Everything You Need to Know About the Texas Compassionate Use Program
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated November 4, 2026
Welcome to the best guide on the Texas Compassionate Use Program!
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What should I know about the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
- Am I eligible for medical cannabis in Texas?
- How do I apply for medical marijuana in Texas?
All the information on this page comes from the official Texas Medical Marijuana website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s get started.
Looking for a Medical Marijuana Doctor?
How does the Texas Compassionate Use Program work?
The Texas Department of Public Safety runs the Compassionate Use Program (CUP). And the CUP streamlines access to medical marijuana for qualified patients in Texas.
In a nutshell, the Texas Compassionate Use Program is responsible for:
- Registering qualified physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis
- Licensing organizations that dispense medical marijuana in Texas
- Implementing the directives of the Texas Compassionate Use Act
To implement most of its duties, the CUP uses the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).
What is the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas? (CURT)
The Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) is a secure online system that:
- Maintains a list of qualified physicians who can prescribe low-THC cannabis in Texas
- Allows licensed physicians to update patient information and prescriptions
- Enables Texas dispensaries to verify patients and access prescriptions to fill them
The CURT system is also available to law enforcement agencies to verify patients eligible for medical cannabis treatment.
Who is a Compassionate Use Program Registered Doctor?
Only doctors registered with the Compassionate Use Program can prescribe medical marijuana in Texas.
To be CUP-registered, healthcare professionals must:
- Hold a valid Texas medical license
- Be certified in a specialty relevant to their patient’s particular medical conditions by a specialty board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists
- Dedicate a significant part of their practice to evaluating and treating their patient’s conditions
All the doctors at Quick Med Cards are registered with the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Moreover, they have the expertise to help you on your journey toward health and recovery.
Who Qualifies for the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
To qualify for medical marijuana under the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP):
- Be a permanent resident of Texas
- Be diagnosed with an illness on the Texas medical marijuana list of conditions, such as ALS, autism, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, or spasticity
- Have your CUP-registered physician determine that the benefits of cannabis treatment outweigh the risks
If you meet all the conditions above, you are eligible for low-THC cannabis under the CUP.
How to Apply for Medical Marijuana in Texas
Getting medical marijuana in Texas is easy. Especially with Quick Med Cards. You only need a prescription from a physician registered with the program. There’s no need to register with a state program or apply for a medical marijuana card like in other states.
Follow the steps below to get your medical marijuana prescription:
- Fill out the information form and create your account with Quick Med Cards.
- Schedule an online consultation with one of our CUP-registered physicians.
- Attend your evaluation via video call—it takes less than 15 minutes.
- Have your prescription updated to the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) by the physician if you are eligible.
- Visit a licensed dispensary in Texas and fill your prescription once CURT processes it.
Note: The Texas Compassionate Use Program does not impose any age restrictions for medical marijuana. Even so, minor patients may need a parent or legal guardian present to get a prescription. Legal guardians will provide personal information, for instance, their name and the last five digits of their SSN.
Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Same-day appointments available.
Benefits of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (So far)
The Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) is a groundbreaking initiative to provide Texans with access to safe and legal medical marijuana.
Through this program, individuals can receive THC-based medicines monitored by a licensed healthcare professional. In doing so, the CUP not only eliminates the hazards of procuring unregulated drugs but also allows treatment in a way that emphasizes efficacy and safety for patients.
Additionally, access to these cannabis-based treatments has provided an effective alternative for those who have tried and failed to treat their condition with over-the-counter CBD products.
As such, the Texas Compassionate Use Program has been invaluable in empowering people all across Texas with the finest medical care available for their specific needs.
Reports & Statistics
Since its launch, the Texas Compassionate Use Program has made significant progress in ensuring Texans requiring medical marijuana can access it. As of August 2025, physicians had registered 123,308 patients in the Texas Compassionate Use Registry.
History of the Texas Compassionate Use Program
The journey of the Texas Compassionate Use Program since 2015 has been long but rewarding. Below are key points in the history of medical marijuana in Texas.
September 1, 2025
The Compassionate Use Program was expanded significantly with the passage of Texas House Bill 46. The law added more qualifying conditions, increased the THC limit, and allowed more product options.
January 13, 2023
The DPS began accepting new applications for medical marijuana dispensaries in TX.
January 5, 2023
The Texas DPS established the Compassionate Use Working Group.
September 1, 2021
The 87th Session of the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1535. As a result, non-terminal cancer and PTSD made it to the list of qualifying conditions. Also, illnesses designated by the Health and Human Services Commission as part of an approved research program made it to the list. Additionally, it increased the maximum THC level of low-THC cannabis to 1% by weight from 0.5%. Finally, the bill established the compassionate-use institutional review boards.
December 5, 2019
The CUP integrated incurable neurodegenerative disease into the CURT system. Initially, there was a delay because of the pending rule adoption by the Health and Human Services Commission.
