A New Chapter for Texas Patients: Breaking Down the 2025 Medical Marijuana Expansion

On September 1, 2025, Texas officially rolled out the largest expansion of its Compassionate Use Program (CUP) since the program launched in 2015. For patients and families who have been waiting for broader access to medical marijuana, this change is a milestone. The expansion adds new qualifying conditions, more treatment options, higher THC limits, and better dispensary access across the state.

Here’s a full look at what the expansion includes and how it impacts patients moving forward.

More Qualifying Conditions

One of the most important updates is the addition of several new conditions that allow patients to qualify. For many Texans, this means their medical conditions are finally recognized under the program.

New qualifying conditions now include:

• Chronic pain lasting longer than 90 days

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

• Terminal illnesses, including patients receiving hospice or palliative care

These join the conditions already covered by the CUP, such as epilepsy, a seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an incurable neurodegenerative disease. The inclusion of chronic pain and IBD in particular is expected to make thousands of new patients eligible.

New Options for Taking Medical Marijuana

Until now, patients could only access marijuana in forms like tinctures, gummies, or capsules. Pulmonary inhalation devices are now allowed if a CUP-registered physician determines that this method is appropriate and includes it in the patient’s prescription.

Patients may now use pulmonary inhalation devices, including:

• Nebulizers

• Inhalers

• Vaporizers

For patients who need fast relief, such as those experiencing flare-ups of pain or digestive conditions, these options can provide quicker results than oral products.

Updated THC Limits

Another big shift is the increase in THC allowances. Prescriptions can now contain up to 10 milligrams of THC per dose, and products may have up to 1 gram of THC per package

Previously, Texas maintained strict THC limits, which often left patients under-treated. By raising the limit, doctors can now better tailor prescriptions to meet patient needs while still keeping safety guardrails in place.

Easier Access to Dispensaries

Traveling long distances for medical marijuana has been a barrier for many Texans. The expansion addresses this by significantly broadening dispensary access.

• The state may now license up to 15 dispensing organizations

• Dispensaries are permitted to open satellite locations

This means patients across Texas, including those in rural areas, will have shorter travel times and more convenient access to the care they need.

Why the Expansion Matters

This expansion represents a major step forward for patients in Texas. By adding conditions like chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illnesses, the program now reaches thousands of people who were previously excluded. 

Doctors have more flexibility in recommending medical marijuana, thanks to increased THC limits and a wider range of delivery methods such as inhalers and vaporizers. Patients also benefit from expanded dispensary access, which means shorter travel times and greater convenience, especially in rural communities. Together, these updates make the Compassionate Use Program more practical, effective, and patient-centered than ever before.

How to Get Started

If you think you may now qualify under the updated Compassionate Use Program, here’s how to take the first step:

1. Schedule an appointment with a CUP-registered physician. We will start seeing patients very soon, so in the meantime, you can reserve an appointment with us today, and we will contact you as soon as we start seeing patients.

2. Meet with a state-registered physician, who will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if you qualify for medical marijuana. 

3. Your prescription will be entered into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).

4. Visit a licensed dispensary to pick up your medication.

In Texas, patients still receive a prescription through the Compassionate Use Program, which is entered into the state’s registry. Once prescribed, they can fill it at any licensed dispensary, as long as the dispensary verifies the prescription in the system.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 expansion of the Texas medical marijuana program is a turning point. With more conditions covered, higher THC limits, new treatment methods, and greater access to dispensaries, patients finally have a program that better meets their needs.

If you or a loved one may qualify, now is the time to learn more about your options and get connected with a physician who can help guide the process. Relief may be closer than you think.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Texas

Texas has had a medical marijuana program for several years, but it was one of the most restrictive in the country. As of September 1, 2025, that changed, with new rules expanding qualifying conditions, product options, and dispensary access. Texas patients now have more opportunities to find relief!

One of the first ways to benefit from this program is to be prepared to secure your marijuana prescription.

Reserve an evaluation online today with one of our qualified, compassionate doctors. Once we start seeing patients, you’ll meet with your doctor virtually using your smartphone or computer for a telemedicine appointment, who will evaluate your qualifying condition and provide you with a marijuana prescription. Together, you’ll discuss your qualifying condition and how you might benefit from medical marijuana, all without leaving your home.