Medical Marijuana card in Houston, Texas 2024
For thousands of years, humans have cultivated marijuana for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal properties. However, despite its significant medicinal uses, states have restricted the use of marijuana products. However, cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating chemical, has gained some acceptance in most states. These states allow medical cannabis use, and a quarter of states have legalized recreational marijuana use. In some states, like Texas, the use of recreational marijuana remains illegal. But, Texas has implemented a program that allows Texans with qualifying conditions to get a medical marijuana card (MMJ Card).
What is a medical marijuana card?
A medical marijuana card is a state-issued digital and physical card that allows patients with qualifying conditions to possess, get, or cultivate marijuana. If you have a qualifying condition to use marijuana, then getting a medical marijuana card is a great benefit. Certain states, like Texas, have created programs for MMJ cards for patients who meet specific eligibility requirements. The marijuana card will enable Texans to buy marijuana products from dispensaries or cultivate them themselves within state regulations. However, it is illegal to grow marijuana in Texas.
Read more about the Online Medical Marijuana Card Renewal in Texas
List of medical marijuana doctors in Houston:
| Dr. Weedy | Houston – Online | (888) 409 29 51 | 153 Reviews |
| Dr. Joshua Rotenberg | 902 frostwood Dr Houston, Texas US 77024 |
(713) 464-4107 | 160 Reviews |
| Dr. Desiree B. Thomas | Get directions 2727 W Holcombe Blvd Houston, Texas US 77025 |
(713) 442-0000 | 10 Reviews |
Marijuana Laws in Houston, Texas
While cannabis is illegal at the federal level, state-approved programs for medical cannabis are sprouting like weeds nationwide. In Texas, cannabis is not legal for recreational use, and the laws are strict.
Delivering cannabis without proper authorization is a criminal offense, and the severity of punishment differs according to the amount of marijuana in your possession. Currently, cannabis possession of up to two ounces is a class B misdemeanor and can result in a fine of $2000, 180 days in prison, and a driver’s license suspension.
However, the key to reaping the benefits of cannabis is a medical marijuana card. For Texans, DPS (Department of Public Safety) oversees a registry called Compassionate Use Program (CUP) program to help patients.
What is Compassionate Use Program (CUP)?
Through CUP, DPS maintains an online registry of qualified physicians capable of prescribing low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for specific conditions.
The registry, called CURT (Compassionate Use Registry of Texas) is intended to prevent multiple qualified physicians from registering as patients’ prescribers. It enables law enforcement agencies and dispensaries to verify patients using low-THC cannabis. CURT allows physicians to enter patient safety and efficacy data. DPS also licenses organizations that provide low-THC cannabis to registered patients.
CUP Regulations
CUP regulates cannabis with low levels of THC, the psychoactive component. Low-THC consists of the entire plant, derivatives, oils, resins, salts, and compounds with less than 0.5 percent THC. This Low-THC cannabis can only be used medically by swallowing rather than smoking. Texas card holders are allowed to possess high-CBD oil, Low-THC, which consists of 1% THC, in any amount. Also, Texas prohibits the inhalation of marijuana. Texas law defines medical use as ingesting low-THC cannabis through administration rather than smoking.
Qualifying Medical Professionals: Texas 420 Doctors
As provided by Texas law, your doctor may prescribe low-THC cannabis if they meet the below requirement:
- Fully Licensed to practice
- Board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties
- Dedicates part of clinical practice to evaluating and managing the qualifying condition.
- Certified by an institutional review board for compassionate use that oversees the treatment of patients in the approved research project.
Read our interactive guide on obtaining a medical marijuana card in Texas
Cannabis Qualifying Conditions
You may qualify for marijuana if you suffer from life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions that are classified as incurable neurodegenerative diseases, such as:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Autism
- Seizure disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
If you suffer from any of these conditions, your doctor must be qualified to treat your specific condition.
How to obtain a Medical Marijuana card in Houston
To get a marijuana card, patients must be:
- Be a Texas permanent resident
- Diagnosed by a state-approved licensed physician with proof of a qualifying medical condition specified in Texas.
- Get added to the Compassionate Use Registry in Texas (CURT).
Once your physician has entered your personal information into CURT, the state will verify it. You can fill your prescription at any dispensary. In contrast to other states, Texas does not issue physical medical cards, but digital data. Your physician needs only to register you as a patient on CURT. The validation of your information will last for one year, and you need to renew that annually.
What you Need to Know About Texas Dispensaries
In Texas, there are only three companies that are approved to operate in the cannabis industry. They are Fluent, Goodblend, and Compassionate Cultivation. The companies are licensed, located throughout Texas, and serve as processors, cultivators, and dispensaries. Some offer delivery, so find a dispensary near you.
FAQ
What are the Benefits of a MMJ card?
Having a marijuana card has many benefits:
- Patients who qualify can legally purchase and use it for medicinal purposes.
- The card can prevent law enforcement from arresting and prosecuting patients.
- It gives patients access to a safe and reliable source of medicine.
Does Texas have medical marijuana reciprocity?
Texas marijuana laws do not support reciprocity with other states. Hence, Texas dispensaries will not accept your out-of-state MMJ card. This law refers to a state sharing equal status with other states, allowing patients to buy cannabis from either state, regardless of where they obtained their medical marijuana card.
What documents are needed to get a MMJ Card?
Obtaining your MMJ Card in Texas requires medical records, identification documents, and proof of your condition. This enables health professionals to provide accurate assessments to determine whether cannabis is a good option for you. In addition, you will need to provide your Texas identification number or driver’s license number.
How do caregivers apply for MMJ cards?
CURT’s website contains no information about caregivers. However, parents or guardians may apply for minors under 18.
Bottom Line
An easy way to consult with a doctor and get permission to purchase cannabis from dispensaries is to use Dr. Weedy’s telemedicine service, a cost-effective option for doctor’s services. These online doctors are a good option if you do not wish to visit a doctor.
The video doctor visit should take no longer than 15 minutes, if you have a qualifying condition, CURT will grant you permission and add you to the system.
Need an mmj card in another city? Check here:
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