Texas’ medical cannabis landscape took a big step forward this September. A new state law modernized the Compassionate Use Program, widened patient access, and set the stage for more dispensaries and pickup locations across the state. For Texans, that means clearer rules, more qualifying conditions, and (soon) more places to fill prescriptions. For patients and physicians, it means a simpler, more functional system that’s finally catching up to demand.
The Big Picture: September’s Expansion
On September 1, House Bill 46 took effect. The law directs the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to issue up to 15 dispensary licenses (from just a handful previously) and authorizes approved satellite storage locations, ensuring patients across all Texas public health regions have practical access. It also replaces the old percent-THC limit with a clearer dosage-based approach and adds new qualifying conditions, making the program far more usable statewide.
At the same time, lawmakers left the fast-growing hemp market largely intact after a special session ended without a broad ban on hemp-derived THC products. Separately, late September brought an age-21 emergency rule for retail hemp products. Together, those moves leave medical cannabis expanding under HB 46 while hemp products face tighter youth protections.
What Exactly Changed Under HB 46?
More licenses and better distribution. DPS is instructed to issue 15 dispensing organization licenses, selected competitively, with a requirement to ensure access in each public health region. Dispensaries can also operate satellite storage locations (including conversions of prior pickup sites), which should shorten wait times and reduce travel for rural patients.
A clear THC dosing rule. Texas moved from a 1%-by-weight cap to 10 mg THC per dosage unit (with package-size rules), aligning patient experience to the dose they actually take rather than product weight percentage. That change supports more standardized products (think capsules, patches, measured liquids) and more precise physician guidance.
Pulmonary inhalation is now allowed (non-smoked). Physicians may prescribe aerosolized or vaporized administration when medically necessary, subject to device rules from the Health and Human Services Commission. In practice, that can mean faster onset options once devices are green-lit by regulators. Smoking remains prohibited; this carve-out is for medical devices only.
More qualifying conditions. Texas added several highly requested categories, including chronic pain (without requiring an opioid prescription first), traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease/IBD, and hospice/terminal illness, alongside previously eligible conditions like epilepsy, PTSD, cancer, spasticity, ALS, autism, and incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
Why September Matters for Patients
Broader eligibility + better formats = more practical care. The new condition list opens doors for thousands of Texans who were previously on the margins. The dose-based cap and (pending) medical inhalation devices give physicians more tools to match symptom patterns—nighttime pain vs. daytime function, breakthrough episodes, appetite support, and more. For many, the combination is the difference between “technically allowed” and actually useful.
Access is poised to improve. With more licenses and satellite storage, DPS is positioning supply closer to where patients live. News coverage anticipates initial license waves, with timelines from selection to opening ranging from months to a year depending on operations approvals. If you live outside the major metros, this is the first credible path to consistent, local access Texas has offered.
The Hemp Backdrop in September
Texas leaders spent the summer wrestling with hemp-derived THC. In early September, lawmakers left a proposed blanket ban on the cutting-room floor, preserving most products for adults—for now. Weeks later, state agencies moved quickly to bar sales to people under 21, tightening ID checks and aligning retail practices closer to alcohol/tobacco norms. Expect more rulemaking and enforcement clarity through the fall.
What This Means If You’re a Physician
If you’re advising Texas patients, September’s reforms bring:
- Cleaner dosing guidance (10 mg per dosage unit) for risk/benefit discussions and tapering plans.
- New non-smoked administration options (once device rules finalize), helpful where rapid onset matters.
- A wider clinical canvas via expanded conditions, plus clearer confidentiality provisions for the registry.
- Distribution improvements across public health regions to reduce friction for your patients.
How TXCannabis.com Makes This Simple
Statewide access to medical evaluations. We connect Texans with Texas-licensed physicians for compassionate, compliant evaluations—via telehealth or in-person where available. If you qualify, your prescription is entered into the state system so you can fill with a licensed Texas dispensary—no physical “card” required.
Clear, step-by-step guidance. You’ll know exactly how to order, what to expect with dose-based products, and what will change for you under HB 46. If inhalation devices become available in your area, we’ll help you understand when and how they might fit your plan.
Renewals and support. We stick with you—adjusting timing, formats, and dose to your goals. If life changes (shift work, rehab schedule, new medications), we’ll help recalibrate.
Who We Serve (Everywhere in Texas)
From Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio to the Hill Country, Gulf Coast, Panhandle, East/West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley—if you live in Texas, we can evaluate you. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision with a physician who understands the updated law, your symptoms, and your day-to-day realities.
Getting Started (It’s Quick)
- Book an appointment at TXCannabis.com.
- Meet your Texas-licensed physician by telehealth (or in person when available).
- If eligible, your prescription goes into the state registry; we guide you to place your order.
- Follow up with us to fine-tune your plan and handle renewals.
Bottom Line
September marked a genuine inflection point: more licenses, more conditions, clearer dosing, and a credible plan to put access within reach for every public health region in Texas. If you’ve been waiting for Texas to make medical cannabis practical—not just possible—this is that moment.
Ready to find out if you qualify? Book your medical marijuana card evaluation with TXCannabis.com today. We’ll make the process easy, respectful, and Texas-compliant—start to finish.
Disclaimer: TXCannabis.com provides access to evaluations by Texas-licensed physicians and educational resources. Eligibility and treatment decisions are made by your physician in accordance with Texas law and clinical judgment. Always follow your physician’s guidance.
