State Rep. Wants To Decriminalize Marijuana In Texas

As usual, the state of Texas is still trying to avoid establishing a more sensible position on marijuana. Even though several states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, many others have decriminalized the use and possession of the gentle herb, and a majority have legalized the medical use of marijuana -- Texas has not done any of those things (in spite of the overwhelming evidence that marijuana is NOT a dangerous or addictive drug).

State Representative Joe Moody (D-El Paso) would like to change that. He is poised to introduce a bill in the new legislature (which will meet in January) that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. It's not everything that needs to be done, but for a state fighting against entering the 21st Century, it would be a good step -- and as long as right-wing Republicans control Texas, progress (if it comes at all) will have to come in small steps.

Here is the announcement of Rep. Moody's proposed bill from the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP):

At a press conference held today and hosted by Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, State Representative Joe Moody announced the details of his new bill to stop branding Texans as criminals for possessing up to an ounce of marijuana. Please urge your legislators to support this important reform, which would keep marijuana users out of jail while allowing law enforcement to focus on serious crimes. 

Many members of our coalition, including Texas District Court Judge John Delaney, the ACLU of Texas, Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition, and the Marijuana Policy Project, joined him for the big announcement.

“Our current marijuana policy in Texas just isn’t working,” Rep. Moody said. “We need a new approach that allows us to more effectively utilize our limited criminal justice resources. This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction.”

More than 60% of Texas voters support limiting the punishment for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a fine of $100 with no possibility of jail time, according to a September 2013 poll conducted by Public Policy Polling.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have removed the threat of jail time for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Now is the time to contact your state legislators. They cannot represent you if they don’t know about your support for this bill! Click here to send an email now. Then, spread the news to your friends and family, so that they, too, can speak out to support more humane and sensible marijuana policies.

Heather B. Fazio
Texas Political Director
Marijuana Policy Project