Step-by-step guide to qualifying for and obtaining a medical marijuana card in Texas through the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). Written by the licensed physician network at Miracle Leaf®.
Texas medical cannabis program at a glance
| Program | Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) |
|---|---|
| Legalized | 2015 |
| Patient minimum age | No statutory minimum |
| Caregiver minimum age | 21 (parent of minor patient may serve as caregiver) |
| Possession limit | Physician-prescribed low-THC cannabis (≤1% THC by weight); dispensary-supplied only; no flower |
| Home cultivation | Not permitted |
| Out-of-state reciprocity | Not honored |
Qualifying conditions in Texas
The conditions listed below are statutory qualifiers under the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). Diagnosis must be documented in your medical record. Your evaluating physician will confirm that you meet the legal criteria during your visit.
- Chronic Pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Seizure Disorders
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn's Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
See the full qualifying conditions list with clinical evidence summaries.
How to get your Texas medical marijuana card
- Confirm you have a qualifying condition. Gather medical records that document your diagnosis and prior treatment history.
- Schedule an evaluation with a state-registered physician. Miracle Leaf® physicians are licensed to evaluate Texas patients in person and (where state law permits) via telehealth.
- Attend your evaluation. The physician reviews your records, performs a clinical assessment, and determines whether you meet the program criteria.
- Receive your certification. Your physician enters the prescription into the Texas Compassionate-Use Registry (CURT). The prescription itself is the access mechanism for licensed dispensaries.
- Purchase from a licensed dispensary. Bring photo ID and your registry credential. Out-of-pocket payment is typical; insurance does not cover state medical cannabis programs.
What to bring to your appointment
- Government-issued photo ID showing Texas residency
- Medical records that document your qualifying condition
- Current medication list (prescription and over-the-counter)
- List of questions for the evaluating physician
- Method of payment for the evaluation
Frequently asked questions
Is recreational marijuana legal in Texas?
No. Recreational cannabis is illegal statewide. Possession of under 2 oz is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Larger amounts scale to felony, with substantial quantities triggering 1st-degree felony penalties of up to life under TX Health & Safety Code §§481.121 and 481.122. Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio operate municipal cite-and-release programs.
Who qualifies for the Texas Compassionate Use Program?
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 487, as expanded by HB 46 of 2025, lists qualifying conditions: epilepsy and seizure disorders, all cancers, autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis, ALS, spasticity, incurable neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's), PTSD, chronic pain, Crohn's disease, and traumatic brain injury.
What are Texas medical possession limits?
TCUP authorizes physician-prescribed low-THC cannabis capped at 1% THC by weight (raised from 0.5% by HB 1535 in 2021). Approved forms are oils, tinctures, capsules, lozenges, patches, lotions, and vaporization (the latter three authorized by HB 46 in 2025). Smokable flower is not permitted. Patients must purchase from one of three licensed dispensaries.
Can Texas patients grow cannabis at home?
No. Home cultivation is prohibited under TCUP. All medical cannabis must be purchased from a state-licensed dispensary (currently Compassionate Cultivation, Surterra Texas, and Goodblend). Patients pay out of pocket; Texas insurance does not cover TCUP products.
Does Texas accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards?
No. TCUP does not provide reciprocity. Patients must be Texas residents to register. Out-of-state medical-cardholders are not authorized to purchase from Texas dispensaries.
How do I get a Texas medical cannabis prescription?
Schedule a visit with a CURT-registered physician willing to prescribe low-THC cannabis for a qualifying condition. The physician enters the prescription into the Compassionate-Use Registry of Texas (CURT). The patient then fills the prescription at one of the three licensed dispensaries. There is no separate state ID card; the prescription itself is the access mechanism.
Why patients choose Miracle Leaf®
Miracle Leaf® operates a multi-state network of state-licensed certification clinics. Our physicians evaluate qualifying patients with the same rigor as any specialty medical visit. Our practice includes in-state pickup of Miracle Leaf® brand hemp-derived CBD and Delta-8 products from our retail location (Miracle Leaf® Store) and ship-to-home options for patients who prefer remote ordering.
Same-week appointments available at most locations. No-card-no-fee guarantee. Bilingual staff at many locations.
Sources and citations
- Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 487: Compassionate-Use Program
- NORML: Texas Laws & Penalties
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Texas (legislative history backlinks)
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17. This page is reviewed every six months and updated whenever Texas statute or program rules change materially.