Austin, Texas, January 24, 2026
The Texas medical marijuana industry is booming with new businesses, expanded patient enrollment, and product offerings following the recent passage of House Bill 46. The law added new qualifying conditions and increased licensed dispensaries, improving access for patients. As of late 2025, over 135,000 patients are enrolled in the Compassionate Use Program, reflecting heightened acceptance of medical cannabis in the state. However, challenges remain, including physician participation in the program.
Texas Medical Marijuana Industry Sees Rapid Expansion
Austin, Texas – The Texas medical marijuana industry is experiencing significant growth, marked by the addition of new businesses, expanded product offerings, and a surge in patient enrollment. This expansion follows the passage of House Bill 46 (HB 46) in June 2025, which broadened the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) to include new qualifying conditions and increased the number of licensed dispensaries.
Expansion of Qualifying Conditions and Product Offerings
HB 46 introduced several new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use, including chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, and terminal illness. The legislation also expanded approved product formats to include patches, lotions, suppositories, and inhalation devices such as vaporizers and inhalers. Additionally, the bill increased the THC limit per product dose and package, allowing for higher potency options.
Increase in Licensed Dispensaries
In December 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced the conditional approval of nine new medical marijuana dispensary licenses, bringing the total number of licensed dispensaries to 12. This expansion aims to improve access to medical cannabis for patients across the state.
Surge in Patient Enrollment
The expansion of TCUP has led to a significant increase in patient enrollment. By the end of 2025, approximately 135,470 patients were registered in the Compassionate Use Registry, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the program’s broader reach and the growing acceptance of medical marijuana in Texas.
Background on Texas Medical Marijuana Legislation
Texas legalized medical marijuana in 2015 with the establishment of TCUP, initially allowing only low-THC cannabis oil for patients with specific medical conditions. Over the years, the program has gradually expanded to include additional qualifying conditions and product formats. The passage of HB 46 in 2025 represents the most significant expansion to date, aiming to provide broader access to medical cannabis for Texans in need.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the program’s expansion, challenges remain, including the need for increased physician participation and public awareness. As of late 2025, only about 800 of the approximately 80,000 board-certified physicians in Texas were registered to prescribe medical cannabis, indicating a need for greater education and outreach to healthcare providers.
Conclusion
The Texas medical marijuana industry is undergoing rapid expansion, with new businesses entering the market, a broader range of products available to patients, and a significant increase in patient enrollment. These developments reflect a growing acceptance and demand for medical cannabis in the state, positioning Texas as a leader in medical marijuana access in the Southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 46 (HB 46)?
HB 46 is legislation passed in June 2025 that expanded the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) to include new qualifying conditions and increased the number of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Texas.
What new conditions qualify for medical marijuana use under HB 46?
HB 46 added chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, and terminal illness to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use in Texas.
How many new medical marijuana dispensaries have been approved in Texas?
In December 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced the conditional approval of nine new medical marijuana dispensary licenses, bringing the total number of licensed dispensaries to 12.
How many patients are enrolled in the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
By the end of 2025, approximately 135,470 patients were registered in the Compassionate Use Registry, marking a 32% increase from the previous year.
What challenges does the Texas medical marijuana industry face?
Challenges include the need for increased physician participation and public awareness. As of late 2025, only about 800 of the approximately 80,000 board-certified physicians in Texas were registered to prescribe medical cannabis.
Key Features of the Texas Medical Marijuana Industry Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legislation | House Bill 46 (HB 46) passed in June 2025, expanding TCUP. |
| New Qualifying Conditions | Chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease, and terminal illness added. |
| Product Formats | Patches, lotions, suppositories, and inhalation devices approved. |
| Dispensary Licenses | Nine new licenses approved, totaling 12 licensed dispensaries. |
| Patient Enrollment | Approximately 135,470 patients registered by end of 2025, a 32% increase. |
| Physician Participation | Only about 800 of 80,000 board-certified physicians registered to prescribe medical cannabis. |
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