HOUSTON, Texas– The Texas House of Representatives advanced House Bill 46 on Tuesday, moving to expand the state’s medical cannabis program ahead of deliberations on a separate bill that would tighten regulations on THC-containing products.
Authored by Representative Ken King, House Bill 46 proposes to broaden the list of qualifying medical conditions for cannabis treatment.
The bill would also permit the use of additional cannabis-based products, including transdermal patches.
Under the proposal, patients with chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, cancer, glaucoma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would become eligible for medical cannabis use.
House Bill 46 is progressing alongside Senate Bill 3, a separate measure aimed at introducing stricter controls on consumable THC products across the state.
Although SB 3 does not include a ban on such products, it proposes limits on sales and outlines compliance standards for the hemp and cannabis industries.
The dual movement of these bills reflects Texas lawmakers’ effort to balance expanding access to medical cannabis with increased regulation of THC to address public health and safety concerns.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has publicly supported regulatory measures for THC products, though he has not advocated for an outright ban.