June 14, 2019
Governor Abbott signed HB 3703 into law on June 14, 2019, which took effect immediately.
The bill expanded the list of qualifying conditions for low-THC cannabis. It added conditions such as autism, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, terminal cancer, and incurable neurodegenerative diseases. It also removed the requirement for a second physician to approve a patient’s eligibility.
June 10, 2019
Governor Abbott signed HB 1325. The bill sanctioned the development of a regulatory program for the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp products.
February 8, 2018
The first medical marijuana dispensary in Texas, Compassionate Cultivation, began its operations.
September 1, 2017
The Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) went live. So, qualified physicians could register with the program and prescribe MMJ to eligible patients. Moreover, licensed dispensaries in Texas could fill prescriptions.
May 1, 2017
The CUP approved three applicants as dispensing organizations.
June 1, 2015
Governor Abbott signed SB 339, the Texas Compassionate Use Act, into law. This law effectively legalized medical marijuana in Texas. Then, only patients with intractable epilepsy could qualify for low-THC cannabis. Also, low-THC cannabis was capped at 0.5% of THC by weight and not less than 10% of CBD by weight. Additionally, two physicians had to approve a patient for medical marijuana. The Texas medical marijuana bill also laid the blueprint for the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas.
January 23, 2015
The Secretary of the Senate received and filed Senate Bill 339.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Department of Public Safety runs the Compassionate Use Program (CUP).
- Texas residency and a diagnosis with a qualifying medical condition are necessary for medical cannabis in the state.
- A CUP-registered physician in Texas must provide you with a marijuana prescription so you can access MMJ.
- There are no age restrictions for medical marijuana in Texas. So, eligible minors may access medical cannabis.
- There are no state fees for getting a marijuana prescription in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Texas Compassionate Use Program
Below are answers to common questions patients may have concerning the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
Does Texas have a medical marijuana card?
Texas does not issue medical marijuana cards through its cannabis program.
But it does require patients to receive a cannabis prescription from a CUP-registered physician. Texas MMJ doctors must then upload their patient’s personal and prescription information to the CURT system. Afterward, patients can buy medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary in TX.
Did Texas House Bill 1535 pass?
Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1535 into law on June 15, 2021. It became effective on September 1, 2021.
House Bill 1535, a product of the 87th Legislative Session, led to a tremendous expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Notably, it expanded the list of qualifying conditions to include non-terminal cancer and PTSD. In addition, it also increased the maximum THC level of low-THC cannabis from 0.5% to 1% by weight. Lastly, it established compassionate-use institutional review boards.
How strong is Texas medical marijuana?
Texas allows low-THC cannabis through its Compassionate-Use Program. From September 1, 2021, through August 31, 2025, Texas law limited THC to 1% by weight.
House Bill 46 took effect on September 1, 2025, and added a separate limit of no more than 1 gram of total THC per package or container.
Can you own a gun with a medical marijuana card in Texas?
Yes, you can own a gun with a medical marijuana certification in Texas. Having a Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) prescription does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining or maintaining a Texas License to Carry. Other eligibility requirements still apply.
Federal firearm laws can also affect your eligibility. On June 18, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Hemani that the federal government could not prosecute the defendant based solely on his regular marijuana use under the firearm restriction at issue.
The ruling does not resolve every issue involving marijuana use and firearm possession. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.
What is the cost of medical marijuana in Texas?
The cost of medical marijuana in Texas depends on the dispensary, the type of medical marijuana, and the amount you buy.
Typically, Texas dispensaries offer medical marijuana at around $30 for gummies, $7 for cannabis-infused drinks, $35 for chocolate-infused bars, $45 for tinctures, and $60 for topicals. Also, don’t forget to get your cannabis prescription before shopping for medical marijuana. With Quick Med Cards, the doctor consultation costs $149. Financing is available for as low as $47.
Who is allowed to use medical marijuana in Texas?
You can only access medical marijuana in Texas through the Compassionate Use Program.
The program is only open to permanent residents of Texas suffering from an illness on the list of qualifying conditions. For instance, autism, cancer, epilepsy, and PTSD. Most importantly, patients must get a marijuana prescription from a licensed MMJ doctor in the state. With a valid prescription, patients can lawfully buy and use low-THC cannabis from a licensed dispensary in Texas.
Can I use my Texas medical marijuana card in another state?
No. Texas does not issue medical marijuana cards. Instead, qualified patients receive a low-THC cannabis prescription through the Compassionate Use Program.
Texas also does not provide a medical marijuana card that patients can use for reciprocity in another state. Whether you can access medical marijuana while visiting another state depends on that state’s laws.
What forms of ID are accepted for a medical marijuana card?
Accepted forms of identification may include:
- Texas driver’s license.
- Texas state identification card.
