Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Limited — Compassionate Use Programme (CUP) | 2015 (HB 3703) | No | Licensed Dispensing Organisations (3 active) — extremely limited | USD 60-120/30ml oil | No |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2015 | HB 3703 passes — Compassionate Use Programme created; 0.5% THC cap initially |
| 2019 | Programme expanded to add more conditions; THC cap raised to 0.5% |
| 2021 | HB 1535 raises THC cap to 1%; PTSD and cancer added to qualifying conditions |
| 2022 | Dispensing Organisation (DO) licences expanded from 3 to 12 |
| 2024 | Programme remains extremely limited despite growing demand |
How to Access Cannabis in Texas
- Confirm your condition is on the Texas CUP qualifying conditions list (very specific)
- Register with a CUP physician (must be registered with DSHS) and receive a prescription
- Prescription entered into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT)
- Purchase from one of the licensed Dispensing Organisations (DOs) — some offer delivery
- Products limited to low-THC oils, tinctures, capsules and vaporisable products — no flower
Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- PTSD
- ALS
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spasticity
- Terminal cancer
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Incurable neurodegenerative disease
Licensed Dispensaries & Providers
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas DSHS CUP | hhs.texas.gov/cup | Dept. of State Health Services — CUP info and DO list |
| Compassionate Cultivation | compassionatecultivation.com | Austin-based Texas Dispensing Organisation |
| Surterra Texas | surterra.com | Licensed Texas Dispensing Organisation — statewide delivery |
| Knox Medical Texas | knoxmedical.com | Licensed Texas DO — low-THC products |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Low-THC oil (30ml, up to 1% THC) | USD 60-120 | No insurance coverage |
| Capsules (30-count) | USD 60-100 | No coverage |
| Prescription registration | Physician fee varies | Not covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in Texas?+
Very limited — Texas's Compassionate Use Programme (CUP) allows low-THC (max 1%) products for a specific list of conditions. Only a handful of licensed Dispensing Organisations serve the entire state.
What conditions qualify for Texas CUP?+
Texas has a specific qualifying conditions list: epilepsy, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, ALS, autism, terminal cancer, PTSD, Parkinson's disease and incurable neurodegenerative diseases. General chronic pain is not included.
How many dispensaries does Texas have?+
Texas originally issued 3 Dispensing Organisation licences; this was expanded to 12. However, due to the legal and operational complexity, only a small number serve patients statewide. Several offer delivery across Texas.
Is recreational cannabis legal in Texas?+
No — Texas maintains strict cannabis prohibition. Possession of 2oz or less is a Class B misdemeanour. Sale and possession of larger amounts carry significant criminal penalties.
Can I buy cannabis products in Texas dispensaries?+
Only registered CUP patients with a valid prescription for a qualifying condition may purchase. Products are limited to oils, tinctures, capsules and vaporisables — no flower is available.
Is Texas likely to expand its cannabis programme?+
Texas legalisation faces significant political resistance from the legislature. Some lawmakers support modest CUP expansion. Adult-use legalisation is not expected in the near term in Texas.