This week, the Texas House voted in favor of expanding the state’s Compassionate Use Program, a move that could dramatically increase access to medical marijuana for thousands of Texans. The program, originally established in 2015 to help epilepsy patients, has since grown to include conditions like autism, cancer, and PTSD. But many families and advocates argue that outdated regulations continue to limit availability and affordability—challenges that this new bill aims to address.
One of the strongest voices for change comes from Austin mom, Kaylee Koch. Her 10-year-old son Jacob has struggled with seizures since he was a toddler. In 2020, they turned to medical cannabis for relief. Since then, Jacob’s seizures have dramatically decreased. For the Koch family, access to cannabis has been life-changing—and because they live near a licensed dispensary, it’s also been relatively convenient. However, most Texans aren't as lucky.
Currently, Texas has only three licensed providers. Patients outside major cities like Austin, Houston, or Dallas must rely on delivery services. These deliveries are time-consuming and expensive. If a patient misses a pickup, the medicine is often driven all the way back, adding more logistical hurdles.
The new bill, authored by Rep. Ken King, addresses these issues directly. It proposes the establishment of secure pickup locations throughout the state, eliminating the need for long-distance deliveries. This would make medication more accessible for patients in rural and underserved areas.
Another major change in the bill is how medical cannabis can be consumed. Presently, patients like Jacob take low-THC tinctures placed under the tongue, which take up to 30 minutes to work. But for patients suffering from conditions like PTSD, faster relief is essential. The bill would permit inhalable options—not marijuana cigarettes, which remain banned—but medically approved inhalation methods that act within minutes.
Additionally, the bill mandates the state to increase the number of licensed providers from three to at least eleven. This would help expand the network of care, enabling more Texans to find relief through legal, regulated cannabis treatments.
As of March 2024, more than 110,000 patients and 848 doctors are registered in the program. Still, a recent report from the Texas Department of Public Safety emphasized a clear need for broader access and more participating physicians.
With the House’s approval of the expansion bill, the future of medical marijuana in Texas looks more hopeful—for families like the Kochs, and for thousands of others who could benefit from more compassionate and accessible care.