Texas lawmakers are poised to broaden the state’s medical cannabis program, known as the Compassionate Use Program, allowing more residents access to treatment options. The Texas Senate approved House Bill 46 on May 27, 2025, which will permit individuals in hospice care and those suffering from chronic pain, as recognized by the Texas Medical Board, to qualify for medical cannabis. Senator Charles Perry highlighted that many potential patients are currently prescribed opioids for chronic pain, and this expansion aims to reduce the risk of addiction and overdose. Importantly, patients do not need to have previously taken narcotics to qualify for cannabis treatment.
The bill also proposes increasing the number of distribution licenses from three to twelve, enabling distributors to set up satellite locations for better product delivery. Supporters argue this will lower costs for consumers, as transportation expenses currently contribute significantly to the price of medical cannabis. Perry noted, “The new distribution centers will alleviate a lot of the cost because they’ll be able to store it in those locations and distribute it more effectively.”
Another key change involves the types of cannabis products permitted. The new legislation will allow the distribution of aerosol and vapor products, such as vape pens, which contrasts with the existing law that restricts products to those that are ingested.
Senator José Ménendez emphasized the importance of cannabis in managing pain, stating, “Every pain specialist says the best way to treat nerve pain is cannabis, THC.”
Additionally, the Texas legislature has moved forward with Senate Bill 3, which bans all cannabinoids in consumable hemp products except for CBD and CBG. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick remarked that these legislative changes are aimed at creating a robust compassionate use program while eliminating illegal market activities that harm the community.
House Bill 46 now awaits approval from the Texas House, where the Senate amendments must be ratified before it can be sent to Governor Greg Abbott for signing.
The Texas Compassionate Use Program was established in 2015, initially allowing doctors to prescribe low-THC cannabis for patients with epilepsy. Since then, the program has expanded to include a variety of qualifying conditions. Currently approved conditions include: – Epilepsy – Seizure disorder – Multiple sclerosis – Spasticity – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – Autism – Cancer – Incurable neurodegenerative diseases – Post-traumatic stress disorder – Any medical condition approved for a research program
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