Texas lawmakers are pushing for the decriminalization of marijuana and are hoping for a vote in 2023. The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee voted 9-0 on Tuesday to advance Rep. Joe Moody’s (D) legislation, which would remove the risk of criminal charges for people caught with up to one ounce of the drug. This vote was a setback for marijuana legalization opponents, as it could lead to increased access to the drug and the possibility of marijuana tourism from Texas or other neighboring states.
In addition to Moody’s bill, a Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would allow counties and municipalities to legalize recreational marijuana at the local level. This would provide an alternative option for those who live in counties that are hesitant to decriminalize marijuana at the state level.
Ohio voters could also see a recreational marijuana ballot question in 2023 if state lawmakers don’t advance a legalization bill. The state’s House and Senate are currently debating a ballot measure that would allow adults 21 and over to purchase, possess, and use marijuana.
In the 2024 election cycle, I’d watch for decriminalization ballot measures in Wyoming, Nebraska, Idaho, Texas, and Pennsylvania. These states are all currently considering legislation to decriminalize marijuana possess and personal use, and it's likely that a ballot measure could be on the table in the future.
The NC Senate recently approved a bill that would legalize medical marijuana. This legislation would allow patients with certain qualifying conditions to obtain and use medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. NJ also recently passed a bill that would create a system to allow the sale of marijuana products in the state.
Intel recently announced that it would no longer deny security clearances to applicants who have used marijuana in states where it is legal. This is a major step forward for workers in the marijuana industry and could open up more opportunities for those seeking employment in the field.
In addition to the legislation discussed above, another piece of legislation introduced in 2023 was the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act. This bipartisan effort was designed to legalize recreational marijuana at the federal level and provide a framework for regulation and taxation.
Texas House lawmakers are currently discussing a marijuana decriminalization bill that is sponsored by the state’s House and Senate. This bill would make it a civil infraction, rather than a criminal offense, for someone to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.