Texas requires permanent state residency to qualify for the Compassionate Use Program. If you need help with the application, contact Quick Med Cards at (207) 645-1645 or staff@quickmedcards.com.
Can out-of-state patients apply for a medical marijuana card?
No. Texas requires patients to be permanent residents of the state to qualify for the Compassionate Use Program. An out-of-state medical marijuana card or prescription does not authorize you to obtain medical cannabis through the Texas program.
Do I need medical records to get a medical marijuana card?
Medical records are not required by the state to qualify for the Texas Compassionate Use Program. However, your doctor may request them to review your condition and medical history. A qualified physician will determine whether you qualify for low-THC cannabis under Texas law.
What medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card?
Texas allows qualified physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients diagnosed with the following qualifying conditions.
- Epilepsy
- Seizure disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spasticity
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism
- Cancer
- Incurable neurodegenerative diseases
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Conditions that cause chronic pain
- Traumatic brain injury
- Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel disease
- Terminal illness or a condition for which the patient receives hospice or palliative care
- A medical condition approved for a research program under Texas law, if the patient is receiving treatment through that program
A condition alone does not guarantee approval. The physician must determine that the potential benefits of low-THC cannabis outweigh the risks for the patient.
How much marijuana can you legally have in Texas?
Texas CUP patients may possess low-THC cannabis obtained from a licensed dispensary with a valid prescription. Each prescription is limited to a 90-day supply based on the prescribed dosage. A physician may authorize up to 4 additional 90-day refills.
Can you grow with a medical card in Texas?
No. The Texas Compassionate Use Act only allows licensed dispensers to grow cannabis for use in the production of low-THC cannabis.
So, it is illegal to grow cannabis in Texas even if you have a valid medical marijuana prescription. As a patient, you can only get low-THC cannabis products from a licensed dispensary in the state.
Can you get marijuana prescribed in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Compassionate Use Act allows licensed physicians to prescribe medical marijuana to Texans ailing from certain conditions.
With your medical marijuana prescription, you can get your dose of low-THC cannabis from a licensed dispensary in TX.
How much is it to get a medical marijuana card in Texas?
The Texas Compassionate Use Program does not charge patients any fees to access medical marijuana.
The main cost is the doctor consultation fee for getting a low-THC cannabis prescription. Quick Med Cards charges $149, with financing options that let you book an appointment for as low as $47.
Can I get marijuana mailed to me in Texas?
Mailing medical cannabis is subject to federal controlled-substance laws and United States Postal Service (USPS) requirements. USPS permits controlled substances in domestic mail only under specified conditions, including lawful distribution and authorized senders.
Ask your licensed dispensary about available delivery options. Do not assume that mailing and dispensary delivery follow the same rules.
Does Texas allow edibles?
Yes, but only for patients in the Texas CUP. The law permits low-THC cannabis in forms other than smoking, including edibles.
Patients need a prescription from a CUP-registered physician and must buy products from a licensed dispensing organization. Available products vary by dispensary, so check with the dispensary about current options.
Can you smoke recreationally in Texas?
No. Recreational marijuana in any form is illegal in Texas. Also, Texas medical marijuana laws exclude smoking as a medical use of cannabis.
So, smoking marijuana as a recreational user or a patient with a cannabis prescription is illegal in TX.
Does insurance cover the cost of a medical marijuana consultation?
No. Quick Med Cards does not accept insurance for medical marijuana consultations.
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card?
Processing times may vary depending on the physician’s review and when the prescription is entered into CURT.
Texas does not issue physical medical marijuana cards. After your consultation, a qualified physician must approve your prescription and enter it into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). The certification process typically takes 24–48 hours. Once the prescription is entered into CURT, a licensed dispensing organization can verify it and fill your prescription.
How does the medical marijuana consultation work?
The medical marijuana consultation and prescription process in Texas involves these steps.
- Book an appointment with a healthcare provider.
- Discuss your medical history, symptoms, and relevant medical records.
- Have the physician evaluate whether you have a qualifying condition under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
- If approved, a qualified physician enters your prescription into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).
- Obtain your prescribed low-THC cannabis from a licensed Texas dispensing organization after it verifies your prescription.
Texas does not issue a physical medical marijuana card or require a separate patient card application. A qualified physician must determine that you meet the program’s requirements before prescribing low-THC cannabis.
How long is a medical marijuana card valid?
Texas does not issue physical medical marijuana cards. Instead, a qualified physician enters the patient’s prescription into the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).
The prescription’s expiration date depends on the physician’s treatment plan. Each prescription can cover up to a 90-day supply of low-THC cannabis and may include up to four refills. Your physician can confirm the expiration date and when you need a new prescription.
Patient Resources and Forms
How to Contact the Texas Compassionate Use Program
State Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Phone: (512) 424-7293
Department of Public Safety Email: pio@txdps.texas.gov
Texas Department of Public Safety
Compassionate Use Program – MSC 0240
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0240