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The Texas Medical Marijuana THC Cap, Explained

With only days left in the legislative session, the clock is ticking to help Texas patients get healthy.

UPDATED 5/25/2021

Yesterday, HB 1535 was heard by the Senate State Affairs Committee and passed unanimously. The bill now awaits debate and a vote by the full Texas Senate.

During committee review, HB 1535 was amended to remove chronic pain as a qualifying condition and reduce the proposed THC limit from 5% to 1%. Supporters argue that a 1% THC cap represents only a small increase from the current 0.5% limit and would provide limited additional benefit for many patients.

A 5% THC cap, however, could significantly improve quality of life for patients who require higher THC doses to manage their symptoms. Here’s why many advocates support the proposed increase.

^{Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation patient Blake Novacek must consume more than 11 syringes of oil each day to reach his prescribed THC dosage under the current 0.5% THC limit.}

How Does the THC Cap Work?

In Texas, medical marijuana products may contain no more than 0.5% THC by weight. Because the limit is based on the total weight of the product rather than the number of milligrams of THC, patients can achieve higher THC doses only by consuming larger quantities of tinctures, lozenges, gummies, or combinations of products prescribed by their physician.

For patients prescribed higher daily doses of THC, this often requires consuming large amounts of carrier oil, which may contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort. Advocates argue that increasing the allowable THC concentration would enable patients to consume less product while still reaching the dosage recommended by their physician.

How Do Physicians Prescribe THC in Texas?

Physicians participating in the Texas Compassionate Use Program prescribe THC dosages based on each patient’s medical needs. Under the current 0.5% THC cap, some patients are prescribed more than 25 mg of THC per day. For many, achieving that dosage can improve sleep, mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

However, because of the existing THC concentration limit, patients often must consume substantially more product than would otherwise be necessary to receive their prescribed dose.

What Would a 5% THC Cap Do?

Increasing the THC cap to 5% by weight would allow products to contain higher concentrations of THC. Supporters believe this change would help patients reach their prescribed dosage more efficiently, reduce the amount of carrier oil they need to consume, and lessen gastrointestinal side effects.

Advocates also argue that a higher THC limit would allow licensed Texas medical marijuana providers to offer products more comparable to those available in states with broader medical cannabis programs.

Supporters conclude that increasing the THC cap would improve patient access to physician-prescribed treatment while reducing the amount of product required to achieve therapeutic doses.

Ask Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to Help Texas Patients

HB 1535 is running out of time to receive a Senate vote. Supporters encourage Texans to call (512) 463-0001 each day and respectfully ask Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to refer HB 1535 for consideration.

Other Blogs

Other Blogs

Meet the Woman Who Authored Texas’ Medical Cannabis Law

The Texas Medical Marijuana THC Cap, Explained

How Does the THC Cap Work?

How Do Physicians Prescribe THC in Texas?

What Would a 5% THC Cap Do?

Ask Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to Help Texas Patients

Other Blogs

Other Blogs

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Fort Worth

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Houston Heights

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Lubbock

Nacogdoches

New Braunfels

North Austin

North Dallas

Plano

San Antonio

South Austin

Sugar Land

The Woodlands

Tyler

Waco

Delivery

New Braunfels

North Austin

South Austin

San Antonio

Waco

Nacogdoches

Tyler

Hurst

Fort Worth

Frisco

North Dallas

Plano

Conroe

Houston Heights

Sugar Land

The Woodlands

Corpus Christi