Senate Passage of Revised House Bill 46: Expanded Patient Access and New Licensing on the Horizon

Senate Passage of Revised House Bill 46: Expanded Patient Access and New Licensing on the Horizon

 

We are proud to share exciting progress in the movement for compassionate cannabis reform in Texas. Last night, the Texas Senate passed the revised version of House Bill 46, marking a historic step forward for patients, providers, and the entire medical cannabis community. The revised bill will now return to the House of Representatives for final approval before heading to Governor Abbott’s desk.

At Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors, we remain committed to advocating for safe, responsible, and accessible cannabis care. These latest amendments reflect thoughtful compromises and meaningful strides toward a more patient-centered program. Here’s what you need to know:

🔐 Strengthened Oversight and Transparency for TCUP License Holders

Under the new bill, any owners with more than a 10% stake in a TCUP (Texas Compassionate Use Program) license must submit fingerprints for a Department of Public Safety (DPS) background check and register accordingly. This provision strengthens accountability and ensures compliance, promoting public trust and integrity in the program.

🆕 Nine New Licenses to Expand Market Access

The revised bill directs DPS to issue nine additional dispensary licenses, significantly expanding access across the state:

  • 3–6 licenses will be granted from the existing pool of 2023 applicants.

  • Six licenses must be issued by October 1, 2025.

  • Three additional licenses must be issued by April 1, 2026.

  • Preference will be given to Texas-based companies, supporting local business growth and job creation.

This is a major win for underserved regions of Texas and a vital step in alleviating bottlenecks in patient access. Making the total dispensary licenses in Texas (12) instead of (3)!

💊 Increased Access to Medication: 90-Day Supply Approved

A clarifying amendment now allows patients to purchase up to a 90-day supply of medical cannabis products, reducing barriers to consistent treatment and making it easier for patients—especially those with mobility or transportation challenges—to stay on their regimen.

🩺 Expanded List of Qualifying Conditions

Perhaps most importantly, the list of qualifying conditions has been expanded to include:

  • Chronic pain

  • Terminal conditions

  • Patients in hospice care

The bill specifies that “chronic” pain will be defined by the Texas Medical Board, bringing clarity and consistency to eligibility and removing a significant barrier for thousands of Texans suffering from long-term pain.

📝 What’s Next?

The revised HB 46 will now return to the House for concurrence. If passed, it will head to Governor Greg Abbott for signature or veto. The bill requires that new program rules be proposed by DPS no later than October 1, 2025—an essential timeline for ensuring patient access keeps pace with the law.

🌿 Our Commitment

At Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors, we are deeply encouraged by these developments and remain firmly committed to providing expert care, education, and advocacy for patients navigating the Compassionate Use Program. As this bill moves toward becoming law, we will continue to monitor updates and keep you informed every step of the way.

We thank our legislators for listening to patients, physicians, and providers—and for putting compassion at the center of cannabis policy reform.

Together, we are building a healthier, more inclusive future for Texas.

To learn more about your eligibility or schedule a consultation, visit texasmedicalmarijuanadoctors.com.

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