While Texans await whether Gov. Greg Abbott will sign off on the revised version of legislation that could prohibit recreational THC use, another cannabis bill also awaits the governor’s John Hancock — a measure for medical cannabis.
House Bill 46, introduced by Rep. Ken King, expands Texas’ medical marijuana program by permitting patients to use cannabis patches, lotions, prescribed inhalers, and vaping devices.
According to the Texas Tribune, the House rejected a Senate amendment that sought to narrow the program’s scope by removing several proposed qualifying conditions, including chronic pain. After negotiations, both chambers reached an agreement to restore chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, and Crohn’s disease as qualifying conditions. They also eliminated a provision requiring chronic pain patients to try opioids for 90 days before being eligible for medical cannabis.
Here’s what to know about what could change with medical cannabis in Texas.
Is medical marijuana legal in Texas?
Kind of. Don’t think you’re about to be Willie Nelson, though.
In 2015, Texas passed the Compassionate-Use Act, which allowed the first legal use of low-THC cannabis products in the state for patients with intractable epilepsy. It was expanded in 2019 and 2021 to include other conditions.
Chapter 169 of the Texas Occupations Code states that patients suffering from the following conditions are allowed to use low-THC cannabis products:
What are the requirements for a Texan to get medical cannabis?
According to HB 46 §169.003, a physician can prescribe low-level THC cannabis if they comply with the following:
If Texas governor signs HB 46, what does it do?
Texas HB 46 expands the state’s Compassionate Use Program, allowing patients to access low-THC cannabis for medical purposes. Here are some key provisions of the bill:
When would HB 46 be official?
If the governor signs HB 46 into law, it will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025, with all required regulations finalized by Oct. 1, 2025. By Dec. 1, 2025, nine new businesses must receive licenses, followed by an additional three licenses issued by April 1, 2026.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Medical marijuana eligibility could soon expand in Texas. Here’s what’s included in HB 46
Reporting by Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
