The medical marijuana program in Texas is undergoing significant expansion, yet a recent poll reveals that awareness of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) remains low among residents.
In an effort to enhance accessibility to TCUP, state legislators have approved an increase in the number of distribution licenses from nine to 15 and have broadened the list of qualifying medical conditions.
A marijuana cultivation facility in South Austin is one of only three licensed under TCUP. Earlier this month, the number of conditional licenses rose from nine to twelve, with Trulieve Texas among those awaiting final state approval.
Chloee Grossman, who leads the Texas division for Trulieve, expressed optimism about the program’s future. The company has been designated as the primary TCUP distributor for the Panhandle region. A grow center near Dallas is already constructed, although it cannot commence operations until the Department of Public Safety completes its review.
“Our timeline for going to market is contingent on receiving final regulatory approval. There are still several steps to be completed,” Grossman explained.
A recent poll conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates on April 1-2, 2026, highlighted strong public support for the expansion of TCUP. Among 1,000 registered voters surveyed, three out of four expressed approval for medical marijuana, with 75% advocating for its legalization for medical purposes in Texas. Support crossed political lines, with 63% of Republicans, 81% of independents, and 85% of Democrats in favor.
Despite this support, the poll underscored a significant marketing challenge; only 11% of respondents reported any recent awareness of TCUP.
To address these issues, state lawmakers have also introduced provisions allowing for telemedicine consultations between patients and physicians. A directory of participating physicians will be available on both the Department of Public Safety’s TCUP website and Trulieve’s own site, streamlining the process for patients seeking care. Additionally, retail storefronts are planned, which are expected to alleviate concerns about delays and access.
“We take pride in what our team has accomplished and are eager to begin providing medicine to those in need,” Grossman stated regarding their upcoming awareness campaign.
However, the expansion of TCUP faces challenges from the hemp industry. Recent regulations on hemp products containing THC are currently on hold pending a court ruling, leaving the potential for unregulated THC products to enter the market just as TCUP is set to expand.
