Texas House Approves Medical Cannabis Bill, Officially Sending It to Senate

HB 46, which was passed today through its final reading a day after it passed its second reading, would significantly expand Texas’ medical marijuana program by allowing dispensaries to open satellite storage locations and increasing the number of licensed dispensing organizations from three to six. The bill would also require that licensees begin dispensing low-THC marijuana within 24 months of approval.

In a notable change, the measure replaces the current 1% THC limit by weight with a 300-milligram per-package cap, offering more flexibility in product formulation. It would also broaden the list of qualifying medical conditions to include chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, traumatic brain injury and Crohn’s disease. Additionally, the proposal blocks local governments from prohibiting the cultivation, production, storage or dispensing of low-THC marijuana, aiming to ensure statewide access for patients.

First enacted in 2015, Texas’ Compassionate-Use Program originally covered only patients with intractable epilepsy. It has since expanded to include multiple sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer and PTSD. HB 46 would represent one of the most significant overhauls of the program since its inception.