What Is the Texas Compassionate Use Program in 2026?
Critical Information: Texas operates one of America's most restrictive medical cannabis programs. The Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) permits only low-THC cannabis-products containing no more than 1% THC by weight (increased from 0.5% in 2021). This is fundamentally different from full-strength medical marijuana programs in other states.
The Lone Star State has incrementally expanded its program since the original 2015 Compassionate Use Act, which initially covered only intractable epilepsy. Today, the program serves patients with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, autism, terminal cancer, PTSD, and several other qualifying conditions-though the 1% THC cap means available products are far less potent than those in neighboring states.
Before pursuing Texas registration, understand what the program offers and what it doesn't. If you need full-strength medical cannabis and have the ability to travel, programs in neighboring states like Oklahoma (which offers 30-day temporary licenses to out-of-state patients) may better serve your therapeutic needs.
Check Your Eligibility - $149.99
Why Is Texas Different from Other Medical Marijuana States?
The 1% THC Cap
Texas law limits Compassionate Use products to 1% THC maximum. To understand what this means:
Texas CUP Products: ≤1% THC Typical Medical Marijuana: 15-30% THC flower, unlimited concentrate potency Recreational Cannabis: Often 20-35% THC flower
Texas products are 15-35 times weaker than typical medical marijuana. This significantly limits therapeutic effectiveness for conditions requiring higher THC doses.
What This Means for Patients
Effective For:
- Patients who respond well to low-THC, high-CBD formulations
- Epilepsy patients (particularly pediatric) seeking CBD-dominant products
- Patients who want minor cannabinoid therapy without significant psychoactivity
- Those sensitive to THC who prefer gentler effects
- Patients supplementing other treatments with cannabinoid therapy
May Be Insufficient For:
- Chronic pain requiring significant THC for relief
- Severe PTSD symptoms needing stronger intervention
- Cancer patients with extreme nausea or appetite loss
- Conditions that typically require high-THC products
- Patients who have used cannabis before and know they need higher potency
Cost Considerations
Texas CUP products are expensive relative to their potency:
- Typical tincture (30mL): $100-200
- Capsules (30 count): $75-150
- Topicals: $50-100
Because products are low-potency, patients often need larger quantities to achieve therapeutic effects-compounding costs.
Compare: A single dispensary visit in Oklahoma (which offers temporary licenses to Texas residents) could provide more effective medicine at lower total cost for many conditions.
What Conditions Qualify for Texas Compassionate Use?
Texas has incrementally expanded its conditions list through legislative amendments. Current qualifying diagnoses:
Neurological Conditions
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: The original qualifying condition. Texas permits low-THC cannabis for all forms of epilepsy, not just intractable cases. This includes:
- Treatment-resistant epilepsy
- Dravet syndrome
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Other seizure disorders
Multiple Sclerosis: Added in 2019. MS patients qualify for low-THC products to help manage spasticity, pain, and other symptoms.
Spasticity: Severe, treatment-resistant muscle spasticity from any cause qualifies under Texas law.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Added in 2019 for patients exhibiting self-injurious or assaultive behaviors.
Alzheimer's Disease: Added to help manage agitation and other behavioral symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease: Progressive neurological disorder causing tremors and movement difficulties.
Huntington's Disease: Inherited neurodegenerative condition.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): Lou Gehrig's Disease qualifies for symptom management.
Cancer
Terminal Cancer: Patients diagnosed with terminal cancer qualify for low-THC products. The terminal diagnosis requirement means early-stage cancer patients may not qualify.
Incurable Neurodegenerative Diseases: Progressive conditions expected to worsen over time.
Mental Health
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Added in 2021. Requires PTSD diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional or physician. Combat veterans and trauma survivors may qualify.
Other Conditions
Seizure Disorders: Broader than epilepsy to include all seizure-causing conditions.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Brain degeneration from repeated head injuries.
How Do I Register for Texas Compassionate Use?
