Understanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP)

Medical cannabis has been a growing topic across the United States, and Texas is no exception. While the state has traditionally maintained strict cannabis laws, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) provides qualified patients with access to medical marijuana under carefully regulated guidelines. At Zen Cannabis Clinic, we are dedicated to helping patients understand their options, navigate eligibility, and access safe, legal medical cannabis care.


What Is the Texas Compassionate Use Program?

The Texas Compassionate Use Program was established in 2015 through the Compassionate Use Act (Senate Bill 339). It allows patients with certain medical conditions to receive low-THC cannabis prescriptions from registered physicians. These prescriptions are filled by licensed dispensaries across the state. This program was recently expanded to include more medical conditions and to increase the limit of THC in each product. 

Unlike recreational programs in other states, Texas CUP is specifically designed for medical purposes only, with strict regulations to ensure patient safety.


Who Qualifies for the Texas CUP?

Currently, patients must have one of the following conditions to be eligible:

  • Epilepsy
  • Seizure disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Spasticity
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Incurable neurodegenerative diseases
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis 
  • Chronic Pain
  • Life-limiting illness affecting quality of life (Palliative Care)

Your physician must be registered with the CUP and determine that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment option.


How the Program Works

  1. Physician Consultation – A qualified CUP physician evaluates your condition and discusses whether cannabis may help.
  2. Prescription Entry – If appropriate, the physician enters your prescription into the state’s secure Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).
  3. Dispensary Access – You can then obtain your prescribed medical cannabis products from a licensed Texas dispensary.
  4. Ongoing Care – Follow-ups with your physician help adjust dosing and monitor your progress.

Benefits of the Texas CUP

  • Legal Protection – Patients are legally protected when using cannabis prescribed under TCUP.
  • Medical Guidance – Prescriptions are monitored by licensed physicians to ensure safe usage.
  • Symptom Relief – Cannabis may help with pain, spasticity, seizures, chronic pain, and other symptoms related to chronic conditions.

Q&A: Texas Compassionate Use Program

Q: Is recreational marijuana legal in Texas?
A: No. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Texas. The CUP only allows for CBD/THC to be prescribed for qualifying medical conditions. The advertised “Cannabis” available in CBD shops is derived from Hemp (Not the Marijuana plant) and has below 0.3% THC per state laws. These products are not well-regulated and could contain fillers, leading to health issues. 

Q: What does “low-THC” mean?
A: Under Texas law, medical cannabis must contain no more than 1% THC by weight. This ensures therapeutic benefits while minimizing psychoactive effects. 

Q: Do I need a medical marijuana card in Texas?
A: No. Texas does not use physical cards. Instead, prescriptions are entered in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT), which dispensaries can access. Our clinic will provide an official letter verifying your registration with the program. 

Q: Can I travel with my prescription?
A: You may travel within Texas with your prescription products, but crossing state lines with cannabis remains federally illegal.

Q: How do I know if cannabis is right for me?
A: The best way is to schedule a consultation with a registered CUP physician, who will review your medical history and condition. Zen Cannabis Clinic will help you learn more about this program. 


Contact Zen Cannabis Clinic

If you or a loved one may qualify for the Texas Compassionate Use Program, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Phone: (214) 646-2936
🌿 Zen Cannabis Clinic

Let our team help you understand your options and access safe, legal medical cannabis in Texas.

Visit Zen Cannabis Clinic

At Zen Cannabis Clinic, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Through our easy and secure telemedicine platform, our compassionate team ensures a smooth, stress-free experience—right from the comfort of your home.

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