Austin, Texas, December 5, 2025
The Texas Department of Public Safety has approved nine companies to enhance the state’s medical cannabis program, increasing access to prescription-only THC treatments for qualified patients. This expansion reflects evolving legislation aimed at improving patient care and convenience. The Texas Compassionate Use Program has expanded its licensed providers and introduced new qualifying conditions and delivery methods, marking a significant step forward in medical cannabis accessibility across Texas.
Austin, Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has granted preliminary approval to nine companies to join the state’s medical cannabis program, significantly expanding access to medical-grade, prescription-only THC treatments for qualified patients. This expansion is part of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), which has been evolving to better serve the state’s medical cannabis needs.
The nine companies conditionally approved are:
- Verano Texas LLC – El Paso region
- Trulieve TX Inc. – Western Texas Panhandle
- Texas Patient Access LLC – North Texas
- Lone Star Compassionate Care Group LLC – North Texas
- Lone Star Bioscience Inc. – San Antonio and Central Texas
- PC TX OPCO LLC/PharmaCann – Houston area
- Story of Texas LLC – Houston area
- Texa OP/TexaRx – Rio Grande Valley
- Dilatso LLC – North Texas
These additions will bring the total number of licensed providers to 12, with the possibility of further expansion in the future. The expansion aims to improve patient access to medical cannabis treatments across the state, reflecting a growing recognition of the benefits of alternative medicine in Texas.
Established in 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Program has historically been one of the most restrictive medical cannabis programs in the United States. Initially, only three companies were licensed to produce and distribute low-THC cannabis oil to a limited number of patients. However, recent legislative changes, particularly House Bill 46, have significantly broadened the program’s scope. This bill allows for up to 15 licensed dispensing organizations and introduces new qualifying conditions for patients, including chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, and others. Additionally, the bill permits the use of various delivery methods, such as inhalers, vaporizers, and nebulizers, to enhance patient access and convenience.
The expansion is expected to reduce travel times for patients and make it easier for them to access the medicine they need. Licensed Texas dispensaries will continue to be located in major population centers, but the addition of new licenses and satellite facilities will help extend access statewide. This development marks a significant step forward in Texas’s medical cannabis landscape, aiming to provide broader and more equitable access to patients across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP)?
The Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) is a state initiative that allows qualified patients to access medical-grade, low-THC cannabis products for therapeutic use. Established in 2015, the program has undergone several expansions to increase patient access and treatment options.
How many companies have been approved to participate in TCUP?
As of December 3, 2025, nine companies have been conditionally approved to join the Texas Compassionate Use Program, bringing the total number of licensed providers to 12. This expansion aims to improve patient access to medical cannabis treatments across the state.
What new qualifying conditions are included in the expanded program?
The expansion under House Bill 46 includes new qualifying conditions such as chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, and others. This broadens the scope of patients eligible for medical cannabis treatments in Texas.
What delivery methods are now permitted for medical cannabis in Texas?
The expanded program allows for various delivery methods, including inhalers, vaporizers, and nebulizers, in addition to existing options like edibles, tinctures, and topicals. This aims to provide patients with more convenient and effective treatment options.
When will the new dispensaries begin operations?
The newly approved companies must undergo further evaluations before final licenses are issued. Once licensed, they will have 24 months to become operational, aiming to enhance patient access to medical cannabis treatments across Texas.
Key Features of the Texas Medical Cannabis Program Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Licensed Providers | Increased from 3 to 12, with potential for further expansion. |
| New Qualifying Conditions | Includes chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, and others. |
| Permitted Delivery Methods | Inhalers, vaporizers, nebulizers, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. |
| Operational Timeline | New dispensaries have 24 months to become operational after final licensing. |
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