Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors Proudly Support House Bill 46: A Major Step Toward Patient-Centered Cannabis Reform

Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors Proudly Support House Bill 46: A Major Step Toward Patient-Centered Cannabis Reform

State Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian)

Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors Proudly Support House Bill 46: A Major Step Toward Patient-Centered Cannabis Reform

We’re thrilled to share some exciting progress in Texas medical cannabis legislation. On May 12, 2025, House Bill 46 (HB 46) passed overwhelmingly in the Texas House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate for review. At Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors, we fully support this bill and are energized by what it means for the future of patient access, care innovation, and public health across the state.

HB 46 represents one of the most significant advancements to the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) since its inception. It’s a bold and necessary step toward improving the lives of patients across the state by expanding access, streamlining care, and modernizing the infrastructure supporting medical cannabis.

Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the bill and what it means for patients and businesses alike:

House Bill 46: Policy Overview and Recommendations

Patient Impact

  • Prescriptions: Patients would be certified for a full year and receive (4) 90-day supply refills. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy would oversee prescription monitoring for added safety and consistency.

  • Product Availability: The bill allows for expanded product options including patches, lotions, suppositories, and medically-approved devices such as inhalers, nebulizers, and vaporizers. While the 1% THC limit remains in place, vape and inhaler products would be exempt due to the need for higher THC concentration to ensure efficacy.

  • Qualifying Conditions: HB 46 significantly broadens the list of eligible conditions. It includes:

    • Chronic pain

    • Glaucoma

    • Traumatic brain injury

    • Spinal neuropathy

    • Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases

    • Degenerative disc disease

    • Terminal illnesses or conditions requiring hospice/palliative care

    • Any medical condition designated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

    Additionally, honorably discharged veterans would be eligible for cannabis treatment for any medical condition—a powerful recognition of their service and unique health needs.

Business Impact

  • Satellite Locations: Dispensing organizations will be allowed to open one or more satellite locations, pending DPS approval. All existing authorized pickup sites will automatically qualify as satellite locations—improving statewide access for patients.

  • Limited Licenses: The Department of Public Safety (DPS) would issue a total of 15 dispensing licenses, expanding the pool of licensed operators to meet rising patient demand.

  • Regional Access: Licenses would be issued strategically to ensure each of Texas’ public health regions has sufficient coverage—promoting equity and convenience in access.

  • Active Licenses: Dispensing organizations must become operational within 24 months of receiving a license and maintain production to keep it active—ensuring licensees truly serve patients and don’t sit on the sidelines.

  • Licensing Process: New licenses would be awarded through a competitive evaluation process, prioritizing qualified, patient-focused organizations. Key deadlines include:

    • July 1, 2025 – Application deadline

    • December 1, 2025 – At least 9 licenses must be issued

    • April 1, 2026 – Final 3 licenses must be issued

When Would HB 46 Go Into Effect?

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, HB 46 would take effect on September 1, 2025. All necessary administrative rules must be adopted by October 1, 2025—meaning these changes could be implemented swiftly for the benefit of thousands of Texans.

Why Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors Support HB 46

At Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors, we’ve seen firsthand how access to compassionate, science-backed cannabis care transforms lives. HB 46 reflects the evolving understanding of medical cannabis as a legitimate, effective treatment option—not just for a limited list of conditions, but for a diverse range of complex medical challenges.

We’re especially encouraged by the patient-first provisions, the emphasis on improving accessibility across all regions, and the prioritization of veteran care. These changes align directly with our mission to help Texans safely and legally access the medical relief they deserve.

We urge our patients, colleagues, and community partners to stay informed and speak up in support of HB 46 as it moves through the Senate. Together, we can help make Texas a leader in compassionate medical cannabis policy.

For updates and guidance on what this could mean for you as a patient, follow us at Texas Medical Marijuana Doctors —your trusted partner in compassionate care.

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