Find a Doctor & Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Texas
Is cannabis legal in Texas?
In Texas, marijuana is considered a controlled substance, and its use, possession, and sale for recreational purposes are strictly prohibited by law.
Texas has limited provisions for the medical use of cannabis under the Texas Compassionate Use Act. This law allows for the use of low-THC cannabis extracts by individuals diagnosed with specific qualifying conditions, provided they have not responded to traditional treatment options.
The Texas Department of Public Safety oversees the Compassionate Use Program, or CUP, which regulates the licensing, production, and distribution of these low-THC cannabis extracts through authorized dispensaries.
The low-THC medical cannabis extracts (cannabis oil) must contain no more than 1% THC. However, the legal medical cannabis does not include other forms of medical marijuana like flower or cover a broad range of medical conditions, although the list of qualifying conditions has expanded in recent years.
Texas classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, and possessing marijuana can lead to severe legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment and substantial fines.
It is important to understand that Texas takes a firm stance against marijuana, and individuals caught with the substance may face significant consequences as dictated by state law. Cannabis is still illegal under federal law.
Getting your medical marijuana card in Texas affords certain legal protections to patients who are using cannabis products strictly for medical purposes.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a medical card?
To qualify for the Compassionate Use Program, patients must receive a recommendation from a licensed medical marijuana physician registered to prescribe cannabis with the Texas Compassionate Use Registry, which can be obtained through Compassionate Clinics of America.
In Texas, the a medical card or marijuana card is commonly referred to as a “prescription” or a “recommendation” from medical marijuana doctors rather than a traditional “medical marijuana card” found in some other states.
Who qualifies for a medical marijuana prescription in Texas?
By law, Compassionate Use Program, or CUP, is limited to residents of Texas with certain qualifying conditions.
In 2019 and 2021, the Texas Legislature passed changes that expanded the program’s qualifying conditions for which low-THC cannabis oil is provided with a prescription. Low-THC oil is 1% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with THC being the only restricted cannabinoid:
- all epilepsy and seizure disorders,
- all forms of cancer,
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
- multiple sclerosis,
- cerebral palsy,
- spasticity,
- autism,
- peripheral neuropathies,
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- Parkinson’s disease,
- Huntington’s disease,
- Other incurable neurological disorders or incurable neurodegenerative disease
To participate in the CUP, patients must be a permanent resident of Texas. Additionally, they must have one of the qualifying medical conditions listed above.
At an appointment with Compassionate Clinics of America, the prescribing physician will evaluate cannabis treatment for your medical condition and determine if the potential benefits of using low-THC cannabis outweigh the associated risks based on your medical history.
It’s important to note that there is no specific age limit for receiving a prescription, but patients under the age of 18 may require the involvement of a legal guardian in the process.
How do I get a medical marijuana card in Texas?
To get a medical marijuana recommendation or prescription in Texas, make an appointment through Compassionate Clinics of America to meet with a licensed medical marijuana doctor. During the appointment, the medical marijuana doctor will review your medical history and medical records of your qualifying medical condition to determine your eligibility for the medical marijuana program.
After determining your eligibility to participate in the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP), the physician will record the prescription in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).
Once this is done, the patient or their legal guardian can visit any of the licensed Texas dispensaries to fulfill the prescription and obtain low-THC cannabis oil. During the visit, the patient or legal guardian will be required to present identification and provide the patient’s last name, date of birth, and the last five digits of the patient’s Social Security Number.
These steps of collecting patient data ensure that the patient’s identity and prescription details are verified, allowing them to access the prescribed medical marijuana products from the licensed dispensary.
Where do I get medical marijuana in Texas?
Medical marijuana in Texas is limited to three dispensing organizations, or medical marijuana dispensaries that provide medical cannabis products:
- Fluent (formerly Cansortium Texas): https://texas.getfluent.com/;
- Compassionate Cultivation https://texasoriginal.com/, and
- Goodblend (Surterra Texas LLC, d/b/a goodblend) https://tx.goodblend.com/support/
How much does it cost to get a medical cannabis card in Texas?
