Only eligible residents who joined the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) can access quality, medical-grade, low-THC cannabis in the state. To qualify, the person must have at least one condition from the list, like cancer, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis.
The current structure of CUP Texas focuses on legality, safety, and medical oversight through the state's Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT), which verifies patients and physicians.
While the laws surrounding Texas medical cannabis are relatively more limited compared to other states, the demand is quickly growing. The same is true when it comes to public support for expanding access.
We’re here to connect you with a licensed cannabis doctor in Texas. Reach out to Texas 420 Doctors, a team of experienced, board-certified, CURT-registered physicians.
Our goal is to help eligible Texans receive the highest-quality medical cannabis quickly and easily. We can simplify the entire process from start to finish.
You can expect secure systems, patient-first values, ongoing care, and transparent pricing.
The Compassionate Use Program Texas (CUP) is the state’s official medical cannabis framework for legal medical cannabis access. Any patient who successfully joins this program can legally buy quality cannabis products at licensed dispensaries.
CUP Texas law describes that only physicians registered with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) can prescribe medical cannabis. Patients must be permanent Texas residents and must be diagnosed with a condition listed under the program’s guidelines.
It is a tightly regulated medical marijuana program that ensures compliance, safety, and a consistent standard of care.
The Texas Compassionate Use Program was established in 2015 through Senate Bill 339, also known as the Texas Compassionate Use Act. In the very beginning, the program only allowed low-THC marijuana products for intractable epilepsy patients.
In 2019 and 2021, the program was expanded by the Texas Legislature to include additional conditions such as PTSD, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Alongside these expansions, the legal THC limit for medical cannabis was increased from 0.5% to 1% by weight.
According to the rules of the Texas Compassionate Use Program, only low-THC cannabis is legal. This means that cannabis products must contain a maximum of 1% THC by weight, which is enough to experience the therapeutic benefits.
CUP Texas law states that vaping or smoking cannabis is not allowed. Instead, qualifying patients can legally access cannabis in the form of tinctures, capsules, oils, and lozenges. Also, the patient can only buy these products from a registered and fully licensed state cannabis dispensary.
A person’s Texas medical marijuana eligibility is determined by strict criteria set under the Compassionate Use Program. To qualify, a patient must meet several requirements and receive a formal diagnosis from a CUP-registered physician.
To qualify for Texas cannabis prescriptions, an individual must:
- Be a permanent resident with proof of residency required.
- Have a qualifying medical condition.
- Be of legal age, or in the case of minors, be accompanied by a legal guardian.
The eligibility rules for qualifying for CUP Texas are in place to ensure cannabis is only used for medical purposes.
Yes, you need a prescription, but not in a traditional sense. Cannabis patients do not receive a physical MMJ card. Instead, a licensed physician enters the individual’s information directly into CURT.
This practice is different from states such as Utah, where qualifying patients DO receive a medical marijuana card or MMJ card. In the Lone Star State, the entire process is managed between the physician and CURT, so the system is more straightforward.
Eligible patients receive a "Letter of Approval", which can serve as documentation if needed. However, their inclusion in CURT is what allows full access to medical-grade cannabis.
Only patients with certain approved conditions can receive treatment with low-THC cannabis products under medical supervision. The Texas CUP conditions have been expanded over time to reflect the growing evidence of the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
The current qualifying conditions CUP include the following.
- Intractable epilepsy: A severe form of epilepsy that doesn’t respond to standard treatments. Medical cannabis may help reduce seizure frequency and severity.
- Seizure disorders: This includes conditions that cause recurring seizures, often treated with a combination of therapies.
- Multiple sclerosis: Also known as “MS”, it’s a painful chronic condition that affects the nervous system. Medical marijuana treatment may be effective in relieving muscle stiffness, pain, and mobility issues.
- Spasticity: Muscle stiffness and spasms commonly linked to MS, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological disorders.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS leads to progressive muscle weakness. Medical cannabis is used for symptom relief, such as reducing pain and improving appetite.
- Autism: Cannabis may help manage behavioral challenges or reduce anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
- Cancer (symptom management): While not a cure, cannabis is prescribed to help relieve pain, nausea, and appetite loss caused by cancer or cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by trauma. Low-THC cannabis is prescribed to help reduce anxiety, nightmares, and insomnia.
- Parkinson’s disease: A progressive neurological disorder marked by tremors and movement difficulties. Medical cannabis may help ease motor symptoms and discomfort.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Cannabis may help manage agitation, sleep issues, or appetite loss associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
- Neuropathy and other incurable neurodegenerative disorders: This includes a range of conditions involving nerve damage or progressive decline of brain and spinal function.
One of the most frequently treated medical marijuana conditions in Texas is pain that lasts more than two weeks or “chronic pain”. However, according to the law, chronic pain, anxiety, or depression alone does not qualify a patient for medical cannabis treatment. That said, legal medical cannabis treatment for people with these conditions is still possible.
