Texas Marijuana Laws
Updated on Monday April 25, 2022
In June of 2015, the Texas Legislature enacted the Texas Compassionate Use Act into law, allowing patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy access to low-THC cannabis. While the bill is extremely limited at this point, this is the first form of progressive medical cannabis reform in the Lone Star State.
Possession
Under Texas’ Compassionate Use Act, patients are allowed to possess up to what is recommended by their prescribing doctor. The product must be in oil form and contain no more than one percent (1%) THC as well as ten percent (10%) or more in CBD.
Previously, only half of a percent (0.5%) THC was permitted, however, that amount was increased under House Bill 1535.
Purchasing Limits
Purchasing limits vary per patient and are prescribed by their prescribing medical professional. However, patients may only purchase low-THC cannabis products at this time. Where to Buy
Qualifying Patients
To qualify for access to low-THC medical marijuana in Texas, a patient must be a permanent resident of the state and suffering from:
- epilepsy;
- a seizure disorder;
- multiple sclerosis;
- spasticity;
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
- autism;
- cancer;
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- an incurable neurodegenerative disease*
- or, "a medical condition that is approved for a research program under Subchapter F, Chapter 487, Health and
Safety Code, and for which the patient is receiving treatment under that program." - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
*This covers a wide range of neurodegenerative conditions. A full list is available here.
The applicant must then be approved by a physician. There are no age limitations for license holders.
Consumption
No language in the Compassionate Use Act mentions any locations barred from consuming cannabis oil. However, no other methods of medical marijuana consumption are allowed in Texas.
Although there is no specific language relating to approved consumption areas, it is recommended to consume medical cannabis out of public view within a private residence or property.
Driving Under the Influence
No language in the Compassionate Use Act mentions driving under the influence at this time. Therefore, the user would likely fall under Texas Penal Code Ann. § 49.04 (Vernon 2009)'s rules and penalties.
Transporting Marijuana
Registrants must carry on them or display their government-issued registration card while performing any actions under the Compassionate Use Act. This includes transporting cannabis to and from a dispensary.
While there is no written law discussing transportation of medical cannabis, it is recommended to keep your cannabis within a child-proof container that is out of arms reach from the driver at all times.
Exporting Marijuana
Patients and caregivers may not take medicinal cannabis outside of the state, or transport marijuana of any kind from outside of Texas into the state.
Reciprocity
Texas does not extend reciprocity to medical marijuana patients from other states.
Cultivation
Under the Texas Compassionate Use Act, growing marijuana for any purpose is prohibited. Only regulated dispensing organizations are allowed to cultivate medical marijuana.
Delivery
Cannabis delivery is not permitted in Texas.