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HB 46

Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis under and the administration of the Texas Compassionate-Use Program; requiring registration.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado and 25 co-sponsors

HB 46 requires patient and provider registration for Texas's low-THC medical cannabis program, taking effect September 1, 2025, formalizing administration of the state's restricted compassionate-use system.

Effective on 9/1/25
#crimes--drugs(i0185) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #health--otherdiseases&medicalconditions(i0383) #marihuana(s3105) #medicine&prescriptiondrugs(s7338) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
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Bill Summary · HB 46

Legislative bill overview

HB 46 expands Texas's Compassionate Use Program by establishing a registration system for medical low-THC cannabis patients and providers. The bill modifies administrative procedures for the state's existing medical cannabis program, which has been limited to low-THC products (0.5% THC or less) for specific medical conditions since 2015.

Why is this important

This legislation makes medical cannabis access more formally structured and potentially easier to track and regulate at the state level. It affects patients with qualifying conditions, healthcare providers, and the cannabis industry operating within Texas's highly restricted medical framework, while also establishing clearer administrative pathways that could influence future program expansion discussions.

Potential points of contention

  • Program scope limitations: Texas's low-THC cannabis program remains one of the most restrictive in the nation; this bill does not expand eligible conditions or THC potency limits, which advocates argue limits therapeutic options
  • Registration requirements and privacy: Mandatory registration systems raise concerns among some patients and advocacy groups about government databases tracking medical cannabis use and potential privacy implications
  • Implementation timeline: The September 1, 2025 effective date requires rapid administrative setup by state agencies, which could create operational delays or inconsistencies in patient registration and access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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