House Bill 46, which would significantly expand Texas’ medical cannabis program, was given approval by the full Texas House today. The vote was 118 to 16.
The measure, which mirrors Senate Bill 1505, would broaden access to low-THC cannabis for patients across the state. It was passed by the House through its second reading, with a third and final reading expected soon.
If enacted, HB 46 would allow licensed dispensaries to operate satellite storage facilities, raise the statewide cap on dispensing organization licenses from three to six, and require approved licensees to begin dispensing low-THC cannabis within 24 months. It would also expand the list of eligible medical conditions to include chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, traumatic brain injury and Crohn’s disease.
The bill also replaces the current 1% THC cap by weight with a 300-milligram limit per individual package, providing more flexibility for product formulations. Additionally, the measure prohibits local governments from banning the cultivation, production, storage, or dispensing of low-THC cannabis, ensuring consistent access across the state.
Texas’ Compassionate-Use Program, launched in 2015, originally served only patients with intractable epilepsy. It has since expanded to include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer, and PTSD. However, HB 46 seeks to further modernize one of the country’s most restrictive medical cannabis frameworks.
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