Plano Today: Medical Marijuana Milestone, Crash Response, and Foodie Fundraisers

Medical marijuana access expands at Plano dispensary

A Plano medical marijuana dispensary is now among the first in North Texas to offer same-day, onsite pickup for patients enrolled in the state’s Compassionate Use Program. The change follows a recent expansion of state rules that allows licensed dispensaries to store products in secure vaults instead of bringing them in and out daily from Austin.

Patients with qualifying conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, chronic pain and certain neurological disorders can now see products in person and leave with medication the same day. Staff say the shift is cutting down on shipping delays and weather disruptions, giving patients in Plano and nearby suburbs more predictable access to gummies, tinctures, chocolates and other low-THC items.

The dispensary, located along State Highway 121, expects demand to grow as more conditions are added and additional dispensaries open across Texas.

Police investigate serious injury crash in west Plano

Public safety crews in Plano are investigating a serious crash reported at the intersection of Chapel Hill Boulevard and Communications Parkway. The collision, which occurred Sunday afternoon, left at least one person with significant injuries, according to early dispatch information.

Firefighters and police responded quickly to the busy intersection in a commercial and office corridor just off major roadways. Officials have not released details on the number of vehicles involved or the current condition of those injured. Drivers in the area may notice increased enforcement and periodic lane closures while investigators work to determine what led to the crash.

Residents who regularly travel through that part of west Plano are encouraged to use extra caution and watch for changing traffic patterns.

Foodie fundraisers spotlight Plano chefs and causes

Plano’s culinary scene is gearing up for several major tasting events that pair local restaurants with community causes. A signature charity tasting, branded as Taste 2026, will return in early March at a luxury auto dealership along the Dallas North Tollway. The evening brings together many of Plano’s top restaurants and chefs for bites, cocktails, and auctions that support scholarships for local students.

Later this month, the North Texas Food Bank will host its long-running Empty Bowls event at its Plano facility on Mapleshade Lane. Guests sample dishes from area chefs, select a handcrafted bowl to take home, and raise funds to fight hunger across the region. Organizers say the event has helped provide millions of meals for families, children, and older adults over the years.

Visit Plano and partner organizations are also promoting upcoming dine-and-discover experiences launching in March, aimed at helping residents and visitors explore independent eateries and attractions across the city.

Sources

https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/lifestyle/2026/02/14/plano-dispensary-becomes-one-of-first-in-north-texas-to-offer-medical-marijuana-onsite/

https://localaccidentreports.com/plano-tx-injury-crash-at-chapel-hill-blvd-communications-pkwy/

https://app.betterunite.com/taste2026

https://ntfb.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/EmptyBowls2026/tabid/1566879/Default.aspx

https://events.visitplano.com/calendar/day/2026/2/16