Medically Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Brimberry, MD • NPI #1578791976 • View Healthgrades Profile
Texas Medical Cannabis Update — HB 46 Passes Legislature
🌿 Exciting news for Texas patients: House Bill 46 (HB 46) has been signed into law, marking 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:
* Inhaled aerosols permitted if medically necessary.
Larger Prescriptions, Clear Limits
When Does It Take Effect?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HB 46?
House Bill 46 is a Texas law signed in 2025 that significantly expanded the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). It added chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and terminal illnesses as qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, and increased the number of licensed dispensaries from 3 to 15.
When does HB 46 take effect?
HB 46 went into effect September 1, 2025. Regulatory agencies were required to finalize rules by October 1, 2025.
Does chronic pain qualify for medical cannabis in Texas under HB 46?
Yes. Chronic pain is now a qualifying condition under TCUP as of September 1, 2025. Patients must have been under treatment for at least 90 days. The prior requirement to try opioids first has been removed.
How many dispensaries will be available in Texas after HB 46?
The number of licensed dispensaries will increase from 3 to 15, with at least one guaranteed in each Texas public health region.
What new product forms are available under HB 46?
HB 46 expanded available formats to include patches, lotions, vaping devices, suppositories, inhalers, nebulizers, and inhaled aerosols (if medically necessary).
Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?
Our board-certified physicians can evaluate you via telemedicine — from the comfort of your home — in just one appointment.
Questions? Text us: 512-892-7092
Texas Cannabis Clinic is a TCUP-registered telemedicine clinic based in Austin, Texas. Founded by board-certified physicians and veteran-owned, TCC helps patients across Texas qualify for medical cannabis under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. TCC is not a dispensary and does not sell cannabis products — we provide the physician certifications that open the door to legal medical cannabis in Texas.