Texas operates differently from most states-there's no separate patient registration system. Physicians enter patients directly into the Compassionate Use Registry.
Step 1: Find a CUP-Registered Physician
Not all Texas physicians can prescribe low-THC cannabis. Physicians must:
- Hold valid Texas medical license
- Register with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT)
- Complete required training on low-THC cannabis therapy
Our Texas-licensed physicians are fully registered with CURT and can evaluate you via telehealth.
Step 2: Complete Your Evaluation (Telehealth Available)
Connect with a CUP-registered physician through our secure video platform:
- Present your Texas driver's license or state ID
- Review your medical history and documentation
- Discuss your qualifying condition and how it affects you
- Determine whether you meet Texas's qualifying criteria
- Learn about low-THC product options and what to expect
Step 3: Physician Enters Prescription
If you qualify, the physician enters your prescription directly into CURT. This includes:
- Your qualifying condition
- The specific low-THC products prescribed
- Dosing instructions and quantity limits
- Prescription duration (typically renewable)
Step 4: Access Licensed Dispensaries
Once registered in CURT, you can purchase from Texas's licensed dispensaries. Currently operating:
- Compassionate Cultivation (Austin, Houston)
- Texas Original (Austin area)
- Surterra Wellness (Houston, Austin, Dallas areas)
- Goodblend Texas (San Antonio, El Paso, Richardson, Lubbock)
- Fluent Texas (Denton, Austin, Schulenburg, Coppell)
Dispensaries verify your registration in CURT before completing purchases.
How Much Does Texas Compassionate Use Cost?
Registration Costs
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Physician Evaluation | $149.99 |
| State Registration Fee | $0 |
| Total | $149.99 |
Texas doesn't charge separate patient registration fees-physicians enter patients directly into CURT.
Ongoing Product Costs
Texas CUP products are expensive relative to their potency:
- Tinctures: $100-200 per bottle
- Capsules: $75-150 per bottle
- Vaporizer cartridges: $60-120 each
- Topicals: $50-100 per product
Because products are limited to 1% THC, patients often need larger quantities-compounding costs significantly.
Cost Comparison
For patients who can travel, Oklahoma's 30-day temporary license ($100) provides access to:
- Full-strength products (15-30%+ THC)
- Flower at $3-8/gram vs. no flower in Texas
- Concentrates at $15-40/gram
- Drastically more therapeutic value per dollar
Many Texas patients find that periodic Oklahoma trips provide more effective and affordable treatment than relying solely on Texas's limited program.
What Are Texas Cannabis Laws for CUP Patients?
What's Legal Under CUP
- Low-THC cannabis containing ≤1% THC
- Purchased only from licensed dispensaries
- For registered patients only
- Specific products as prescribed by physician
What Remains Illegal in Texas
- Any cannabis with >1% THC-possession is still a criminal offense
- Cannabis flower/plant material-not available through Texas dispensaries
- Home cultivation-felony offense regardless of medical status
- Out-of-state products-bringing cannabis from other states is trafficking
Possession Penalties (Non-CUP Cannabis)
Texas maintains harsh penalties for non-CUP cannabis:
| Amount | Offense Level | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| <2 oz | Class B Misdemeanor | 180 days jail, $2,000 fine |
| 2-4 oz | Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year jail, $4,000 fine |
| 4 oz - 5 lb | State Jail Felony | 2 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| 5-50 lb | 3rd Degree Felony | 10 years prison, $10,000 fine |
Concentrates (including vape cartridges with >1% THC) are classified as controlled substances:
| Amount | Offense Level | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| <1 gram | State Jail Felony | 2 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| 1-4 grams | 3rd Degree Felony | 10 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| >4 grams | 2nd Degree Felony | 20 years prison, $10,000 fine |
Warning: Texas prosecutes concentrate possession aggressively. A single vape cartridge purchased legally in another state becomes a felony the moment it crosses into Texas.
