MMJ.com

Become a Medical Cannabis Provider in texas

Everything you need to know about certifying patients for medical marijuana under texas state law.

For Physicians: How to Become a CURT-Registered Prescriber in Texas

Are you a Texas-licensed physician interested in prescribing low-THC cannabis through the Compassionate Use Program? The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers physician registration through the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).

Eligibility Requirements

Licensure Requirements:

To prescribe low-THC cannabis in Texas, you must meet the qualification standard in Texas Occupations Code Section 169.002:

  • Hold an active license to practice medicine in Texas issued by the Texas Medical Board, as an MD (Medical Doctor) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
  • Be board certified in a medical specialty relevant to the treatment of the patient's particular medical condition, by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists
  • Dedicate a significant portion of your clinical practice to the evaluation and treatment of that condition

Important: Texas currently limits prescribing authority to MDs and DOs. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other providers cannot prescribe low-THC cannabis.

CURT Registration Process

Step 1: Access the CURT Portal

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety's CURT registration portal through their website.

Step 2: Create Your Physician Account

Register with your:

  • Texas medical license number
  • National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Practice location information
  • Contact information

Step 3: Document Your Qualification

Texas does not require a state-mandated training course for CURT registration; qualification rests on the standard in Texas Occupations Code Chapter 169. Be prepared to identify:

  • Your board certification in a specialty relevant to the conditions you will treat
  • The qualifying conditions you evaluate and treat as a significant portion of your practice
  • Your practice information for the registry

Step 4: Agree to Program Terms

Acknowledge your understanding of:

  • Scope of the Compassionate Use Program
  • Prescribing limitations (10 mg THC per dosage unit and 1 gram of total THC per package under HB 46)
  • Patient eligibility requirements
  • Documentation and compliance requirements

Step 5: Registration Approval

DPS reviews applications and approves qualified physicians. Once approved, you can begin entering prescriptions in CURT.

Prescribing Low-THC Cannabis in Texas

Once registered with CURT, you can prescribe low-THC cannabis:

Prescription Requirements:

  1. Establish Physician-Patient Relationship: Conduct a thorough evaluation (in-person or telehealth)
  2. Confirm Qualifying Condition: Verify the patient has a qualifying condition
  3. Determine Treatment Appropriateness: Conclude that low-THC cannabis is appropriate treatment
  4. Document in Medical Record: Maintain comprehensive documentation
  5. Enter Prescription in CURT: Include:
    • Patient information
    • Qualifying condition
    • Product recommendations (optional)
    • Prescription duration
    • Refill information

Texas Prescribing Features:

  • Telehealth Permitted: Evaluations can be conducted via secure video
  • Prescription Duration: Each prescription may cover up to a 90-day supply, with up to four refills (HB 46, effective September 1, 2025)
  • Low-THC Products Only: Products are capped at 10 mg of THC per dosage unit and 1 gram of total THC per package
  • Dispensing Limits: Patients purchase from licensed dispensing organizations

Physician Documentation Requirements:

For each prescription, maintain records documenting:

  • Diagnosis of qualifying condition
  • Rationale for low-THC cannabis treatment
  • Other treatments attempted (if applicable)
  • Patient evaluation findings
  • Prescription details entered in CURT

Legal Protections for Texas CUP Physicians

Texas law provides protections for registered physicians:

  • Cannot be disciplined by the Texas Medical Board solely for prescribing low-THC cannabis to qualifying patients
  • Protected from criminal prosecution for good-faith prescriptions
  • May charge reasonable fees for evaluations

Important Restrictions:

Physicians are prohibited from:

  • Prescribing to patients without qualifying conditions
  • Prescribing products exceeding the HB 46 dosage caps (10 mg THC per dose, 1 gram per package)
  • Having a direct financial interest in a licensed dispensing organization
  • Prescribing to themselves or immediate family members

Resources for Texas Physicians

  • Texas Department of Public Safety - CURT: dps.texas.gov
  • Texas Medical Board: tmb.state.tx.us
  • Texas Osteopathic Medical Association: txosteo.org
  • Texas Medical Association: texmed.org
  • Texas Compassionate Use Act: Texas Occupations Code Chapter 169

Benefits of Becoming a CURT-Registered Physician

  • No Registration Fee: Free to register with CURT
  • Help Underserved Patients: Many Texans with qualifying conditions lack access to registered physicians
  • Telehealth Permitted: Evaluate patients remotely
  • Growing Program: Texas continues to expand qualifying conditions
  • Professional Fulfillment: Provide legal therapeutic option for patients with serious conditions