Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation expanding the state’s limited medical marijuana program, broadening access for patients and increasing the number of licensed dispensaries.
House Bill 46, approved with strong bipartisan support, adds several new qualifying conditions to the state’s compassionate use program, including chronic pain, terminal illness, and traumatic brain injury. Until now, Texas law has only allowed medical marijuana use for a narrow list of conditions such as epilepsy and certain cancers.
The new law also raises the cap on the number of dispensaries allowed to operate in Texas. Under previous rules, just three were permitted statewide. That number will now increase to 15, a move supporters say is necessary to meet rising patient demand.
In addition to expanding access, the legislation also allows for new methods of marijuana consumption, such as patches and inhalers—offering alternatives to the existing tincture-only model.
The changes are set to take effect on September 1, marking one of the most substantial overhauls to Texas’ medical marijuana system since its inception. Governor Abbott’s decision comes a day prior to the June 22 deadline to act on the bill. Had he taken no action, the measure would have become law automatically.
A separate bill banning most hemp-derived THC products still awaits his final decision.
