The Texas Compassionate Use Act was first enacted as Senate Bill 339 by the Texas Legislature in 2015. During the 2019 Legislative Session, House Bill 3703 updated the Texas Compassionate Use Act to allow any board certified specialist to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients who have been diagnosed with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism, ALS, terminal cancer, spasticity, and neurodegenerative disease.
Originally, to receive treatment, two qualified neurologists had to agree that you meet the requirements. Under the new law, a single physician who is board certified in a medical specialty relevant to the treatment of the patient’s medical condition can prescribe treatment.
SnapMedicinal makes it easy for you to connect with a registered board-certified physician. SnapMedicinal facilitates your consult all from the convenience of your computer or smart device. There is no need to seek out a qualified specialist, coordinate appointments or travel to their offices.
Next Steps
In order to receive ongoing treatment, if you are being treated by a physician, you must meet monthly with the physician who approved your treatment.
SnapMedicinal facilitates your ongoing treatment by connecting you to your physician when followup appointments are required.
Next Steps
In order to receive treatment, the physician will enter the prescription in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas system. Once prescribed, the dispensing organizations search the patient in the system and dispense the medication.
SnapMedicinal connects the physician with the dispensary in a compliant and secure way online.
Next Steps
The Texas Compassionate Use Act allows the use of low-THC cannabis for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, autism, ALS, terminal cancer, and neurodegenerative disease.
A patient may be recommended low-THC cannabis if:
a. A patient is a permanent resident of the state
b. A patient is diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions
c. The qualified physician determines the risk of the medical use of low-THC cannabis by a patient is reasonable in light of the potential benefit for the patient
No. Statute does not require patients to register or pay a fee. Patient information will be retained in the Compassionate Use Registry. A qualified physician will enter a patient’s name, date of birth, low-THC dosage recommended and means of administration into the Compassionate Use Registry.
Yes. Statute places no limitations on the age of the patient.
Patients must be permanent Texas residents.
No. Only licensed dispensers will be able grow cannabis and only for use in the production of low-THC cannabis. Patients are required to purchase low-THC cannabis products from a licensed dispensing organization.
Prices will be set by the licensed dispensing organizations, based on the market. DPS does not regulate the cost of the product.
No.
It varies by person depending on their weight and the severity of their condition. This information is subject to change, but early indications are that the majority of patients are going to pay between $180 and $240 per month at full cost. Patients with more severe cases will pay more.
Texas Compassionate Use Act (House Bill 3703)
Compassionate Use Program Administrative Rules (note that DPS is currently working on updating program based on HB 3703. Should be finalized in Fall 2019.)
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Texans with all forms of epilepsy, spasticity, multiple sclerosis, autism, ALS, terminal cancer, and neurodegenerative disease will soon have access to CBD (low-THC cannabis). Sign up to our newsletter today for the latest information.
