The complete guide to cannabis in Houston

Adult-use cannabis is prohibited across Texas. However, people who have certain health conditions can apply for the state’s medical cannabis registry.

Still, even state-approved medical users face certain restrictions around cannabis. If you’re a Houston resident, it’s important to stay on top of local cannabis laws.

Key takeaways

Here are the most important things to know about medical cannabis in Houston:

• Legal age: State-approved medical users must be at least 18 to purchase cannabis from a dispensary.
• Purchase limits: State-approved medical cannabis users can only buy products that contain up to 1% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Product restrictions: Inhaled products, including cannabis flower and vaporizers, are banned in Houston and throughout the state.

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Texas cannabis laws

Under Texas law, it’s strictly illegal to purchase, possess, or use recreational cannabis. The only way to access and consume cannabis legally in Texas is by signing up with the state’s medical cannabis program, known as the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT).

However, even for state-approved medical users, certain restrictions apply.

Recreational cannabis laws

Recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited in Texas. Anyone that’s caught possessing cannabis who isn’t approved for medical use through the state can face criminal charges, including fines and potential jail time.

Medical cannabis laws

Medical cannabis became legal in Texas in 2015 with the passing of the Texas Compassionate Use Act. This means that any resident 18 or older who has a state-approved health condition can apply for the state’s medical cannabis registry to purchase, possess, and use cannabis legally.

If you’re a minor who has a qualifying health condition, Texas law allows a caregiver who is 18 or older to apply for the state’s medical registry to legally access cannabis on your behalf.

Current state laws around medical cannabis impose certain restrictions.

Inhaled products, including cannabis flower and vaporizers, are prohibited. This limits product availability to options such as:

• Edibles
• Oils
• Topicals
• Nebulizers
• Suppositories

These cannabis products must not exceed 1% THC, the chemical in cannabis that provides psychoactive effects.

But in June of 2025, the Texas Compassionate Use Act was expanded to increase the THC limit to 10%. Products must also contain a maximum of 1 gram THC per package. The amendment also added more  qualifying health conditions. These changes will go into effect on September 1, 2025.

Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime in Texas, even for state-approved medical cannabis users. If caught, you may face:

• Up to 180 days in prison
• Up to a $2,000 fine
• Suspension of your driver’s license

Texas does not have employment laws that offer legal protections at work like other states do. This means that state-approved medical users may risk losing their job or not getting hired if they fail a drug test for cannabis use.

Texas law also forbids residents from growing cannabis at home.

How to get medical marijuana in Houston

The first step to accessing medical cannabis legally throughout Texas is registering with CURT. To do this, you’ll need to have:

1. A state-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license.
2. A medical cannabis recommendation in writing from a licensed physician.

Finding a doctor

You can’t access medical cannabis in Houston unless you have a physician’s written recommendation. This is a document your doctor can provide after diagnosing you with one of the state’s qualifying health conditions.

To find a doctor who can make a recommendation, you can search the CURT database for a provider near you. Or you can opt for a telehealth service like Leafwell, which can get you a same-day appointment with a licensed physician to discuss your options.

Your doctor will upload their recommendation to CURT following your appointment. You can start purchasing medical cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary immediately after approval.

Note that Texas does not issue physical medical cannabis cards. To make your dispensary purchase, you’ll need to show identification and confirm personal details like your name, date of birth, and the last five digits of your social security number.

Qualifying conditions

To get approved for medical cannabis in Texas, you must be diagnosed with one of the following health conditions:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other incurable neurodegenerative diseases
• Autism
• Cancer
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Spasticity

Beginning September 1, 2025, you can also qualify you for medical cannabis if you have:

• Chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Terminal illnesses
• Been admitted to hospice care

Can an out-of-state medical marijuana patient purchase medical cannabis in Houston?

Texas does not recognize reciprocity laws. This means that out-of-state visitors cannot use their medical cannabis card from another state to legally purchase cannabis products in Houston.

Benefits of getting medical cannabis in Houston

The only way to access cannabis legally throughout Texas is by applying to join the state’s medical cannabis registry. Without state approval, Houston residents caught possessing cannabis can face penalties, including fines and jail time.

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Dispensaries in Houston

There are few state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Houston. However, that will likely change soon, as Texas is planning to increase the number of licenses that are available for dispensaries.

That said, Goodblend (9432 Katy Fwy, #400, Houston, TX 77055) is a licensed medical dispensary known for their frequent deals and discounts, with a large selection of quality edibles, oils, and more.

You may find cannabis businesses in your area that call themselves dispensaries and carry unregulated products, such as THCA vapes or THCA flower. Buying from these businesses is not recommended, as unregulated cannabis products may be low in quality or unsafe.

Where to consume cannabis in Houston

While the state does not explicitly ban public use of approved cannabis products, it’s still recommended to stick to consuming cannabis in a private residence.

Because inhaled products are illegal in Texas, you cannot smoke or vaporize cannabis anywhere, including private residences.

Tips for buying cannabis in Houston

Once you’re approved for the medical cannabis registry in Texas, here’s how to enjoy cannabis safely and legally in Houston:

• Purchase from licensed dispensaries: Only buy your cannabis products from state-licensed medical dispensaries. Otherwise, you’re at risk of getting low-quality or potentially harmful products.
• Experiment with product types: Texas law prohibits inhaled products like vaporizers and cannabis flower. But you can still choose from a large variety of options, including oils, edibles, and topicals. Experiment with different options to find what works best for you.
• Get expert guidance: If you’re a cannabis beginner, consider seeking help from an industry expert. Ask your local budtender or a Leafwell provider for personalized advice regarding your cannabis use.
• Compare prices: Compare prices between different dispensaries to find deals on your favorite cannabis products.
• Check local laws: Cannabis laws are still evolving in Texas. Check stat and local laws periodically to stay up to date on any changes that may affect your cannabis usage.
• Bring your ID: Dispensaries in Texas require you to show your state-issued photo ID before purchasing medical cannabis products.

Resources 

• Compassionate Use Program. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/compassionate-use-program
• Compassionate Use Registry of Texas. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/compassionate-use-program/faq/compassionate-use-registry-texas-curt
• Health and safety code. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.481.htm#481.121
• H.B. No. 46. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/HB00046F.htm
• Is medical marijuana legal in Texas? https://www.sll.texas.gov/faqs/medical-marijuana/
• Overview of Texas’ Compassionate Use Program. https://www.mpp.org/states/texas/overview-of-texas-cbd-bill/
• Penal code. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.49.htm