Texas formally adopts medical cannabis expansion!

Due to the tireless efforts by advocates and our allies on the ground, the 2025 legislative session saw the largest expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) in its history. National organizations, including the National Council of State Legislators and MPP, now recognize TCUP as a comprehensive medical cannabis program. 

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has formally adopted the TCUP expansion that HB46 accomplished. DSHS took into account public feedback (including MPP recommendations) on inhalation devices, and changed the final rule to include that a doctor may (rather than must) prescribe inhalation. Additionally, our suggestion to allow dispensing organizations to propose devices to DSHS was accepted.

DSHS also formalized the process to allow doctors to recommend adding conditions covered by TCUP. DSHS will then make recommendations to the legislature before it convenes in January 2027.

The additional nine medical cannabis licenses were conditionally awarded on December 1. The list of awardees includes both national operators and Texas companies. Here is a map of the corresponding public health districts. The last three licenses will be awarded in April 2026.

While still one of the most conservative programs in the nation, the stage is set to further expand TCUP in 2027. Before the next session, state elections will be held and we hope to see legislators who are more friendly to sensible cannabis policies elected!

If you live in Texas, please continue to engage with your elected officials. Participating in the primary process (March 2026) helps put candidates on the ballot who reflect your values. We will keep you informed as those primaries approach.