Texas: bill to decriminalize cannabis

Texas Representative Joe Moody introduced a bill last Thursday proposed law to decriminalize the possession of »marijuana.» The proposed law would also create «an exception to criminal prosecution for possession of paraphernalia associated with drug use.».

Possession of more than 28 grams of cannabis (1 ounce) would still be considered a misdemeanor, and possession of more than 2.27 kilograms (5 pounds) would be considered a felony. For amounts under 28 grams, a person caught in violation would be subject to a fine of up to 2,501 TP4T, which would not appear on the offender’s criminal record.

The local court may decide to waive the fine in exchange for 10 hours of community service or participation in a drug abuse education program.

If a consumer commits more than three violations, they may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which does not carry a prison sentence but results in a larger fine and the offense being recorded on their criminal record.

State Representative Joe Moody has a long history of trying to reform cannabis laws in the House. He has has already introduced a bill to decriminalize cannabis in the state earlier this year, and another to regulate cultivation licenses for industrial hemp.

Texas ranks near the bottom among U.S. states when it comes to cannabis. Joe Moody had commented on this in the El Paso Times earlier this year:

«This is a better way to address this issue. Currently, Texas spends $734 million each year enforcing [cannabis] laws, not to mention the time and resources of the police, prosecutors, and the courts, which could be better spent on other issues.”.

On top of all that, the current penalties are disproportionate to the crime. Offenders—often young people—are subject to permanent criminal records that will prevent them from finding work later on.

They also risk having their driver’s licenses revoked, being denied student or mortgage loans, and facing restrictions on their ability to move around—all for the smallest of «crimes.».