H.B. No. 46 amends the Texas Compassionate-Use Program to improve the regulation and administration of low-THC cannabis. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Public Safety to register all personnel involved in dispensing organizations and the creation of a confidential patient registry accessible only to authorized individuals. The bill allows dispensing organizations to operate satellite locations for secure storage of low-THC cannabis without needing an additional license, provided they meet specific conditions. It also mandates that these organizations must commence operations within 24 months of receiving their license and maintain continuous dispensing throughout the license term.

Additionally, the bill clarifies eligibility criteria for dispensing organization applicants, emphasizing financial stability and accountability for cannabis products. It prohibits municipalities and counties from restricting the cultivation, production, storage, dispensing, or possession of low-THC cannabis as authorized by the law. The definition of low-THC cannabis is updated to a maximum of 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinols per dosage unit, and the list of qualifying medical conditions is expanded to include chronic pain. The bill also introduces regulations for prescriptions, allowing a 90-day supply with up to four refills, and permits physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis through pulmonary inhalation if medically necessary. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with a deadline for implementation by October 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)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 487.053, Health and Safety Code 487.054, Health and Safety Code 487.101, Health and Safety Code 487.102, Health and Safety Code 487.103, Health and Safety Code 487.104, Health and Safety Code 487.105, Health and Safety Code 487.107, Health and Safety Code 487.151, Health and Safety Code 487.201, Occupations Code 169.001, Occupations Code 169.003 (Health and Safety Code 487, Occupations Code 169)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 487.053, Health and Safety Code 487.054, Health and Safety Code 487.101, Health and Safety Code 487.102, Health and Safety Code 487.103, Health and Safety Code 487.104, Health and Safety Code 487.105, Health and Safety Code 487.151, Health and Safety Code 487.201, Occupations Code 169.001, Occupations Code 169.003 (Health and Safety Code 487, Occupations Code 169)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 487.001, Health and Safety Code 487.053, Health and Safety Code 487.101, Health and Safety Code 487.103, Health and Safety Code 487.104, Health and Safety Code 487.105, Health and Safety Code 487.107, Health and Safety Code 487.151, Health and Safety Code 487.201, Occupations Code 169.001, Occupations Code 169.003 (Health and Safety Code 487, Occupations Code 169)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 487.053, Health and Safety Code 487.054, Health and Safety Code 487.101, Health and Safety Code 487.102, Health and Safety Code 487.103, Health and Safety Code 487.104, Health and Safety Code 487.105, Health and Safety Code 487.107, Health and Safety Code 487.151, Health and Safety Code 487.201, Occupations Code 169.001, Occupations Code 169.003 (Health and Safety Code 487, Occupations Code 169)