Edibles in Texas: Everything You Need to Know

As of September 2021, low-THC edibles are allowed for Compassionate Use Program members in Texas. This recent expansion of the program added more qualifying conditions including PTSD and all states of cancer. The changes also included an increase in THC levels allowed from 0.5% to 1%.

As well, the CUP program has been expanded to allow medical marijuana in a variety of ways, including vaporizing, ingesting, and as oils. Basically, everything is permitted except smoking the marijuana flower (essentially in the form of a cigarette).

When it comes to learning about edibles, there are a huge variety of different products available, from cakes to colorful gummies to nutty chocolates. However, each serving must still have a maximum dosage of 1% THC. Beyond that, here is everything to know about marijuana edibles.

What are Marijuana Edibles?

Cannabis, in its edible form, comes in many shapes and sizes, most typically as lozenges, capsules, and food products. Edible marijuana produces longer-lasting, effective and safe effects. Edibles typically contain THC as well as CBD. Edibles used for medicinal purposes can have a variety of effects which may include euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, anxiety, and/or fatigue.

Pre-made edibles have been available illegally on the internet for some time, but they may start becoming more prevalent at your local dispensary with the expansion of the laws.

How Eating Edibles Differs from Smoking Cannabis

Opting to eat medical marijuana products can be a very discreet and simple way of getting your regular medical dose. Many have a hard time with vaporizing, and oils can be inconvenient if you are out and about, so eating a lozenge or taking a capsule can be the best option for some people.

When eating, the substance must pass through the digestive system before being broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. For this reason, this method can take longer; however, the effects will last much longer.

The effects from edibles typically last between 5-6 hours; however, it is somewhat different from person to person, and much is determined by individual biology, the dosage, and type of edible. Peak effects will only last 1-3 hours.

Because the effects of edibles can last quite a bit longer, it is best to start with a low dose and slowly work your way up. This way, you will avoid accidentally having overly potent effects which last uncomfortably long. The standard dose is typically 10mg, but if you are brand new to using medical marijuana, you may want to begin with half that amount. Through trial and error, you will find your comfort level.

Registering to be Able to Legally Obtain Medical Marijuana Edibles

In Texas, there is no physical medical marijuana card. 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 Compassionate Use Program, the patient must: be a permanent resident of Texas; have one of the qualifying conditions, and; the prescribing physicians must see the benefit to the use of low-THC cannabis for this particular patient.

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

DocMJ now has locations around Texas with registered medical marijuana recommending physicians. Our appointment times are flexible, so call us to come in and talk if you have any questions or concerns about trying edibles or joining the Compassionate Use Program.