In spring of 2021, the Texas House passed House Bill 1535 to raise the cap on THC level in medicinal products from 0.5 percent to 5 percent, and expand the eligible conditions to include chronic pain and PTSD for the first time. But the measure was narrowed significantly in the Senate and chronic pain was removed and the new THC limit was lowered to 1 percent.
Veterans, advocates, and doctors say the 1 percent cap on THC is far lower than many who suffer from pain, PTSD, and other ailments actually need. Even the 5 percent allowed in the original House bill is a fraction of what some users say they would need to fully treat symptoms.
Treating Chronic Pain with Cannabis. The Science.
The endocannabinoid system modulates pain through the activation of cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout your body and help determine how cannabinoids affect you. Activation of CB1 receptors influences pain perception and inflammation. It also has central nervous system effects on behavior, memory, and appetite. CB2 receptors play a role in slowing down inflammatory processes and modulating chronic pain.
A growing body of clinical research and a history of anecdotal evidence support the use of cannabis for the relief of some types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
Can Cannabis Replace Prescription Pain Medicine?
Medical cannabis is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pain-relieving medications, including opioids. Cannabis may ease certain types of chronic pain, including pain resulting from nerve damage and inflammation.
Abuse of prescription pain medications has reached an all time high. Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. Between 8 and 12 percent of people using an opioid for chronic pain develop an opioid use disorder. This issue has become a public health crisis with devastating consequences including increases in opioid misuse and related overdoses.
In a survey of medical cannabis patients in California who used cannabis as a substitute/in conjunction with opioid-based pain medication, 80% found that cannabis was more effective than opioids for pain, and 92% that the side effects of cannabis were more tolerable than opioids.
For more information about how Medical Marijuana can help you on your journey to a pain free life, call, text or email us!
Frequently Asked Questions — Chronic Pain & Medical Marijuana in Texas
Yes. As of September 1, 2025, chronic pain is a qualifying condition under the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) thanks to House Bill 46 (HB 46). Patients must have been under treatment for chronic pain for at least 90 days to qualify. A TCUP-registered physician at Texas Cannabis Clinic can evaluate and certify you via telemedicine — no in-person visit required.
Under HB 46, chronic pain is defined as continuous or intermittent pain lasting more than 90 days. This includes conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, and pain associated with other qualifying conditions such as cancer, MS, or neuropathy. Your physician will review your full medical history to confirm eligibility.
Chronic pain became an official qualifying condition for the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) on September 1, 2025, when House Bill 46 (HB 46) went into effect. Prior to this date, chronic pain was not a stand-alone qualifying condition — though patients with related conditions like neuropathy or muscle spasticity could still qualify.
The process is 100% online through Texas Cannabis Clinic. Book a telemedicine video appointment with a TCUP-registered physician, complete your evaluation from home, and if approved, your prescription is registered in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). Your digital certification card and letter are available through your patient portal within 5–7 days. No in-person clinic visit is ever required. View our pricing here.
Possibly. Under HB 46, chronic pain is now a qualifying condition, which can include fibromyalgia and persistent back pain if you have been under treatment for at least 90 days. Fibromyalgia was also previously certifiable under muscle spasticity. A Texas Cannabis Clinic physician can review your specific diagnosis and medical history to confirm whether you qualify. Check if your condition qualifies here.
Many patients and physicians choose medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids due to its different risk profile. Long-term opioid use is associated with physical dependence, addiction risk, and serious side effects. Medical cannabis contains cannabinoids CBD and THC that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain and inflammation. Most TCUP patients with chronic pain report reduced symptoms when treating their underlying condition with medical cannabis.
Texas TCUP dispensaries offer tinctures, gummies, capsules, lozenges, patches, lotions, sprays, and as of September 1, 2025, vape cartridges and inhalers. Dry flower (smokable cannabis) is not permitted under Texas law. Your physician will recommend a product type and dose based on your specific condition and body weight.
Texas Cannabis Clinic consultations start at $149 with no hidden fees and no recurring membership costs. Patients pay by credit card, debit card, or FSA card. Insurance is not accepted. View our full pricing here.
Yes. As of September 1, 2025, patients diagnosed with migraines may be certified under either palliative care or chronic pain under HB 46. A Texas Cannabis Clinic physician can evaluate your specific migraine history and treatment plan to confirm eligibility.
Once certified through TCUP, your prescription is registered in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) and can be filled at any licensed Texas dispensary. Texas Original operates locations across the state. Your Texas Cannabis Clinic physician handles the certification — the dispensary handles the product.
