Texas Marijuana License

Texas does not allow recreational marijuana or a full medical program. Instead, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) lets registered patients with specific conditions use low-THC cannabis products, overseen by the Department of Public Safety.

Only licensed dispensing organizations can cultivate, process and dispense. House Bill 46 (2025) expanded the program: DPS announced 12 new dispensing organization licenses, chosen from existing and first-time applicants, along with additional qualifying conditions.

• Dispensing Organization: the only business license; covers cultivating, processing and dispensing low-THC cannabis to registered patients.

• Ability to operate securely and to meet DPS product, testing and recordkeeping rules
• Background checks for owners, directors and managers
• Proof of financial resources to operate
• Application submitted only during an open DPS licensing window

• Application and license fees are set by DPS rule; the 2025 expansion window required the fee with each new application
• Annual renewal fees apply to licensed dispensing organizations

Check the DPS Compassionate Use Program page for the current fee schedule.

1. Monitor DPS for an announced licensing window.
2. Complete the dispensing organization application form and pay the fee before the deadline.
3. DPS reviews and selects applicants; the 2025 round named Phase I selections in December 2025 and Phase II by April 2026.
4. Selected applicants complete inspections before operating.

• Low-THC cannabis only (THC limits are set by statute)
• Smoking is not permitted; products include oils, tinctures, edibles and similar forms
• Patients must be entered in the Compassionate Use Registry (CURT) by a registered physician
• Recreational possession remains illegal

• Texas resident with a qualifying condition, including epilepsy and seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, ALS, autism, cancer, PTSD and incurable neurodegenerative diseases
• HB 46 (2025) added conditions including chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, and terminal illness or hospice care

1. Texas has no physical medical card.
2. See a physician registered in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).
3. The physician enters a prescription for low-THC cannabis in CURT.
4. Bring your ID and last name to a licensed dispensing organization to fill it.