Employment Protections
Texas provides limited employment protections for CUP patients under Chapter 169 of the Occupations Code. However, these protections are narrower than most states:
- Employers cannot discriminate solely based on CUP registration
- But employers can maintain drug-free workplace policies
- Texas is an at-will employment state with broad employer discretion
- Safety-sensitive and federal positions are not protected
Driving
- DUI remains illegal regardless of CUP registration
- Per-se THC blood limits: 0 tolerance (any detectable amount)
- Medical status provides no immunity from prosecution
- Field sobriety testing and blood draws are standard
Where Can I Find Texas Compassionate Use Dispensaries?
Texas operates five licensed dispensing organizations with multiple locations:
Current Operators
Goodblend Texas (subsidiaryof Parallel)
- San Antonio
- El Paso
- Richardson (Dallas area)
- Lubbock
Compassionate Cultivation
- Austin
- Houston
Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation
- Austin area
- Expanding
Surterra Wellness
- Houston
- Austin
- Dallas area
Fluent Texas
- Denton
- Austin
- Schulenburg
- Coppell
Delivery Services
Most Texas dispensaries offer statewide delivery-essential given the limited physical locations. Delivery charges typically range from $0-25 depending on distance and order size.
Product Selection
Texas dispensaries carry limited product formats due to the low-THC restriction:
- Tinctures: CBD-dominant and balanced CBD:THC formulas
- Capsules: Various CBD:THC ratios
- Vaporizer cartridges: Low-THC formulations
- Topicals: Creams, balms, lotions
- Lozenges/Gummies: Oral dose forms
Not Available in Texas:
- Cannabis flower (plant material)
- Concentrates above 1% THC
- High-THC products of any format
- Full-strength edibles
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Compassionate Use
Is Texas medical marijuana the same as other states?
No. Texas limits products to 1% THC-far weaker than the 15-30%+ THC products available elsewhere. Texas products are "low-THC cannabis," not traditional medical marijuana.
Can I get actual marijuana in Texas?
Not legally. Products exceeding 1% THC remain illegal in Texas regardless of medical status. Possession can result in felony charges.
Is the Texas program worth it?
Depends on your condition and needs:
- Worth considering: Epilepsy patients, those responding to CBD-dominant products, patients sensitive to THC, those supplementing other treatments
- May be insufficient: Chronic pain, severe PTSD, cancer with significant symptoms, conditions requiring higher THC doses
Can Texas residents get Oklahoma cards?
Yes. Oklahoma offers 30-day temporary licenses ($100) to anyone holding a valid medical card from another state. Many Texas patients use this option for access to full-strength products.
Will Texas expand to full medical marijuana?
Unknown. Texas has incrementally expanded CUP over the years, but full medical marijuana or recreational legalization faces significant political obstacles. The 1% THC cap remains in place with no immediate legislative movement to change it.
Can I grow cannabis at home in Texas?
No. Home cultivation remains a felony in Texas regardless of medical status.
Is the Texas Compassionate Use Program Right for Me?
Texas's Compassionate Use Program provides legal access to low-THC cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions. For some-particularly epilepsy patients and those who respond well to CBD-dominant formulations-this access is valuable.
However, patients requiring higher-THC products for effective symptom management face a difficult reality: Texas law doesn't permit the products they need. These patients may want to explore:
- Oklahoma temporary licenses ($100, 30 days)
- Relocation to states with full medical programs
- Advocacy for Texas program expansion
Our commitment: We provide honest guidance about what Texas offers and what it doesn't. If Texas CUP products may help your condition, we can connect you with registered physicians for evaluation. If you need full-strength medical cannabis, we can discuss alternatives.
Check Your Eligibility for Texas CUP
Questions? Call 1-888-MMJ-8178 or chat with patient support.
Content verified as of December 14, 2025 Sources: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 487, Texas Occupations Code Chapter 169, Texas Department of Public Safety Compassionate Use Program guidelines