In 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) was authored by Republicans in both the state House and Senate. It passed out of the Senate 30-1 and out of the House with more than a super majority. Governor Abbott held a signing ceremony to bring this important program into effect. In 2016, TCUP was added to the Texas GOP Platform as Plank 165. In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed changes that make the program more inclusive to conditions.
TCUP provides low-THC cannabis oil to registered patients who have a prescription from their physician. This program serves several conditions – those include all epilepsy and seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, terminal cancer, incurable neurological disorders, autism, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).. TCUP is designed to only serve Texas residents. Low-THC cannabis oil contains .5% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with THC being the only restricted cannabinoid.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has overseen the regulatory and licensure process. DPS will continue to manage the security, production, processing and distribution of the medicine. This includes ensuring security measures are in place, records and operational standards are maintained, and facilities are periodically inspected by the department. DPS will also regulate inventory tracking, product testing and packaging standards.
There are currently three licensed dispensing organizations, Compassionate Cultivation, Surterra Texas and Fluent. Additionally, more physicians are signing up to prescribe this medicine.