Medical Cannabis Updates for Texas Physicians
On June 21, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 46, a new law that brings significant changes to the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP).
This law took effect on September 1, 2025, and improves accessibility to medical cannabis in Texas.
Medical vaporization is now an approved method of administration under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. To allow a patient to access medical vaporization products, physicians must include vaporization as an approved method of administration on the patient’s prescription. Have questions? Click below to contact us.
Have questions about these changes? Fill out the form below to connect with our team.
What Conditions Were Added Under HB 46?
House Bill 46 expands on the list of 150+ qualifying conditions to include:
- Chronic Pain
- Note: Patients with chronic pain do not need a history of prior opioid use to qualify.
- Crohn's Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Terminal illnesses and patients under hospice care
How to Prescribe Medical Vaporization
To authorize medical vaporization for an eligible patient:
-
Update the patient’s prescription in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas.
-
Select vaporization as an approved method of administration.
-
Add dosing instructions based on the patient’s needs.
-
Notify the patient that their prescription has been updated.
Need help updating a prescription? Our team can provide 1:1 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prescribe medical vaporization?
Physicians must update the patient’s prescription in CURT and include vaporization as an approved method of administration. If you need assistance, Texas Original can provide 1:1 support.
What devices are available?
Texas Original offers metered-dose medical vaporization devices that allow for controlled administration. Texas Original’s vaporization oil is formulated with purified cannabis extract and botanically derived terpenes. Current strain options include indica and sativa formulations.
How are the devices dosed?
Texas Original medical vaporization devices are designed for metered dosing. Each draw delivers approximately 3 to 5 milligrams of THC.
What makes vaporization different from oral medical cannabis?
Vaporization is inhaled and absorbed through the lungs, allowing for a much faster onset than products that pass through the digestive system, such as gummies, tinctures or beverages.
Which patients may be a good fit for medical vaporization?
Medical vaporization may be considered for patients who need a faster-acting option or have difficulty with oral products. Physicians should evaluate each patient’s condition, treatment goals, tolerance and medical history before authorizing vaporization.
More Compassionate Use Program Updates
Chronic Pain Eligibility
- House Bill 46 defines "Chronic pain" as pain that is not relieved by acute, post-surgical, post-procedure, or persistent non-chronic pain treatment and is associated with a chronic pathological process that causes continuous or intermittent severe pain for more than 90 days, and for which tetrahydrocannabinol is a viable method of treatment.
Updated Dosing Guidelines and New Products
- The 1% THC cap has been replaced with a limit of 10 mg THC per dose, with a maximum of 1,000 mg THC per package.
- Medical vaporization products may be prescribed once they receive regulatory approval. These devices are not yet available. We will notify prescribers as soon as they are approved for use.
Improved Patient Access and Protections
- Medical cannabis products can be securely stored at approved locations. This change improves patient access in remote regions, reducing wait times and medication costs. Same-day access to medical cannabis is now available in South Austin, Houston Heights, Plano and San Antonio.
- Patient information in the Compassionate Use Registry is confidential and protected by law and may only be accessed by the department, registered physicians, and dispensing organizations.
Prescription Duration and Refills
- Each prescription may cover up to 90 days of medication, with up to four refills.
- Physicians may prescribe multiple doses or packages within that period to ensure the patient has sufficient milligrams within that time frame.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help provide guidance on prescription guidelines, product updates, and patient education. Click below or fill out the form above to connect with us.