The cost for an appointment with a medical cannabis doctor for a medical cannabis prescription or recommendation in Texas is $159. The renewal fee for your medical cannabis prescription is $100.
We offer Sezzle payment options to break up the cost into separate, affordable payments.
We do not provide medical marijuana cards; rather, when a licensed physician prescribes medical marijuana and register patients in the medical marijuana registry.
The process allows those who are a Texas resident and who have a qualifying condition to receive cannabis treatment through the Compassionate Use Program (CUP).
How long is my Texas medical marijuana card (Texas medical marijuana prescription) valid?
In order to keep your prescription active, you are required to renew your registration every two years.
When can I renew my ID card?
Medical marijuana prescriptions can be renewed online by a qualified physician between 60 and 90 days before the expiration date.
To ensure timely renewal, registration reminders will be sent to medical cannabis patients by email from Compassionate Clinics of America no later than 60 days before to the expiration date.
What is required for renewal?
During the renewal process, you may be asked to provide updated medical records or documentation supporting your continued need for medical marijuana treatment for a qualifying condition.
Texas patients who need a renewal for their prescription for medicinal marijuana can make an appointment with a licensed cannabis doctor at Compassionate Clinics of America.
I’ve heard that I can renew my Texas medical card for $20. Where can I renew my medical card for $20?
There are some companies out there claiming they can renew your medical cannabis certification for your medical card for $20. Unfortunately, no such provider exists.
The cost to renew your medical cannabis certification and card with Compassionate Clinics of America is $100. We are with you every step of the way throughout the process, and these fees are returned to you in the event you are not recertified.
I live in another state, can I apply for a medical marijuana card in Texas?
The Texas medical marijuana program is restricted to Texas residents and doctors within the state cannot prescribe medical marijuana to residents from other states.
The use of all forms of cannabis for recreational purposes within the state is strictly prohibited and possessing cannabis can lead to severe legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment and substantial fines.
The only legal way to use cannabis in Texas through the medical cannabis program.
Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in Texas?
The use of medical marijuana in Texas must be done within the privacy of one’s one home.
It is strictly prohibited to consume cannabis in public spaces across the state of Texas.
How long does it take to process my application?
You will be able to purchase cannabis oil from a licensed dispensary once you are registered in the medical cannabis program through one of the medical marijuana doctors at Compassionate Clinics of America.
The process is efficient, and we take every measure to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the whole process of exploring Texas medical marijuana.
Can I own a gun and have a medical cannabis card in Texas?
he Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has indicated that participation in the state’s Compassionate Use Program (CURT) does not automatically disqualify individuals from owning firearms or obtaining a Texas License to Carry. Instead, eligibility may be influenced by the individual’s underlying medical condition. If a person’s medical condition could impair their decision-making abilities, DPS may refer the case to the Medical Advisory Board under the Texas Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for evaluation and guidance. If the Board determines that the person is “unable to use good judgment about how to use and store a handgun,” DPS may either deny their application or revoke their License to Carry.
It’s worth noting that the US Congress has instructed the US Department of Justice not to allocate funds for enforcing federal cannabis laws at the state level, allowing state laws to take precedence. Therefore, being a part of CURT may not necessarily prevent individuals from owning or obtaining firearms, as long as DPS deems them responsible and capable of making sound judgments in firearm handling.
Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?
Yes! The process to get a prescription for medical marijuana in Texas is done through telemedicine! This means you can meet with a medical marijuana doctor right from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
When does the physician prescription for Texas medical marijuana expire?
In order to keep your prescription active, you are required to renew your registration every two years.
Compassionate Clinics of America will ensure you are aware of when it’s time to renew your prescription with one of our physicians.
Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in Texas?
Feel free to connect with us anytime at [email protected] or call us at (888) 611-4820.
To learn more about Texas’ Medical Marijuana program, read their state’s page Frequently Asked Questions:
