Texas Voters Back Medical Cannabis 75-25, But Few Know Current Program

Three-quarters of Texas voters support medical cannabis legalization, according to new polling data that highlights a stark disconnect between public opinion and awareness of the state's existing program.

The survey, conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, found 75% of respondents favor medical cannabis reforms. Yet only 11% said they had heard of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) before taking the poll—a striking gap that policy analysts say reflects the program's restrictive scope and limited patient access.

Texas lawmakers established TCUP in 2015, making the state one of the last to authorize any form of medical cannabis. The program initially covered only intractable epilepsy patients. Legislators have expanded eligibility incrementally since then, adding conditions like terminal cancer, autism, and PTSD in subsequent sessions. But the program still prohibits smokable flower and caps THC content at 1% by weight—among the strictest limits in any state medical program.

The Numbers

The polling data arrives as the Texas Legislature prepares for its 2025 session, where cannabis reform advocates plan to push for broader access. Texas currently has roughly 60,000 registered patients in TCUP, a fraction of the state's 30 million residents. By comparison, Oklahoma—with less than one-eighth of Texas's population—has enrolled over 375,000 medical cannabis patients since launching its program in 2018.

The 75% support figure aligns with national trends. A Pew Research Center survey from 2023 found 88% of Americans favor legal cannabis access for medical purposes. But Texas has lagged behind neighboring states in implementation. New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma all operate more comprehensive medical programs, while Louisiana—another conservative Southern state—recently expanded its program to include smokable flower.

Industry Response

Texas dispensaries, which the state calls "compassionate use registries," have struggled with the program's limitations. Several operators have closed locations or scaled back operations due to low patient enrollment and restrictive product requirements. The 1% THC cap means Texas products contain roughly one-twentieth the potency of medical cannabis available in most other states.

Advocates point to the polling as evidence lawmakers should act. But previous reform efforts have stalled in committee or faced opposition from legislative leadership. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has repeatedly blocked bills that would expand TCUP or establish a broader medical program.

What's Next

The 89th Texas Legislature convenes in January 2025. Several reform bills are expected, including proposals to raise THC limits, add qualifying conditions, and allow smokable products. The polling data gives advocates new ammunition, though observers note that public support hasn't translated to legislative action in past sessions.

Fabrizio, Lee & Associates specializes in public opinion research for political campaigns and advocacy organizations. The firm has conducted cannabis polling in multiple states, often finding similar gaps between voter preferences and existing policies.

Texas remains one of 13 states without a comprehensive medical cannabis program. The others include Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, and several Southern states. As more conservative-leaning states like Mississippi and Alabama have launched medical programs in recent years, Texas increasingly stands as an outlier in cannabis policy.

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This article is based on original reporting by ganjapreneur.com.