Houston, December 3, 2025
The Texas Department of Public Safety has expanded its medical cannabis program by granting conditional licenses to nine new businesses, including two in Houston. This initiative aims to enhance patient access to essential medical cannabis treatments, which reflects the growing acceptance of alternative medicine in Texas. The expansion follows the enactment of House Bill 46, which broadens the scope of the program and introduces new qualifying conditions and delivery methods.
Houston Welcomes Expansion of Medical Cannabis Program
New licenses granted to local businesses enhance patient access
Houston, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has significantly expanded the state’s medical cannabis program by awarding conditional licenses to nine new businesses, including two located in the Houston area. This expansion aims to bolster patient access to essential medical cannabis treatments across Texas, reflecting a growing recognition of the benefits of alternative medicine.
Conditional Licenses Awarded
The following organizations have been conditionally awarded Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) licenses, subject to further due diligence evaluations:
- PC TX OPCO LLC dba PharmaCann – Public Health Region 6 (Houston area)
- Story of Texas, LLC – Public Health Region 6 (Houston area)
- Verano Texas, LLC – Public Health Region 10 (El Paso area)
- Trulieve TX, Inc – Public Health Region 1 (Panhandle area)
- Texas Patient Access, LLC – Public Health Region 3 (North Texas area)
- Lonestar Compassionate Care Group, LLC – Public Health Region 3 (North Texas area)
- Lone Star Bioscience, Inc – Public Health Region 8 (San Antonio area)
- Texa OP, dba TexaRx – Public Health Region 11 (Rio Grande Valley area)
- Dilatso, LLC – Public Health Region 2 (North Texas area)
These conditional licenses permit the recipients to cultivate, process, and dispense medical cannabis products, pending further approvals. The DPS has made it clear that these awards do not guarantee final licensing.
Program Expansion Details
The expansion follows the enactment of House Bill 46, which was signed into law on June 21, 2025, significantly broadening the scope of the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Key enhancements include:
- Increased Number of Licensees: The program now allows for up to 15 dispensing organizations, significantly increasing access compared to the previous limit of three.
- Expanded Qualifying Conditions: New qualifying conditions such as chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illnesses have been added to the list.
- Additional Delivery Methods: The approved methods now encompass inhalers, nebulizers, and vaporizers, providing patients with diverse options for administering medical cannabis.
Impact on Houston Region
The inclusion of two new licensees in the Houston area is touted to improve access to medical cannabis for patients within Public Health Region 6. This enhancement is anticipated to make a meaningful difference for individuals seeking relief from various medical conditions, spotlighting Houston’s commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.
Next Steps
The awarded organizations are required to undergo further evaluations, including assessments of financial suitability and compliance with regulatory standards. Final approval will be granted upon successful completion of these evaluations, with the DPS indicating that more licenses may also be awarded in the future to continue expanding the program.
Background
The Texas Compassionate Use Program was instituted in 2015 to provide patient access to low-THC cannabis products for medical purposes. Over the years, the initiative has seen various expansions, with recent legislative changes aiming to enhance treatment options further and improve patient access across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP)?
The Texas Compassionate Use Program is a state initiative that allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to access low-THC cannabis products for medical use. The program has been expanded over the years to include more conditions and delivery methods.
What are the new qualifying conditions under House Bill 46?
House Bill 46 expanded the list of qualifying conditions to include chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illnesses.
How many dispensing organizations are now authorized in Texas?
The program now allows for up to 15 dispensing organizations, an increase from the previous limit of three.
What delivery methods are approved for medical cannabis in Texas?
Approved delivery methods include inhalers, nebulizers, and vaporizers, providing patients with more options for administering medical cannabis.
How does this expansion affect the Houston area?
The inclusion of two new licensees in the Houston area is expected to improve access to medical cannabis for patients in Public Health Region 6, which includes Houston.
Key Features of the Texas Medical Cannabis Program Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Dispensing Organizations | Increased from 3 to 15, allowing for broader patient access. |
| Qualifying Conditions | Expanded to include chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and terminal illnesses. |
| Delivery Methods | Approved methods now include inhalers, nebulizers, and vaporizers. |
| Houston Area Impact | Two new licensees in Public Health Region 6 (Houston area) to improve access. |
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