{"id":84667,"date":"2025-12-02T08:11:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T16:11:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/texas-officials-approve-nine-new-medical-marijuana-business-licenses-as-state-expands-patient-access\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T19:48:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T03:48:21","slug":"texas-officials-approve-nine-new-medical-marijuana-business-licenses-as-state-expands-patient-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/texas-officials-approve-nine-new-medical-marijuana-business-licenses-as-state-expands-patient-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Officials Approve Nine New Medical Marijuana Business Licenses As State Expands Patient Access"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MM_Bill_Tracker_V5_blank-13.jpg\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\"> <\/p>\n<p>Texas officials have conditionally approved nine new medical marijuana business licenses as part of a law that\u2019s being implemented to significantly expand the state\u2019s cannabis program.<\/p>\n<p>The Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced on Monday that it\u2019s completed the first phase of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) expansion selection process, which will now involve an additional due diligence assessment for the nine businesses before formally awarding the licenses.<\/p>\n<p>Officials said the conditional approvals \u201cdo not grant the applicant permission to cultivate, manufacture, distribute or sell cannabis products until final approval by the department.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs a holder of a conditional license, the licensee is subject to the department\u2019s ongoing due diligence evaluation,\u201d DPS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dps.texas.gov\/news\/dps-update-phase-i-texas-compassionate-use-program-expansion-selection-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">said<\/a>. \u201cEach conditional licensee is expected to fully comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the medicinal license issued under TCUP.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">\u201cDPS will be requesting additional information from these businesses and will not be invoicing any dispensing organization license fees until the additional due diligence evaluations are completed and passed. The announcement of these nine businesses today does not guarantee that these businesses will be issued final TCUP licenses to operate as dispensing organizations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The law passed by the legislature and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-governor-signs-bill-to-significantly-expand-states-medical-marijuana-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in June<\/a>. DPS is required to issue a total of 12 new licenses under the legislation.<\/p>\n<p>The department will issue conditional licenses to three additional dispensaries by April 2026.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed-twitter\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Update: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TxDPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">@TxDPS<\/a> has commenced Phase I of the Texas Compassionate Use Program expansion selection process, and nine new businesses have been identified to proceed for an additional due diligence evaluation.<\/p>\n<p>More about Phase I can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/D8YElj4qoL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/t.co\/D8YElj4qoL<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JdyLHyHk38\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">pic.twitter.com\/JdyLHyHk38<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Texas DPS (@TxDPS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TxDPS\/status\/1995631717747753458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">December 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p \/><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This represents a major change to the program, as there are currently only three dispensaries licensed to operate in Texas.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-officials-adopt-rules-to-expand-number-of-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-the-state\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DPS in October adopted additional rules to increase the number of licensed dispensaries<\/a>, establishing security requirements for \u201csatellite\u201d locations and authorizing the revocation of licenses for certain violations.<\/p>\n<p>Of the nine conditional licensees that were selected so far, two are owned by large multi-state operators: Trulieve and Verano.<\/p>\n<p>George Archos, Verano\u2019s founder and CEO, said the news puts the company \u201cone step closer to cultivating, processing and dispensing our extensive variety of high-quality medical cannabis products for Texas patients.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs the second largest state by size and population, Texas\u2019s medical cannabis program expansion marks a significant step forward for legal cannabis in the U.S., joining a growing number of states and an overwhelming majority of Americans that have embraced the regulated cannabis sector as a job creator and provider of health and wellness benefits for millions every day,\u201d he <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globenewswire.com\/news-release\/2025\/12\/02\/3198429\/0\/en\/Verano-Awarded-Conditional-License-to-Commence-Vertical-Cannabis-Operations-in-Texas.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Village Farms International, another multi-state operator, issued a press release about not being selected this round, saying its proposal will be considered in the upcoming second phase of approvals.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe remain committed to supporting the Texas cannabis industry, as the outcome of Phase I awards has zero impact on our financial performance, outlook or strategy,\u201d Michael A. DeGiglio, president and CEO of the company, said. \u201cWe\u2019ve proven that we don\u2019t need first mover advantage to be successful, and will continue pursuing other opportunities to activate our Texas assets for cannabinoid production in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe believe our operational capabilities and infrastructure are well suited to support a viable industry in the State of Texas, and will continue working with policy makers and regulators to advocate for commonsense reform that enables safe access to affordable products,\u201d he <a href=\"https:\/\/news.villagefarms.com\/news-releases\/news-release-details\/village-farms-international-reaffirms-its-commitment-texas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to increasing the number of dispensaries in the state, the law signed by the governor also expands the state\u2019s list of medical cannabis qualifying conditions to include chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn\u2019s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, while also allowing end-of-life patients in palliative or hospice care to use marijuana.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2014<br \/>\nMarijuana Moment is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills<\/a> in state legislatures and Congress this year. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/marijuanamoment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Patreon supporters<\/a> pledging at least $25\/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don\u2019t miss any developments.<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9128 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MM_Bill_Tracker_V5_blank-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Learn more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/bills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marijuana bill tracker<\/a> and become a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/marijuanamoment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">supporter on Patreon<\/a> to get access.<br \/>\n\u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This latest development comes after the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) adopted rules <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-officials-finalize-medical-marijuana-rules-to-let-doctors-recommend-new-qualifying-conditions-and-prescribe-thc-inhalation-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">allowing doctors to recommend new qualifying conditions for cannabis patients<\/a> and creating standards for allowable low-THC inhalation devices.<\/p>\n<p>Separately, DSHS recently adopted a set of emergency rules meant to prevent the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under 21.<\/p>\n<p>After\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-lawmakers-take-up-bill-to-ban-hemp-thc-products-as-democratic-walkout-prevents-floor-vote\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">similar restrictions were implemented by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)<\/a>\u00a0in September, DSHS announced that they\u2019ve moved forward with the policies changes that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-governor-signs-hemp-executive-order-setting-age-limit-and-labeling-requirements-for-thc-products\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">comply with the governor\u2019s recent executive order on hemp<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>After the legislature failed to pass a controversial bill to ban hemp products containing THC during two special sessions following the governor\u2019s veto of a similar measure earlier this year, the governor signed the executive order to impose certain restrictions on the market.<\/p>\n<p>Separately, a recent survey from a GOP pollster affiliated with President Donald Trump found that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/trumps-pollster-says-texas-hemp-ban-bill-faces-bipartisan-opposition-from-voters-as-governor-nears-deadline-to-act\/\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Texas Democratic and Republican voters are unified in their opposition to the hemp ban proposal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Image element courtesy of <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Texas_flag_map.svg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AnonMoos<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-officials-approve-nine-new-medical-marijuana-business-licenses-as-state-expands-patient-access\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Texas Officials Approve Nine New Medical Marijuana Business Licenses As State Expands Patient Access<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#013;<br \/>\n&#013;<br \/>\nRead More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanamoment.net\/texas-officials-approve-nine-new-medical-marijuana-business-licenses-as-state-expands-patient-access\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Texas Officials Approve Nine New Medical Marijuana Business Licenses As State Expands Patient Access<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas officials have conditionally approved nine new medical marijuana business licenses as part of a law that\u2019s being implemented to significantly expand the state\u2019s cannabis program. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced on Monday that it\u2019s completed the first phase of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) expansion selection<span class=\"more-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2025\/12\/02\/texas-officials-approve-nine-new-medical-marijuana-business-licenses-as-state-expands-patient-access\/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":458,"featured_media":84668,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18,81],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84667"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/458"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84667"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84669,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84667\/revisions\/84669"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}