Austin, Texas, December 3, 2025
The Texas Department of Public Safety has granted conditional licenses to nine companies, enhancing the Texas Compassionate Use Program to improve patient access to medical cannabis. This decision reflects the state’s commitment to reducing barriers for patients in need of medicinal alternatives and promoting local business growth. As the program evolves, the aim is to provide diverse product options and better access for patients, with plans to further expand the number of licensed dispensaries by 2026.
Austin, Texas – Nine Companies Granted Conditional Licenses to Expand Medical Cannabis Program
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has granted conditional licenses to nine companies, marking a significant expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). This initiative aims to enhance patient access to medical cannabis across the state and highlights the growing landscape for entrepreneurship in this evolving market.
The recent decision by the DPS reflects a commitment to reduce red tape and improve access for patients in need of medical cannabis products. As Texas continues to pave the way for economic growth through innovations in health care and agriculture, this move allows local businesses to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for medicinal alternatives.
Conditional Licenses Awarded
The following organizations have been conditionally awarded TCUP licenses, pending further due diligence evaluations:
- Verano Texas, LLC – Public Health Region 10
- Trulieve TX, Inc. – Public Health Region 1
- Texas Patient Access, LLC – Public Health Region 3
- Lonestar Compassionate Care Group, LLC – Public Health Region 3
- Lone Star Bioscience, Inc. – Public Health Region 8
- PC TX OPCO LLC dba PharmaCann – Public Health Region 6
- Texa OP, dba TexaRx – Public Health Region 11
- Story of Texas, LLC – Public Health Region 6
- Dilatso, LLC – Public Health Region 2
These conditional licenses do not authorize the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of cannabis products until final approval is granted by the department. The due diligence process will assess factors such as disciplinary actions, financial suitability, litigation history, and other relevant information. The DPS has stated that it will not invoice any dispensing organization licensing fees until these evaluations are completed and passed. The announcement of these nine businesses does not guarantee that they will be issued final TCUP licenses to operate as dispensing organizations.
Expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program
This expansion is part of a broader effort to increase patient access to medical cannabis in Texas. The TCUP, established in 2015, has been gradually expanding to include more qualifying conditions and providers. The addition of these nine companies brings the total number of licensed dispensaries to 12, with plans to add three more by April 2026. This expansion aims to provide patients with more choices, new formulations, consistent dosing, and better delivery methods to meet their medical needs.
Background on the Texas Compassionate Use Program
The Texas Compassionate Use Program was first approved in 2015, allowing patients with qualifying medical conditions to access cannabis-based products containing no more than 1% THC by weight. The program has been expanding over the years to include more qualifying conditions and providers, aiming to improve patient access to medical cannabis in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are conditional licenses in the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
Conditional licenses are provisional approvals granted to businesses, allowing them to proceed with further evaluations before receiving final authorization to operate within the program. These evaluations assess factors such as disciplinary actions, financial suitability, litigation history, and other relevant information. Conditional licenses do not permit the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of cannabis products until final approval is granted by the department.
How many new dispensaries will be added to the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
The addition of these nine companies brings the total number of licensed dispensaries to 12, with plans to add three more by April 2026. This expansion aims to provide patients with more choices, new formulations, consistent dosing, and better delivery methods to meet their medical needs.
What is the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
The Texas Compassionate Use Program was first approved in 2015, allowing patients with qualifying medical conditions to access cannabis-based products containing no more than 1% THC by weight. The program has been expanding over the years to include more qualifying conditions and providers, aiming to improve patient access to medical cannabis in the state.
Key Features of the Texas Compassionate Use Program Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Conditional Licenses | Provisional approvals granted to nine companies, subject to further due diligence evaluations. |
| Expansion Plans | Increase the total number of licensed dispensaries to 12, with plans to add three more by April 2026. |
| Program Background | Established in 2015, the program allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to access cannabis-based products containing no more than 1% THC by weight. |
The expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program signifies a leap forward in patient access and highlights the potential for local businesses to thrive in this growing market. As they advance through the regulatory process, it will be vital for Austin residents to stay informed and engaged with these developments. Supporting local businesses in pioneering this important healthcare initiative underscores the spirit of entrepreneurship that defines the Texas landscape.
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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