What Conditions Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Texas?

Recent changes in Texas medical marijuana laws mean that the qualifying criteria are growing. Still, access remains tightly regulated. Patients need a clear understanding of the current landscape. That includes knowing whether medicinal weed is legal in Texas, and if so, under what conditions.

This article explains the basics. We’ll clarify everything you need to know about Texas’ medical marijuana laws and walk through the qualifying conditions under the state’s Compassionate Use Program (CUP). 

Is Medicinal Weed Legal in Texas?

Yes, but with restrictions. Texas allows the use of low-THC cannabis for patients who qualify under the Compassionate Use Program (CUP). This law first went into effect in 2015 and has since expanded, but it still remains one of the most limited medical marijuana programs in the country.

Under Texas medical marijuana laws, patients can only use cannabis with a THC content of no more than 1%. That means traditional smokable marijuana is still prohibited. Instead, approved patients are typically prescribed oils, tinctures, or capsules that meet the state’s THC limits.

Unlike other states, patients in Texas do not receive a physical medical marijuana card. Instead, upon initial consultation, a registered physician must add the patient to the state’s Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). Licensed dispensaries can then verify the prescription and provide the medication.

Conditions Qualified for a Medical Marijuana Card

Under current Texas medical marijuana laws, a patient must be evaluated by a physician who is registered in the CUP. If approved, the physician will enter the prescription into the registry, allowing access to state-licensed dispensaries.

As of 2025, the following medical conditions qualify:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• An incurable neurodegenerative disease

• Autism

• Cancer

• Epilepsy

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Seizure disorder

• Spasticity

• A medical condition approved for a research program under Subchapter F, Chapter 487, Health and Safety Code, and for which the patient is receiving treatment under that program.

These conditions have been determined by the Texas Administrative Code as eligible for medical marijuana treatment.

This list continues to evolve as legislation changes. If you’re unsure what conditions qualify for a medical card in Texas, a registered physician can help determine your eligibility under Texas medical marijuana laws.

Qualifying for Medical Marijuana in Texas

Curious about what it takes to qualify for medical marijuana in Texas? The process is fairly straightforward, but it comes with a few specific requirements under Texas medical marijuana laws.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Texas

• Have a condition listed under the state’s approved medical marijuana conditions

• Receive a prescription from a physician registered with the Compassionate Use Program (CUP)

• Must be at least 18 years of age or have consent from a parent or legal guardian

It’s also important to note that out-of-state residents do not qualify for medical marijuana prescriptions in Texas. The program is strictly available to Texans under the state’s current laws.

Once a CUP-registered doctor confirms that you qualify, they’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and enter your details into the CURT. 

Unlike other states, Texas doesn’t issue a physical medical marijuana card. Instead, your prescription is stored in CURT, which dispensaries use to verify your eligibility. 

After that, you can pick up your medication from any licensed dispensary in the state, and legally possess it under Texas medical marijuana laws.

Do You Need a Prescription for All THC Products?

Not all THC products require a prescription. In Texas, only marijuana-derived products need a doctor’s approval. Items made from hemp, like CBD and Delta-8 TH,C can be purchased without a prescription.

Although marijuana and hemp both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, the state treats them differently. A 2019 Texas law officially separated the two, allowing the legal sale and use of industrial hemp and its by-products across the state.

As a result, low-THC hemp products such as CBD oils, Delta-8 gummies, creams, hemp rolls, and soft gels are widely available online and over the counter. No medical evaluation is required.

Texas Medical Marijuana Prescription Cost: What to Expect

There’s no fee to join the CURT, and the state doesn’t issue physical medical marijuana cards. Instead, once you’re approved, your information is entered into the registry by your doctor.

When it’s time to fill your prescription, all you need is a valid ID. Licensed dispensaries can quickly verify your prescription through CURT, making the process simple and secure under Texas medical marijuana laws.

What Documents Do You Need for a Texas Medical Marijuana Prescription?

To get started with medical cannabis in Texas, you’ll need to provide a few documents during your evaluation. These help confirm your eligibility and residency:

• Proof that you live in Texas (such as a valid driver’s license or utility bill)

• Medical records or documentation showing you’ve been diagnosed with a qualifying condition

• Any forms or paperwork your doctor may request during the intake process

Unlike in some states, there’s no physical application form to submit to the Department of Public Safety. Your doctor will handle the registration in the state’s Compassionate Use Registry once you’re approved.

Is Medicinal Weed Legal in Texas for Chronic Pain Patients?

One of the most frequent questions from Texans is: Is medicinal weed legal in Texas for chronic pain? Thanks to updates under House Bill 1805, the answer is yes, but under certain conditions.

Chronic pain was officially added to the list of qualifying conditions in 2023, expanding access to those who previously may not have qualified. That said, approval still requires a physician’s discretion. Doctors must determine that your pain is persistent, significantly affects your quality of life, and hasn’t responded well to traditional treatments.

The prescription must also follow all the requirements under Texas medical marijuana laws, including the low-THC limits and proper entry into the CURT. Just like with other conditions, there’s no medical marijuana card—only a verified entry in the system.

So if you’re living with long-term pain and wondering if medicinal weed is legal in Texas for your situation, it may be worth speaking with a CUP-registered physician. A professional evaluation is the only way to know for sure if you qualify.

Take the Next Step with Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors

While the state’s approach remains conservative, access has expanded in recent years, especially for patients with serious and chronic conditions.

Still, questions like what conditions qualify for a medical card in Texas aren't always easy to answer without guidance. That’s why working with a licensed provider who understands Texas medical marijuana laws is so important.

At Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors (TXMMD), we’re here to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible. Our team helps Texans understand their options, confirm eligibility, and connect with CUP-registered physicians.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Visit our website to see if you qualify, book a consultation, and take the first step toward safe, legal medical cannabis in Texas.