San Antonio, Texas, January 22, 2026
The medical marijuana industry in San Antonio is seeing significant growth following the passage of House Bill 46, which expanded the Texas Compassionate Use Program. As of January 2026, the number of dispensaries has increased from three to twelve, with a substantial rise in patient enrollment, reaching approximately 135,470. The bill also introduced new qualifying conditions and treatment options, enhancing access to medical cannabis for patients in need.
San Antonio, Texas – Medical Marijuana Industry Experiences Rapid Growth
San Antonio, Texas – The medical marijuana industry in San Antonio is experiencing significant growth, with new dispensaries opening and an increasing number of patients enrolling in the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). This expansion follows the passage of House Bill 46 in September 2025, which broadened the program’s scope and accessibility.
Expansion of Dispensaries and Patient Enrollment
As of January 2026, nine new cannabis providers have been tentatively added to the TCUP, increasing the number of dispensaries from three to twelve. These new providers are expected to offer medical-grade, prescription-only THC treatments to qualified patients across various regions of Texas. The expansion aims to improve access to medical cannabis for patients in need.
Additionally, the number of patients enrolled in the TCUP has seen a substantial increase. By the end of 2025, approximately 135,470 patients were listed in the Compassionate Use Registry, marking a 32% rise from the previous year. This surge is attributed to the program’s expansion and the addition of new qualifying conditions.
Program Enhancements and New Qualifying Conditions
House Bill 46 introduced several key enhancements to the TCUP, including:
- Increased THC Limits: The THC limit was raised from 0.5% by weight to 10 milligrams per dosage unit, aligning product regulation with standard medical dosing practices.
- Expanded Qualifying Conditions: New conditions such as chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illness were added to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use.
- New Treatment Options: Physicians are now permitted to prescribe low-THC cannabis for use through medical devices designed for pulmonary inhalation, such as vaporizers or metered-dose inhalers, if deemed medically necessary.
- Improved Access: The law requires the Department of Public Safety to license at least twelve new dispensing organizations, allowing these entities to open satellite locations in each of the state’s public health regions, thereby enhancing geographic access to medical cannabis.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Medical marijuana operators in Texas are adapting to the program’s expansion by increasing their facilities and product offerings. For instance, Texas Original has moved from a 7,700-square-foot facility to a new 75,000-square-foot headquarters in Bastrop to cultivate more strains of marijuana and expand their product options. Similarly, Austin-based Goodblend has opened its first satellite location in San Antonio, allowing for same-day pick-up and plans to expand further into Texas to reach remote locations.
The expansion of the TCUP is expected to continue throughout 2026, with more dispensaries opening and additional patients enrolling in the program. This growth reflects a broader recognition of medical cannabis as a treatment option for various conditions and signifies a significant shift in Texas’ approach to medical marijuana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP)?
The Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) is a state-run program that allows qualified patients to access medical-grade, prescription-only THC treatments for specific medical conditions.
What are the new qualifying conditions added to TCUP under House Bill 46?
Under House Bill 46, new qualifying conditions include chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illness.
How many new dispensaries are expected to operate in Texas by April 2026?
By April 2026, the number of dispensaries is expected to increase from three to twelve, with nine new providers tentatively added to the program.
What changes have been made to THC limits in the TCUP?
The THC limit in the TCUP has been raised from 0.5% by weight to 10 milligrams per dosage unit, aligning product regulation with standard medical dosing practices.
How are medical marijuana operators in Texas responding to the program’s expansion?
Medical marijuana operators are expanding their facilities and product offerings. For example, Texas Original has moved to a larger facility in Bastrop, and Goodblend has opened a satellite location in San Antonio to offer same-day pick-up services.
Key Features of Texas’ Medical Marijuana Program Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Number of Dispensaries | The number of dispensaries is expected to increase from three to twelve by April 2026, with nine new providers tentatively added to the program. |
| Expanded Qualifying Conditions | New conditions such as chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illness have been added to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use. |
| Higher THC Limits | The THC limit in the TCUP has been raised from 0.5% by weight to 10 milligrams per dosage unit, aligning product regulation with standard medical dosing practices. |
| New Treatment Options | Physicians are now permitted to prescribe low-THC cannabis for use through medical devices designed for pulmonary inhalation, such as vaporizers or metered-dose inhalers, if deemed medically necessary. |
| Improved Access | The law requires the Department of Public Safety to license at least twelve new dispensing organizations, allowing these entities to open satellite locations in each of the state’s public health regions, thereby enhancing geographic access to medical cannabis. |
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