Finding a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Texas: Your Guide to Marijuana Medicine Options
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Looking into marijuana medicine in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially with the rules changing so often. Whether you're exploring options for chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy or another condition, the first and most important step is finding a qualified medical marijuana doctor in Texas. Here's what that means, how the process works in 2026, and what to expect at your visit.
Why You Need a Registered Physician
In Texas, medical cannabis is available only through the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), and only physicians registered in the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) can prescribe it. About 800 physicians were registered statewide by early 2026. A registered physician can:
- Confirm whether your diagnosis is a qualifying condition under Texas law
- Evaluate your history, current medications and past treatments
- Decide whether low-THC cannabis is appropriate, and if so, prescribe a specific product type and THC dose
- Enter your prescription in CURT so a licensed dispensing organization can fill it
Texas does not issue a medical marijuana card; the prescription in CURT is what matters. Over-the-counter hemp and CBD products sold in stores are not part of TCUP and aren't regulated as medicine.
Who Qualifies for Marijuana Medicine in Texas
You must be a permanent Texas resident diagnosed with one of these conditions:
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spasticity
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism
- Cancer (any stage, not only terminal cancer)
- An incurable neurodegenerative disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- A condition that causes chronic pain (as defined in state law)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Crohn's disease or another inflammatory bowel disease
- A terminal illness, or a condition for which you are receiving hospice or palliative care
- A condition approved for a state-approved research program, while you are enrolled in it
Qualifying depends both on the diagnosis and on the physician's evaluation. See our qualifying conditions page for more.
What Marijuana Medicine Options Look Like
Texas allows only low-THC cannabis, with no more than 10 mg of THC per dose. Common forms include tinctures, capsules, gummies and lozenges. Smoking and dry flower are not allowed. Vaporized products can be prescribed only if your physician finds them medically necessary. Prescriptions can cover a 90-day supply with up to four 90-day refills.
How to Choose a Medical Marijuana Doctor
- Registration: Make sure the physician is registered in CURT to prescribe low-THC cannabis.
- A real medical evaluation: A good physician reviews your records and medications instead of simply "approving" you.
- Honest expectations: Be cautious of anyone promising cures or guaranteed results.
- Follow-up care: Medical cannabis should be monitored over time, with doses adjusted as needed.
- Convenience: Telemedicine lets many Texans see a registered physician from home.
- Clear pricing: Ask what the visit costs up front. Product costs are separate and paid to the dispensing organization.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Before the visit: Gather records that document your diagnosis and a list of your current medications.
- During the visit: The physician asks about your symptoms, what you've tried and how your condition affects daily life, and explains the potential benefits and risks.
- If you qualify: The physician enters your prescription in CURT and explains how to fill it at a licensed dispensing organization.
- Follow-up: You'll check in to see how the treatment is working and whether any changes are needed.
Benefits and Risks to Discuss
Some studies suggest cannabis may help with certain kinds of chronic pain, muscle spasticity, chemotherapy-related nausea and some seizure disorders. Evidence for other uses, including PTSD, is still developing. THC can cause drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, a fast heart rate and impaired coordination, and it may interact with medications such as sedatives, some antidepressants and blood thinners. A physician can help you weigh these for your own health.
Veterans
VA physicians can't recommend medical cannabis, but veterans can see a registered non-VA physician for a TCUP prescription. Learn more on our veteran resources page.
See Dr. Hill by Telemedicine
Hill Family Cannabis is the medical cannabis practice of Hill Family Medicine in Austin. Dr. Matthew Hill, DO, is a family physician registered to prescribe through TCUP, and he sees patients across Texas by telemedicine. We don't sell cannabis; if a prescription is right for you, you'll fill it at a licensed dispensing organization. Learn how to get a prescription, review our pricing, or book a visit.
This article is for general information and isn't medical or legal advice. Talk with a physician about your situation.