Introduction: Texas’ Medical Cannabis Landscape
Despite its strict stance on recreational marijuana, Texas has carved out a place in the medical cannabis industry through the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). However, even though the program offers relief to patients with severe medical conditions, many Texans are unaware of its existence or the limited nature of the products and services available under the law. In this article, we’ll explain how the Texas medical cannabis industry works, the role of its three licensed dispensaries—Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, Goodblend Texas, and Fluent Cannabis Care—and the process for obtaining and using medical cannabis in the state.
How to Qualify for Medical Cannabis in Texas
To access medical cannabis in Texas, patients must first be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions under TCUP, which include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Cancer
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- ALS
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spasticity
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
- Epilepsy and Other Seizure Disorders
- Parkinson’s
- Huntington’s Disease
- Over 100 other incurable neurodegenerative diseases
If you have one of these conditions, the next step is to consult with a CURT-registered physician. The Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) is the state’s online system that tracks patient prescriptions and provides access to medical cannabis through registered dispensaries.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription in Texas
Step 1: Find a Registered Physician
The first step to accessing medical cannabis in Texas is to visit a physician registered with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). Not all doctors are qualified to prescribe cannabis, so you will need to ensure that your physician is authorized under TCUP.
Step 2: Get Evaluated and Receive Your Prescription
During the consultation, the physician will evaluate your medical condition to determine if you qualify under TCUP. If you meet the criteria, they will input your prescription into the CURT system. Unlike other states, Texas does not issue medical marijuana cards. Instead, your prescription is logged electronically.
Step 3: Place Your Order Online
Once your physician submits your prescription into the CURT registry, you can place an order through one of the three licensed dispensaries—Texas Original, Goodblend, or Fluent Cannabis—via their websites.
