Texas’ medical marijuana program is expanding, with new laws now in effect that increase access for patients across the state, including in North Texas. While much of the debate in 2025 centered on THC and hemp products — ending with an executive order from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott that in creased fees on THC stores and made intoxicating cannabis off-limits — lawmakers agreed on expanding the state’s Compassionate Use Program, known as T-CUP. The changes are already being felt at places like Goodblend in Plano. “It was really a transformative change this last session,” said Nick Fallon with Goodblend. Under the previous law, Fallon said the company had to drive every order from Austin to comply with state regulations. Now, dispensaries can operate satellite locations and store medical marijuana on-site, making it easier for patients to access their prescriptions. Lawmakers also increased the number of approved vendors from three to 15. In addition, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury and certain breathing disorders were added to the list of qualifying conditions. Patients must have a prescription and be registered in the state’s Compassionate Use database. “You can then call us, or now you can come into the store and actually just pick up what you want as long as it’s compliant with your prescription,” Goodblend said. On Friday, the company marked the changes with a reopening celebration. Fallon estimates between 30,000 and 40,000 patients are currently enrolled in the T-CUP program, with room for growth under the new laws. “It’s already hard enough to get your medicine into access and to improve the access is really important to us,” Goodblend said. Lawmakers will return to Austin in January 2027 for the next legislative session. Key leaders involved in the cannabis debate have said they plan to monitor the program and consider whether additional changes are needed. ...read more read less