Medical marijuana access is expanding in Texas. How to qualify, get prescription
If you’re living with chronic pain or a serious medical condition in Texas, medical marijuana might be an option worth exploring.
The state recently expanded its medical cannabis program to include more qualifying conditions, opening the door for many more Texans to access treatment.
But getting a prescription here isn’t as simple as just asking your doctor. Texas law limits who can prescribe medical marijuana and how it’s dispensed.
Plus, the state only allows low-THC cannabis products, so it’s not the same as recreational marijuana elsewhere.
Here’s what to know about how to get medical marijuana in Texas.
What is medical marijuana in Texas?
In Texas, medical marijuana means low-THC cannabis products that are allowed for certain health conditions.
These products come from the cannabis plant but have very little THC — less than 0.5 percent — so they don’t get you “high” like recreational marijuana.
Instead of smoking, you’ll find options like patches, lotions, suppositories, inhalers, and even vaping devices approved for use.
Smoking marijuana is still illegal in Texas, so the state focuses on safer delivery methods for patients who need relief.
Who qualifies for medical marijuana in Texas?
Texas allows medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with specific qualifying conditions, as determined by a Compassionate Use Program-registered physician.
The list of qualifying conditions has included:
- Epilepsy
- Seizure disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spasticity
- ALS
- Autism
- Terminal cancer
- Incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
However, starting September 1, 2025, the list will expand significantly.
New qualifying conditions will include:
- Chronic pain
- Traumati brain injury (TBI)
- Chron’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases
- Patients who are receiving palliative care or hospice care at the end of life
This change follows legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, aiming to broaden access for Texans who could benefit from medical cannabis treatment.
There’s no age limit for prescriptions, but patients under 18 must have a legal guardian involved.
How do I get a medical marijuana prescription in Texas?
You cannot simply ask your regular doctor for medical marijuana. Only physicians registered with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) are authorized to prescribe low-THC cannabis.
These doctors have special training and evaluate whether the potential benefits outweigh risks for each patient. If approved, the physician enters the prescription into CURT, a secure state database.
Texas does not issue physical medical marijuana cards. Instead, licensed dispensaries access CURT to verify prescriptions before dispensing products.
The general steps to getting a prescription include:
- Finding a qualified, registered physician. Some clinics specialize in medical cannabis evaluations.
- Scheduling and completing an evaluation, which may be in person or online.
- Having the physician assess your medical history and symptoms.
- Receiving approval and having your prescription entered into CURT.
- Visiting a licensed dispensary with your ID and personal info to pick up your medicine.
Where can I get medical marijuana in Texas?
After your prescription is in the CURT system, you can fill it at any licensed Texas dispensary.
Recent legislation will increase the number of dispensaries by allowing satellite locations, making access easier in more communities.
What else should I know before applying?
Medical marijuana isn’t covered by insurance in Texas, so you’ll need to budget for it yourself.
Another thing to keep in mind is that having a medical marijuana prescription might affect your rights under federal law, like gun ownership, so it’s smart to talk that through with your doctor before you commit.
This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM.