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How Texans with MS can find natural relief with medical marijuana

More Texans are turning to medical marijuana to treat their multiple sclerosis symptoms, and here's why. In 2019, the Texas legislature expanded the Compassionate Use Program, approving more conditions — like multiple sclerosis — for medical marijuana in the Lone Star State.

Since then, success stories from MS patients and their doctors have emerged across the state as more Texans try medical marijuana to treat their symptoms.

Tracy was one of these stories. After several unsuccessful treatments, her doctor told her she was a "no option" patient. Her pain and inflammation limited her daily activities and she still hadn't found a solution to effectively relieve her symptoms.

When she discovered Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the only Texas-owned and -operated medical marijuana company in the state, she finally regained her quality of life.

"It's a big deal just to be able to go outside and do some yard work," says Tracy. "It's the things you take for granted. This medical cannabis brought back my hope and quality of life."

The research behind medical marijuana for MS
In addition to these success stories, recent studies have shown medical marijuana as an effective treatment for many MS symptoms. Both THC and CBD, the active chemicals in medical marijuana, may help relieve common symptoms such as pain, stiffness, mobility problems, spasticity, depression, and anxiety.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 160 patients found that medical marijuana improved several MS symptoms with no significant adverse effects on cognition or mood. Another study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that medical cannabis helped ease muscle stiffness caused by MS.

With more research supporting its benefits, there is increasing acceptance of medical marijuana in the MS community in Texas and across the U.S. Texans who are interested in trying medical marijuana for their symptoms can get a prescription in a few simple steps.

Getting a medical marijuana prescription for MS
Do you or a loved one have MS? Getting a medical marijuana prescription isn't as difficult as you might think. Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation can help you find a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical marijuana.

To start, simply fill out their Find a Doctor form. Within 24 hours, you will receive a list of doctors in your area. After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to fill your prescription. You can pick up your prescription from one of TOCC's four locations throughout Texas or get it delivered right to your home.

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Need more info? Visit the Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation website to learn more about TCUP, the benefits of medical marijuana, and which conditions might qualify for treatment.

Thanks to the Compassionate Use Program, Texans with MS can find relief.

Marijuana plant inside Texas state outline

Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

Thanks to the Compassionate Use Program, Texans with MS can find relief.

marijuana promoted health

Vaping Ban

Dallas ordinance banning vaping in public spaces goes into effect

Photo via Pixlr

Vaping is banned

Vaping is now banned in public spaces in Dallas via a new ordinance which went into effect on December 11, 2025.

The Dallas City Council passed the ordinance — aimed at enhancing air quality and safeguarding the health of residents by prohibiting vaping in places where smoking is already banned — on December 11, 2024. But the public was given a year-long grace period to adjust. It now takes effect, with residents, business owners, and operators required to come into compliance with the new rules.

The ordinance, which was proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), amends the definition of "smoking" in the Dallas City Code to include the use of electronic smoking devices (vaping). This measure effectively bans vaping in all locations currently prohibited for smoking.

The ordinance prohibits vaping in all indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances, and on park property. Importantly, this amendment does not add any new locations to the list of smoking and vaping restrictions.

The vaping ordinance document is online at https://www.dallasclimateaction.com/.

Assistant City Manager Liz Cedillo-Pereira says in a release thatshe is proud of this effort to keep the air cleaner.

"The largest cities in Texas are now aligned to protect people at work as well as the public from secondary exposure to potentially harmful substances," Cedillo-Pereira says.

In addition, the amendment requires businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and fitness centers, to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices are prohibited.

"We're all connected through our environment," says Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability director Angela Hodges Gott. "Keeping our places of business, parks, creeks, and rivers clean is something everyone benefits from. When we reduce vaping and smoking litter, we're protecting the vibrancy of Dallas."

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