,"... a new law went into effect in Arizona that allowed adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes.","The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Joe Moody (D), would make it so that individuals caught with less than one ounce of marijuana would..."
Texas House Proposes to Decriminalize Weed
The Texas House of Representatives passed similar proposals to Decriminalize weed during the 2019 and 2021 legislative sessions, with a proposed bill that would make it so that individuals caught with less than one ounce of marijuana would no longer face criminal penalties. The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee voted 9-0 on Tuesday to advance Rep. Joe Moody's (D) legislation, which would remove the risk of arrest or jail time for those caught with small amounts of marijuana.
The House passed similar decriminalization proposals during both the 2021 and 2019 legislative sessions, according to Marijuana Moment. However, those bills died in the Senate. This time, the bill has a better chance of becoming law, with the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee's recommendation.
Mr. Johnson, 24, a medical marijuana card holder, voiced his support for the proposed bill. “I support decriminalization of drugs, especially marijuana,” he said. “It’s time for us to recognize that criminalizing drug use is not the answer.”
The proposed legislation is similar to a state question in Oklahoma, State Question 820, which would legalize and Decriminalize recreational marijuana. The question was voted down by a slim margin, with supporters saying it would have Decriminalize the drug. Ryan Kiesel with the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma said that the bill is necessary to address the criminal justice system.
“The criminalization of marijuana in Oklahoma has been a failure,” Kiesel said. “It has disproportionately impacted people of color, and it has cost Oklahomans tens of millions of dollars a year.”
Other states have taken steps towards decriminalizing marijuana as well. In Arizona, a new law went into effect in 2021 that allowed adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes. The Leon County Democratic Party also called for decriminalization of marijuana and action on historic wrongs.
The proposed bill in Texas would make it so that individuals caught with less than one ounce of marijuana would not face criminal penalties. If the bill passes, it would be the first time that marijuana has been Decriminalize in the state. It is expected to be voted on by the full House later this month.
Marijuana decriminalization has been gaining traction in states across the country. If the Texas House approves the bill, it will be the latest in a growing list of states that have taken steps towards decriminalizing the drug.