If a patient has a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer or PTSD, and they are experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, or depression as symptoms of their illness, they may be eligible for cannabis treatment.
How to get medical cannabis in Texas? The process is simplistic, but you must follow the strict medical guidelines of the state.
Eligible patients are approved through the CURT system in Texas. You only need to do these four things.
1. Schedule an appointment with a CUP-registered physician: Schedule your first consultation with a licensed, CURT-registered provider such as Texas 420 Doctors.
2. Get a diagnosis or confirm a qualifying condition: The first consultation involves evaluating your health, confirming any symptoms, and checking whether you meet the criteria for medical cannabis under CUP.
3. Physician enters your details into CURT: If you are eligible, the physician will register you in the CURT system Texas.
4. Pick up your medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary: You can visit or order from a reputable and licensed dispensary. Your prescription will already be on file.The CUP registration process usually takes no time. Have all necessary documents on hand to avoid any possible delays.
States like Virginia, Utah, and Florida offer physical cards to eligible patients, while Texas doesn't. Instead, the state uses the CURT system to store all patient data and prescriptions electronically.
This means only a valid ID is necessary to access quality medical cannabis at licensed dispensaries.
Texas 420 Doctors offers:
- Fast and secure telehealth appointments: Potential patients can schedule consultations from anywhere in the state, so there's no need to visit the office in person.
- Licensed physicians experienced in CUP regulations: We connect you to the best, licensed cannabis doctors in Texas experienced in the latest medical cannabis laws and treatments.
- Personalized assessments for each condition: Every candidate is evaluated individually to make sure their symptoms align with the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
We understand that state marijuana laws can seem confusing. Texas 420 Doctors can help you:
- Learn about legal THC products, including oils, tinctures, lozenges, and capsules.
- Understand and navigate the CUP process, from eligibility checks to CURT registration and dispensary referrals.
- Receive ongoing support with follow-up appointments, prescription renewals, and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Texas 420 Doctors is a top-rated choice for anyone interested in medical cannabis treatment in the Lone Star State. You can expect the following benefits.
- Transparent pricing: Enjoy affordable, flat pricing for just $299 per year. No hidden fees.
- HIPAA-compliant process: We follow strict rules set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Your medical information is kept secure and confidential at all times.
- Outstanding customer support: Benefit from 5-star support for new and returning patients. Our expert team is available to answer questions, handle concerns, and make your experience as smooth as possible.
After approval, you will want to find a legal and licensed source to buy medical cannabis in Texas. A patient must buy all products from a state-registered dispensary.
Not all cannabis shops work under Texas dispensaries CUP guidelines. We recommend these licensed sources:
- Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation: This reputable dispensary is headquartered in South Austin, but also offers pickup locations across the state.
- Fluent (formerly Knox Medical): This is one of the best Texas dispensaries CUP, offering delivery to more than 1,900 state area zip codes.
- Goodblend Texas: This legitimate dispensary is headquartered in Austin, and they also offer the option of finding a pickup location near you.
Smoking and vaping marijuana is not allowed, for both recreational and medical use. Instead, you can find a collection of low THC products in Texas, as well as CBD and blended options.
Eligible medical cannabis patients may access these products.
- Tinctures: Fast-absorbing liquid cannabis extracts you take sublingually, or under the tongue.
- Oils: Allow for precise dosing, and you can optionally add them to food.
- Capsules: Pre-measured doses for consistent and discreet use.
- Lozenges: Slow-dissolving oral tablets that offer a smoke-free option.
It's normal to have question marks in your head as someone new to the Compassionate Use Program. Here are the most commonly asked medical cannabis questions and answers.
Yes, a CUP registration is valid for a year or 365 days. To stay current in the CURT system, schedule a follow-up consultation before the prescription expires.
Yes, veteran residents with qualifying conditions such as cancer or PTSD may access low-THC cannabis under THC. However, they must meet the strict eligibility criteria.
Yes, you may travel with low-THC medical cannabis within the state. However, if you are traveling across state lines, you may need additional documentation as proof of your eligibility.
Yes, it is possible as the current state laws do not offer employment protection for medical cannabis users.
The cost of a medical cannabis consultation at Texas 420 Doctors is $299 yearly without additional fees. The flat price includes initial consultations and follow-ups, dispensary recommendations, profile creation within CURT, and other special benefits.
Are you ready to get started with CUP Texas? Allow our experts at Texas 420 Doctors to guide you through every step of the process, from confirming your eligibility to CURT registration and ongoing care. We serve Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Ft. Worth, Austin, and El Paso.
Get the medical cannabis treatment you deserve legally and confidently. Don’t wait, and book a Texas medical marijuana appointment with us by clicking here or calling +1.833.420.1710.
