What Are the Medical Marijuana Card Conditions in Texas?

By  //  August 17, 2022

Medical marijuana is under constant research as more and more studies are advocating for its benefits in improving various medical conditions. At the moment, 37 states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, meaning that doctors with a license to do so can now prescribe this alternative treatment to patients suffering from a qualifying medical condition.

The Compassionate Use Program (CUP) allows patients to apply for a medical card and be prescribed low tetrahydrocannabinol for their symptoms. The CUP is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety and can be accessed by eligible Texans who meet a set of criteria. Here is everything you need to know about what qualifies a patient for a medical marijuana card in Texas.

What Is a Medical Marijuana Card?

A Texas medical marijuanas card allows patients and caregivers to legally purchase and administer medical marijuana products according to a doctor’s prescription. Only a patient suffering from a qualifying medical condition can apply for such a card.

What Are the Patient Requirements in Texas?

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Texas, patients must meet a set of requirements.

■ patients must be Texas residents

■ patients must suffer from a medical condition determined as qualifiable

■ patients must obtain a physician’s recommendation

■ patients under 18 may need a caregiver or legal guardian

The first step in obtaining a medical marijuana card is booking a consultation with a state-licensed physician. Only they can determine whether your medical condition qualifies. Without their recommendation, Texans won’t be able to apply for a medical card.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for an MMJ Card in Texas?

States that have legalized medical marijuana will differ in the list of medical conditions they consider qualifiable. In Texas, medical marijuana was initially legalized for treating epilepsy. Nowadays, the medical conditions that qualify include, but are not limited to:

■ Seizure disorders 

■ Spasticity

■ Multiple sclerosis 

■ Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Moreover, any incurable neurodegenerative disease is considered qualifiable for medical marijuana as a treatment.

How To Obtain a Medical Marijuana Prescription

After being certified by a doctor, patients will enter the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas. This is where doctors will submit prescriptions for their patients. Patients can then fill in their prescription card at a state-licensed dispensary.

Medical Marijuana Card Limitations

Registered patients with a medical marijuana prescription can purchase their supply from dispensaries across the state, but must follow a few rules that include:

■ patients with a prescription from another state may not purchase medical marijuana in Texas

■ patients and caregivers may not grow their own medical marijuana

■ medical marijuana may not be smoked in Texas

Recreational use in Texas is still illegal and the penalties will differ depending on the amount an individual is found possessing. 

Conditions for Medical Marijuana Caregivers in Texas

Another thing to remember is that patients and caregivers may not activate outside of their rights. They may only purchase the supply specified in the prescription and may never distribute the products to someone else.

Caregivers must also register with the Texas Medical Marijuana Use Registry and complete a certification course. Medical marijuana patients are only allowed one designated caregiver, or two if the caregivers are actually their parents or legal guardians.

Bottom Line

Patients with permanent Texas residency can now access medical marijuana to treat their medical conditions and symptoms. Doctors are increasingly prescribing medical marijuana as an alternative treatment that can alleviate a patient’s symptoms. Registering with the Compassionate Use Program will allow patients to purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries across the state, according to their prescription.

If you believe that medical marijuana could be the right treatment for you, start by booking a consultation with a doctor and determine whether you indeed qualify for a medical card.