How to Open a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas: 2025 Guide

In 2025, Texas’ medical cannabis market grows to $500M in sales, rooted in the Compassionate Use Program (CUP) since 2015, with only 15 licensed dispensing organizations—contrasting California’s open market or New York’s merit-based cap. Texas’ strict low-THC limit (1% max) and limited licenses set it apart from states like Washington.

Introduction to Opening a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Opening a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas operates under CUP’s tight framework, unlike Colorado’s dual-use or Maryland’s equity lotteries. With only 15 licenses and no recreational sales, 2025 expansion to 15 more adds opportunity—distinct from California’s volume. For basics, link to our core guide on how to open a cannabis dispensary.

Planning to Open a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Planning in Texas begins with CUP eligibility, targeting patients with conditions like epilepsy—unlike New York’s broad equity focus. Plans need $1M+ and DPS approval; focus on rural gaps.

Texas steps:

• Patient data: Target CURT-registered areas.
• Site: 1,000-ft school buffer.
• Revenue: TX shops average $800K.

Our TX planning article covers rural strategies.

Licensing Requirements for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Licensing in Texas requires DPS CUP approval—unlike Delaware’s lotteries. 2025 opens 15 more; fee $7,356 app + $488,520 license/2 years. 21+, clean record.

Process:

1. DPS app: Detailed plans, backgrounds.
2. Review: 6-12 months.
3. Renewals: $488,520/2 years.

For how to get a dispensary license in Texas, see our licensing post.

Costs of Opening a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Opening a Medical Cannabis Dispensary Costs in Texas range $500K-$2M, higher than Delaware’s $200K due to high fees. App $7,356 + license $488,520.

TX breakdown:

• Licensing/Legal: $500K-$600K.
• Build-Out: $200K-$500K.
• Inventory: $100K (low-THC).
• Security: $60K.
• Ongoing: No excise, but strict compliance.

Our TX costs guide includes 2025 projections.

Location and Zoning for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Location Selection in Texas enforces 1,000-ft buffers—similar to Washington State. DPS prioritizes statewide access.

TX factors:

• Equity zones: Rural focus.
• Leases: $3K-$8K/month.
• Approvals: DPS oversight.

Ouyee previews TX zones—see our zoning article.

Design and Layout for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Layout Design in Texas requires secure, non-smoking setups—unlike California’s dual-use. Ouyee’s cabinets fit TX’s patient-focused layouts.

TX tips:

• Zones: Consultation rooms.
• Flow: Rural access.
• Compliance: No smoking.

Our TX design post features patient zones.

Compliance and Operations in a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Compliance in Texas uses CURT, limits 1% THC—stricter than Washington State. 2025 adds chronic pain regs.

TX ops:

• Audits: DPS random.
• Staff: CURT-trained.
• Records: 2-year retention.

Checklists for how do you open a dispensary in Texas in our ops guide.

Security Planning for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Security Planning in Texas requires 24/7 video, alarms—rural focus differs from LA. Ouyee integrates TX locks.

TX elements:

• Systems: DPS-monitored.
• Training: Patient safety.
• Coverage: $1M liability.

Our TX security post covers rural risks.

Inventory Management in a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Inventory Management in Texas sources low-THC, with CURT; focuses on oils. Daily audits.

TX steps:

1. Verify CUP manifests.
2. Storage: Secure, labeled.
3. Forecast: Patient demand.

Ouyee organizes TX stock—see our inventory tips.

Staffing and Training for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Staffing in Texas needs DPS badges, training; equity hires encouraged. Salaries: Budtenders $45K.

TX roles:

• Budtenders: Patient focus.
• Security: Rural guards.
• Managers: Compliance leads.

Our training guide meets TX standards.

Marketing and Launch for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Cannabis Dispensary Marketing in Texas restricts ads near schools—similar to New York. Launch: Patient events.

TX strategies:

• Digital: “TX medical cannabis.”
• Partnerships: Clinics.
• Budget: $25K.

Our TX playbook has launch ideas.

Conclusion: Succeed with Your Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Texas

Texas’ CUP limits create a niche market—high costs ($500K+) but patient-focused perks vs. California. Plan with Ouyee Display, your expert in 3D retail design and custom cabinets with 20+ years and 5 factories, for TX-optimized dispensaries. Contact for free consultations.