The bill, S.B. No. 1505, amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code to enhance the Texas Compassionate-Use Program, which governs the medical use of low-THC cannabis. Key provisions include the requirement for dispensing organizations to obtain a license to operate and the introduction of regulations for satellite locations where low-THC cannabis can be securely stored. The bill specifies that a dispensing organization is not required to apply for an additional license for a satellite location if it was included in the original application or if approved by the department. Additionally, the bill limits the amount of tetrahydrocannabinols in a package to 300 milligrams and mandates that each prescription for low-THC cannabis can only cover a 90-day supply.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "medical use" to include various methods of administration, excluding smoking, and allows for the prescription of low-THC cannabis via pulmonary inhalation if deemed medically necessary by a physician. It also establishes that counties and municipalities cannot prohibit the storage, dispensing, or possession of low-THC cannabis as authorized by the state. The Department of Public Safety and the Health and Human Services Commission are tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes by October 1, 2025, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 487.101, Health and Safety Code 487.103, Health and Safety Code 487.104, Health and Safety Code 487.107, Health and Safety Code 487.201, Occupations Code 169.001, Occupations Code 169.003 (Health and Safety Code 487, Occupations Code 169)