A Guide to Getting a Prescription for Medical Marijuana in Texas

Medical marijuana has been a treatment for many diseases and ailments for as far back as people can remember. While this medicine experienced a time of stigma and illegality, more and more states are coming around to realize the serious benefits offered by this plant.

The state of Texas legalized the use of medical marijuana for those with qualifying conditions which include:

• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Seizure disorder
• Spasticity
• Autism
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Cancer
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Incurable neurodegenerative diseases

What’s more, qualified physicians may only prescribe low-THC marijuana, which is defined as less than 1% THC by weight. This ratio was recently raised from 0.5% in September of 2021.

Getting a Medical Marijuana Prescription in Texas

Unlike other states, in Texas, there is no physical medical marijuana card that patients receive. Instead, a qualifying physician simply registers you with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT), and you can go on to fill your prescription that very day.

To qualify for the program, the patient must be a permanent resident of Texas; they must have one of the qualifying conditions, and; the prescribing physicians must recommend the use of low-THC cannabis as beneficial to the patient.

Registration for CURT does not require any fee payment, and the statute does not place any age limitations on who can enter the program. However, any patients under the age of 18 will require a legal guardian.

Once you are in the CURT registry, dispensaries can look you up in their registry when you go to pick up your prescription. There is also no smoking in Texas, so all medical marijuana prescriptions are for vaporizing, ingesting, or for topical use.

What to Be Aware of As a Medical Marijuana User in Texas

Cannabis is still illegal for recreational use in the state of Texas, as is smoking dried flower marijuana cigarettes, home cultivation, and THC cannabis that is over 1% THC. Low-THC products can only be procured from a licensed dispensary. Many have been hoping for a maximum increase to 5%, so with luck, this may be forthcoming in the future.

The Texas Compassionate Use Act, signed in 2015, is the most restrictive marijuana legalization protocol in the country. As of 2021, cannabis and CBD products are available through 11 different dispensaries under fairly narrow conditions.

Prospective patients should also know that the CUP does not explicitly stop individuals from owning or purchasing firearms. However, underlying conditions may disqualify individuals for gun ownership, as well as possession of any more potent THC or past possession.

If you think Texas’s medical marijuana Compassionate Use Program may be right for you, reach out to DocMJ today to find out more about qualifying conditions, laws, and your rights. As well, before making any changes or trying any new medications or if there have been any changes to your health status, it is always important to check with your doctor.

Dr. Ross Glider

Dr. Glider is a board certified Internal Medicine Specialist.  He received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2017 and was one of the first recommending physicians with DocMJ. In addition to medical marijuana recommendations, Dr. Glider continues to practice Internal and Geriatric Medicine in private practice. Additionally, he serves as Medical Director for a home health company, supervising and educating staff, as well as supervising an advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners for a transitional care program.

Dr. Glider graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery in Des Moines, IA and completed his residency at Saddlebrook General Hospital in Saddlebrook, NJ. He has received several honors and awards throughout his professional career, including a City of Des Moines Merit Award and a Chamber of Commerce Award (Port St. Lucie, FL).  Dr. Glider is an experienced and caring physician who is loved and respected by his peers and his patients.