Texas runs one of the most tightly regulated medical cannabis programs in the country. Yet for many families, it offers something critical: no minimum age requirement for patients. So if you are wondering can minors get a Medical Marijuana Card in Texas, the answer is yes — with parental involvement and a physician’s approval.
Texas’ approach is unique. Instead of a card system like most states, it operates through the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT), where physicians directly enroll qualifying patients. This guide explains how it works in 2026, what has changed with House Bill 46, and what parents of minor patients should know.
Texas’ Compassionate Use Program: A Different Kind of System
The Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) was created in 2015 through the Texas Compassionate-Use Act. Unlike most states, Texas does not issue a traditional medical marijuana card that patients carry to dispensaries. Instead:
- A CUP-registered physician evaluates the patient and directly enters their information into CURT.
- The patient (or their parent/guardian, if a minor) simply presents a valid ID at a licensed dispensary.
- The dispensary accesses CURT to verify the patient’s eligibility and prescription details.
This system bypasses the need for a separate card application. There is no waiting period for a card to arrive in the mail — approval is instant once the physician enters the prescription.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers CURT and sets the rules for licensed dispensing organizations. As of August 2025, over 123,000 patients have been enrolled in the registry.
Does Texas Have an Age Limit for Medical Marijuana?
No. Texas is notable for having no minimum or maximum age restriction in its Compassionate Use Program. Children of any age can be enrolled in CURT if a CUP-registered physician determines that low-THC cannabis is an appropriate treatment for their condition.
However, patients under 18 require parental or legal guardian involvement:
- A parent or legal guardian must be present at the evaluation.
- They must consent to the treatment plan.
- When a minor visits a dispensary, their parent or legal guardian provides additional identification: their own ID, the last five digits of their Social Security Number, the minor’s last name, and date of birth.
The parent or guardian effectively manages all aspects of the minor’s cannabis access — the program has no separate caregiver license structure for minors.
At KIF Doctors, our licensed physicians registered with the Texas CUP can evaluate minor patients and, if appropriate, enroll them in CURT.
What Changed with House Bill 46 in 2025?
Texas House Bill 46 significantly expanded the Compassionate Use Program, and new qualifying conditions became effective September 1, 2025. The number of approved conditions grew from 10 to 14. This is a meaningful step for pediatric patients whose conditions previously did not qualify.
The current list of qualifying conditions as of 2026 includes:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spasticity
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Autism
- Cancer (terminal or in active treatment)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Incurable neurodegenerative disease
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Chronic pain (added via HB 46)
- Post-concussion syndrome (added via HB 46)
- PTSD-related conditions (expanded)
- Conditions approved under state research programs
Many of the newly added conditions are particularly relevant for pediatric patients, including chronic pain and expanded PTSD coverage.
Low-THC Cannabis: Texas’ Defining Feature
Texas is one of the most conservative medical marijuana states in terms of product potency. The law strictly limits cannabis to no more than 1% THC by weight — a significant restriction compared to other states where medical THC levels can be much higher.
Available product forms include:
- Oils and tinctures
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Topical creams and patches
- Inhalers and nebulizers
- Vape products
Smoking cannabis is illegal in Texas — for both medical patients and recreational users. Minor patients are limited to non-smoking delivery methods, which aligns with safe pediatric administration.
How to Enroll a Minor Patient in CURT
The process for getting a Texas minor enrolled in the Compassionate Use Registry is relatively simple:
- Find a CUP-registered physician. Not all Texas doctors can prescribe cannabis — they must be registered with the DPS. KIF Doctors includes registered CUP providers.
- Attend the evaluation — a parent or legal guardian must be present for all minor patients.
- If approved, the physician enters the minor’s prescription details and parent/guardian information directly into CURT.
- Visit a licensed dispensing organization. Parents present their ID along with the minor’s registration details to complete the purchase.
That’s it. There is no state application fee, no card to print, and no waiting period.
Pricing and Costs in Texas
Texas has no state application fee for the Compassionate Use Program. However, families should budget for:
- Physician consultation fees (varies by provider)
- Cannabis product costs at licensed dispensing organizations
- No insurance coverage — insurance does not pay for medical cannabis in Texas
For transparent evaluation pricing, visit KIF Doctors’ pricing page.
Out-of-State Patients Cannot Use the Texas CUP
Texas does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Only permanent Texas residents can be enrolled in CURT. If a family moves to Texas from another state, they will need to start the enrollment process fresh with a Texas-licensed CUP physician.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: Why Texas Families Are Turning to the CUP
Pediatric patients with epilepsy, autism, and spasticity have been some of the most prominent beneficiaries of Texas’ program since its expansion. Low-THC cannabis can offer symptom relief without the psychoactive effects associated with higher-THC products, making it a more palatable option for parents and physicians alike.
The program’s registry-based system also means there is no card to lose, no application to lose in the mail, and no renewal paperwork beyond the physician’s annual re-enrollment.
Get Help Navigating the Texas CUP
Can minors get a Medical Marijuana Card in Texas? Yes — through a physician-directed registration system with no age floor. If your child has a qualifying condition, a CUP-registered physician can evaluate and enroll them in CURT quickly.
Book your telehealth consultation with KIF Doctors and find out whether your child qualifies under Texas’ 2026 Compassionate Use guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a minimum age to access medical marijuana in Texas?
No — the Texas Compassionate Use Program has no minimum age restriction; any child with a qualifying condition can be enrolled.
Does Texas issue a medical marijuana card to patients?
No — Texas uses the CURT registry instead; patients are identified at dispensaries through the system without a physical card.
Can a minor visit a dispensary alone in Texas?
No — parents or legal guardians must accompany minor patients and provide their own identification at the dispensary.
What is the THC limit for Texas medical marijuana?
Texas law restricts medical cannabis to no more than 1% THC by weight.
Did HB 46 change anything for pediatric patients?
Yes — HB 46 expanded qualifying conditions effective September 1, 2025, adding conditions like chronic pain that are relevant to pediatric patients.
Authoritative Sources
- Texas Occupations Code §169.003 – Physician Prescriptions for Low-THC Cannabis
- Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 487 – Texas Compassionate-Use Act
- Texas House Bill 46 (2025) – Expanded Qualifying Conditions
