Report Finds Texas Medical Cannabis Program Inadequate for Patients

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the state’s medical cannabis program does not provide “statewide access” to medical cannabis and suggested that officials should take steps to expand accessibility for patients.

The Compassionate Use Program (CUP) allows for limited access to cannabis for patients with a qualifying condition and doctor’s recommendation, but only in non-smokable forms. Last week, DPS issued a report published in partnership with medical cannabis consulting firm Weeds, Inc., investigating the sustainability and accessibility of the program.

The report found the state could boost patient access by allowing for more retailers — there are currently just three dispensaries in Texas, which is the second-largest state in the U.S. in both size and population — and reducing some of the restrictions that retailers face. Additionally, the report suggests that expanding product options — as many patients have left the program due to the proliferation of delta-8 THC products derived from hemp, which is legal and largely unregulated in Texas — could improve accessibility.

However, the report stops short of making any official recommendations.

“At this time, given the proximity to the beginning of the 89th Texas Legislature, which convenes in January 2025, DPS will not be recommending any changes to CUP. However, the report has been provided to state lawmakers in the executive and legislative branches to determine what changes to the program, if any, may be warranted in the future.” — DPS statement, in a press release

Meanwhile, voters in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos have passed local cannabis decriminalization policies, and three more cities — Lockhart, Bastrop, and Dallas — are set to consider the reforms this November. Voters in Harker Heights also approved the reforms but the city council repealed the initiative. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sought to nullify the state’s local cannabis decriminalization ordinances but the lawsuit was dismissed in June.