The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has officially opened the application process to expand the Texas Medical Cannabis Program, with 12 new dispensing licenses available for qualified operators. This move could dramatically improve patient access to low-THC cannabis treatments in a state that still maintains one of the most restrictive medical marijuana systems in the nation.
The application period for the Texas Medical Cannabis Program closes on September 15 at 5 p.m. CT. The expansion is being implemented in two phases under House Bill 46. Phase I will award nine licenses to existing applicants, with winners to be announced on December 1. Phase II will grant three licenses to first-time applicants, with selections revealed by April 1, 2026.
Current applicants from the 2023 cycle must update their submissions via DPS’s secure portal to remain eligible for the Texas Medical Cannabis Program. According to DPS, “Failure to update an application will result in automatic disqualification from the competitive selection process.” No additional fees will be charged for updates, but applicants seeking refunds must withdraw by August 15.
New applicants hoping to participate in the Texas Medical Cannabis Program will need to pay standard application fees and ensure their submissions are complete before the September deadline. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
The Texas Medical Cannabis Program began in 2015 through the Compassionate Use Program, which allows licensed physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis for specific qualifying conditions. While the program has expanded in recent years, it remains far more limited compared to other states, both in terms of eligible conditions and product types.
Dispensing organizations licensed under the Texas Medical Cannabis Program must comply with stringent state regulations and undergo regular inspections to ensure quality and safety.
Advocates believe the addition of 12 new licenses could reduce travel distances for patients, shorten wait times, and provide more consistent access to treatments. This is particularly important in rural areas, where medical cannabis availability has historically been scarce.
Applications and detailed guidelines for the Texas Medical Cannabis Program are available through the DPS Regulatory Services Division contact portal. With the competitive selection process underway, both new and returning applicants are urged to prepare their submissions early to ensure compliance with all requirements.
The coming expansion of the Texas Medical Cannabis Program marks a pivotal step in increasing access while maintaining strict oversight balancing patient needs with regulatory safeguards in one of the nation’s most tightly controlled cannabis systems.
