Texas lawmakers have taken a major step forward in the fight to decriminalize marijuana possession. On Tuesday, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously approved a bill that would reduce the penalty for marijuana possession to a civil fine.
The bill was filed by Rep. Jessica González, a Dallas Democrat, who pointed out that marijuana possession is still a criminal offense in Texas, even though it is legal in many other states. The bill, if passed, would allow counties and cities to legal the recreational use of marijuana.
Currently, marijuana possession in Texas is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Under the proposed bill, the penalty would be reduced to a civil fine of up to $250. This would bring the penalty more in line with other minor offenses like speeding and public intoxication.
The bill is not only about reducing the penalty for marijuana possession; it is also about protecting people from the harsh criminal justice system. In Texas, African Americans are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites. This bill would help end this racial disparity in the criminal justice system.
The bill would also help to reduce the burden on police forces in Texas. Police often can't tell if a cannabis vape pen is derived from marijuana or legal hemp, like the delta-8 products on display in gas stations. This can lead to costly investigations and arrests for possession of legal products.
The new delta-8 hemp products, which are widely available, can produce a high similar to marijuana's. State Sen. Charles Perry said he and other lawmakers have noticed an increase in the availability of delta-8, and they are concerned it could lead to an increase in marijuana-related crimes.
The bill is not without its opponents. Some Texas lawmakers are opposed to the recreational use of marijuana, and some are worried that the bill could lead to an increase in the number of people using marijuana. However, the bill has received a great deal of support from both sides of the aisle.
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. If the bill passes, it would be an important step forward in the effort to end the criminalization of marijuana in Texas.
