appointment. 

In most cases, patients can contact their nearest medical dispensary to arrange pickup or delivery within 24 to 48 hours of approval. Exact timing may vary depending on the physician's entry time and the dispensary's processing times.

Can I renew my med card with NuggMD if I was seen by a different doctor last year?

Yes. You may complete your evaluation with any physician registered in the Texas Compassionate Use Program. When choosing NuggMD, we’ll connect you with a Texas certified practitioner who will conduct a full evaluation and determine whether to issue or continue your prescription. If you aren’t approved, you’ll get the cost of your evaluation back automatically.

How much does it cost to renew my medical marijuana card in Texas?

Texas does not charge a state registration fee because there is no card or application process. The primary cost is the physician evaluation.

With NuggMD Texas, you are only charged if the physician issues your prescription.

How often do I need to renew my medical marijuana prescription in Texas?

Prescriptions may be written for up to one year, but the duration is determined by your physician. Most patients are required to complete periodic follow-up appointments to continue receiving prescriptions. The timing of follow-ups depends on your condition and your physician’s treatment plan.

What if I am not approved for medical marijuana?

With NuggMD, you are ONLY charged for your evaluation if you are approved. We believe everyone deserves access to a qualified medical cannabis doctor, and the cost of an evaluation shouldn’t be a barrier.

What is NuggMD's refund policy?

You are only charged if the physician issues your prescription.

If you cancel before your evaluation, a $10 processing fee applies. If you request a refund after your evaluation, it must be submitted before your prescription is entered into the CURT system. Once your prescription has been entered, refunds are no longer available.

Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of your evaluation by emailing support@nuggmd.com with the subject line “Refund Request.” Approved refunds are typically processed within 3 to 5 business days.

What types of medical cannabis products are available in Texas?

With the passing of HB 46, Texas replaced the limit of 1% THC by weight with a limit of 10mg per dose (or 1g per package).

Available product types typically include:

• Oils and tinctures
• Gummies and other ingestible products
• Capsules
• Lozenges
• Topical preparations
• Concentrates

Texas does not permit the smoking of raw cannabis flower under the medical program.

Product availability may vary by dispensing organization.

Where can I buy medical marijuana in Texas?

Patients in Texas may purchase medical marijuana products containing 1% or less of THC by weight from an approved dispensing organization.

How much medical cannabis can I purchase or possess in Texas?

Texas does not set a fixed ounce or “30-day supply” limit. Instead, access is governed by the prescription entered into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) by your physician.

Can I smoke medical cannabis in Texas?

No. Texas does not permit smokable cannabis products under the Compassionate Use Program. 

Can I use medical cannabis in public in Texas?

Texas law does not allow public cannabis consumption. Additionally, consumption while operating a vehicle is illegal, and driving while impaired is a criminal offense. Property owners may restrict use on private property.

Is it legal to drive with medical cannabis in the car in Texas?

You may transport medical cannabis that was legally dispensed pursuant to your prescription. Products should remain in their original packaging.

It is illegal to consume cannabis while operating a vehicle or to drive while impaired.

Can medical cannabis be delivered in Texas?

Yes. Licensed dispensing organizations may offer delivery services. Availability depends on the provider and service area.

Are CBD products legal in Texas?

Yes. CBD products are available to qualifying medical cannabis patients. Additionally, hemp-derived CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less are legal for purchase without participation in the Compassionate Use Program.

Is medical cannabis taxed in Texas?

Texas does not impose a special state registration fee for medical cannabis. Product pricing and any applicable taxes are determined at the dispensing organization level.

Is it possible to give marijuana as a gift in Texas?

No, it is illegal to gift any form of cannabis to any individual, regardless of your or their medical cannabis patient status.

Can I use my Texas prescription in other states?

This depends on the state to which you’re traveling. Each state has different rules regarding reciprocity, and some don’t allow it at all. Check with your destination state to learn more.

Can out-of-state medical marijuana patients purchase low-THC products in Texas?

No, Texas law permits only registered patients with a recommendation from a physician registered with the state’s Compassionate Use Program (CUP) to buy low-THC products.

Can I grow cannabis at home in Texas?

No. Personal cultivation of cannabis is not permitted in Texas.

Is it possible for my city or town to ban cannabis facilities in Texas?

No. According to the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 487, local municipalities may not ban state-licensed cannabis facilities or limit possession of cannabis by registered patients.

What government department is responsible for medical marijuana in Texas?

The Texas Department of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing the state's medical marijuana program.

What if a dispensary cannot find my prescription?

Dispensing organizations verify prescriptions through the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). If there is an issue locating your prescription, contact your prescribing physician to confirm it has been entered correctly.

If you need any other help, you can always reach out to the NuggMD customer service team at support@nuggmd.com or 866-847-7205.

Is there a minimum age to participate in the Texas Compassionate Use Program?

There is no minimum age requirement under Texas law. However, patients under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian involved in the process. The guardian will be entered into the CURT system to obtain prescriptions on the minor’s behalf.

Can a minor be a medical marijuana patient in Texas?

Yes, minors with a qualifying condition may become medical cannabis patients in Texas.

Who can obtain medical cannabis on a patient’s behalf in Texas?

Texas does not have a traditional caregiver program. For minor patients or patients who require assistance, a parent or legal guardian may be entered into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) by the prescribing physician. That individual may obtain the prescription from a licensed dispensing organization on the patient’s behalf.

Can my medical marijuana be picked up by someone else in Texas?

A patient's legal guardian is able to pick up their cannabis prescription as long as their doctor registers them in the CURT system.