Texas Medical Cannabis Update — HB 46 Passes Legislature

Exciting news for Texas patients: House Bill 46 (HB 46) has passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature and is now headed to Governor Abbott’s desk. If signed into law, it will mark the most significant expansion of the state’s Compassionate Use Program to date.

What’s in the Bill?

More Conditions Covered

Patients with the following conditions will become eligible for medical cannabis:

• Chronic pain
• Traumatic brain injury
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Terminal illnesses
• Plus, authority granted to expand the list in the future

No More Opioid Prerequisite

Earlier proposals required patients to first try opioids for 90 days. That requirement is now gone. Chronic pain patients must simply have been under treatment for at least 90 days.

Dispensary Access Grows

The number of licensed dispensaries will increase from 3 to 15, ensuring at least one in each Texas public health region.

New Product Options

Cannabis products may now be offered in new forms, including:

• Patches
• Lotions
• Vaping devices
• Suppositories
• Inhaled aerosols (if medically necessary)

Larger Prescriptions, Clear Limits

• Physicians can prescribe up to a 90-day supply of low-THC cannabis.
• Each unit dose is capped at 10 milligrams of THC to maintain safety and consistency.

When Does It Take Effect?

If signed, HB 46 will go into effect September 1, 2025. Regulatory agencies must finalize rules by October 1, 2025.

What This Means for You

This expansion opens the door to more treatment options for Texans and provides a safer, regulated alternative to unlicensed THC products.

Stay tuned for updates as we await the governor’s decision.