As the end of the year draws closer, many are looking to see what changes will come to the United States in terms of marijuana legislation. In Texas, there is a bill being considered that could decriminalize marijuana possession in the state. The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously approved a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. This means that those caught with a small amount of marijuana will no longer face criminal charges, but a civil penalty.
The bill is part of a larger trend across the United States of loosening of marijuana laws. It comes on the heels of Oklahoma’s failed attempt to fully legalize marijuana in the state. Despite the failed ballot measure, Oklahoma’s state Senate has taken steps to legalize medical marijuana and reduce penalties for possession of small amounts of the drug.
Texas is also taking steps to legalize marijuana at the local level. House Bill 1937, filed by Rep. Joe Moody, would allow counties and municipalities to legalize recreational marijuana use. This would allow cities such as Dallas to have a say in their marijuana regulations. This is particularly significant, as two-thirds of Texans support legalizing marijuana for recreational use.