Austin, Texas, December 9, 2025
The Texas medical marijuana industry is thriving as House Bill 46 takes effect, expanding the Compassionate Use Program with broader patient access and new product options. Key provisions include increased qualifying conditions, higher THC limits, and new product formats, ultimately boosting competition and accessibility in the state’s medical cannabis market.
Texas Medical Marijuana Industry Sees Growth as Expansion Bill Takes Effect
Austin, Texas – The Texas medical marijuana industry is experiencing significant growth following the implementation of House Bill 46 (HB 46), which took effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation has expanded the state’s Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), broadening patient access and introducing new product options.
Key Provisions of HB 46
HB 46 introduces several notable changes to the TCUP:
- Expanded Qualifying Conditions: Patients with chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease, and those receiving hospice or palliative care are now eligible for medical cannabis treatment.
- Increased THC Limits: The law raises the per-dose THC limit to 10 milligrams, with a maximum of 1 gram per package, allowing for more effective treatment options.
- New Product Formats: Approved delivery methods now include patches, lotions, suppositories, inhalers, nebulizers, and vaping devices, providing patients with a wider range of options.
- Prescription Flexibility: Physicians can now prescribe medical cannabis for up to one year, with up to four 90-day refills, enhancing continuity of care.
- Expanded Dispensary Network: The Department of Public Safety is authorized to issue 12 new dispensary licenses by December 2025, increasing the total number of licensed providers to 15.
Industry Impact and Growth
The expansion has led to increased competition and innovation within the Texas medical cannabis market. Major operators have been granted licenses to establish dispensaries across the state. This aims to improve patient access to medical cannabis products and reflects a broader trend of increased acceptance and accessibility for medical cannabis nationwide.
The growth of the Texas medical marijuana industry is also mirrored in the stock performance of key cannabis companies. Companies such as Canopy Growth Corporation and Tilray Brands Inc. are navigating a volatile market but remain key players in the national landscape.
Background Context
Prior to HB 46, the TCUP was limited to patients with specific qualifying conditions and restricted to low-THC cannabis products. The expansion under HB 46 marks a significant shift in Texas’s approach to medical cannabis, aligning with a broader national trend toward increased access and acceptance. This reform is expected to spur job creation and foster entrepreneurial opportunities in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What conditions are now eligible for medical cannabis treatment in Texas?
Patients with chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease, and those receiving hospice or palliative care are now eligible for medical cannabis treatment under HB 46.
What new product formats are available to patients?
Patients now have access to medical cannabis in the form of patches, lotions, suppositories, inhalers, nebulizers, and vaping devices, in addition to previously approved products.
How has the dispensary network changed in Texas?
The Department of Public Safety is authorized to issue 12 new dispensary licenses by December 2025, increasing the total number of licensed providers to 15, thereby improving patient access across the state.
What is the current stock performance of major cannabis companies?
As of December 9, 2025, major cannabis companies are trading as follows:
- Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC): $1.09, down 5.22%
- Tilray Brands Inc. (TLRY): $7.20, down 1.84%
- Cronos Group Inc. (CRON): $2.47, down 0.60%
- Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB): $4.47, down 2.72%
What was the previous state of the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
Before HB 46, the TCUP was limited to patients with specific qualifying conditions and restricted to low-THC cannabis products, offering fewer treatment options.
Key Features of Texas Medical Marijuana Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expanded Qualifying Conditions | Chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease, and patients receiving hospice or palliative care are now eligible. |
| Increased THC Limits | Per-dose THC limit raised to 10 milligrams, with a maximum of 1 gram per package. |
| New Product Formats | Introduction of patches, lotions, suppositories, inhalers, nebulizers, and vaping devices. |
| Prescription Flexibility | Prescriptions valid for up to one year, with up to four 90-day refills. |
| Expanded Dispensary Network | Authorization for 12 new dispensary licenses by December 2025, increasing total to 15. |
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