GQ Corner
Q. We understand there is a law going into effect on 9/1/2025 that governs prescription of medical cannabis for treatment of chronic pain and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Does this mean we could see it prescribed for a WC claim in Texas, and if so how might it impact claims handling?
A. Yes, Texas House Bill 46 significantly expands the state’s Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) for medical cannabis. The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 21, 2025, and becomes effective on September 1, 2025. Among other things, this law governs the prescription of low-THC cannabis for certain diagnoses in Texas, including chronic pain (now defined as “pain that is not relieved with acute, post-surgical, post-procedure, or persistent non-chronic pain treatment and is associated with a chronic pathological process that causes continuous or intermittent severe pain for more than 90 days and for which tetrahydrocannabinol is a viable method of treatment”) and TBI.
However, unless and until it is placed in the formulary, it will still require preauthorization, meaning that to be reimbursed, the provider will need the Carrier’s URA to approve it as medically necessary.
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