Texas Lawmakers Introduce Cannabis Bills

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]E[/dropcap]leven different bills pertaining to decriminalization, regulation and legalization of cannabis were introduced on Nov. 12 by lawmakers in Texas.

Six house bills and five Senate bills propose legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis, legalizing cannabis for medical use and regulating cannabis recreationally.  

“Over the last several years, we’ve seen increasing support and this legislative session offers a unique opportunity for the majority of Texans who want to see our state’s outdated laws changed. Let’s get it done!” wrote Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy in a statement. Advocates are standing behind two bills in particular.

House Bill 63 would decriminalize possession of less than an ounce and replace punishment instead with a fine of up to $250. The bill was introduced by El Paso Rep. Joe Moody. The current punishment is a $2,000 fine and up to six months in jail. TRMJ wrote that 41,000 were convicted of simple cannabis possession in the last year.

“Civil penalty legislation is the first thing I’ve filed on the first day of filing for the 86th Session. There’s been an incredible swell of bipartisan support since last session, and the official Texas Republican and Democratic platforms both approve of this kind of reform now,” wrote Moody in a statement. “I’m optimistic that this will be the session we finally see smarter, fairer marijuana laws in Texas.”

Senate Bill 90, introduced by Sen. Jose Menendez, would legalize medical cannabis for use in the state. “Doctors, not politicians, should determine what is best for Texas patients,” said Senator Menéndez said in a statement. “Studies have proven that cannabis is a legitimate medicine that can help a of variety Texans including, individuals suffering from opioid addiction, veterans coping with PTSD, cancer patients, and people on the autism spectrum. Texas should provide real relief for our suffering patients.”

Menendez has filed medical cannabis legislation twice before with SB-1839 in 2015 and SB-269 in 2017. He also co-authored Senate Bill 339 which let people with intractable epilepsy to use cannabis medication, but only approved low-THC medications which critics said was not high enough for sufficient treatment.