While marijuana is currently prohibited in Texas, it is only a matter of time before medical and recreational use is legalized, as the last Viewpoint series produced by the Baker Institute Drug Policy Program argued. When this happens, it will make… Continue Reading
Under Texas law, if you are convicted of marijuana possession, even for as little as two ounces, you may face jail time. If you are a repeat offender, that possibility edges closer to certainty. If you are lucky enough to… Continue Reading
Texans often hear that this state will be one of the last to legalize marijuana. Public opinion in Texas, however, is changing rapidly in favor of some type of reform. The 84th legislative session could usher in a historical floor vote on medical marijuana and reducing criminal penalties for marijuana, but legislators will only seriously weigh the issue if they are pressured by constituents. Continue Reading
The science regarding marijuana has been clear for decades, and the public has caught up with many of the facts. But the willingness of our representatives to respond remains in question. Continue Reading
The recent success of marijuana legalization efforts in Colorado and Washington, combined with opinion polls showing significant public support for legalizing marijuana in Texas, has generated optimism among some marijuana consumers that soon they may not have to risk arrest and prosecution to get high in the Lone Star State. This optimism is, however, misplaced. There is no way that Texas is going to follow the lead of Colorado and Washington and legalize the sale and consumption of marijuana anytime soon. Continue Reading
A bill that would regulate marijuana similarly to alcohol can be achieved in the next three years. Regulating marijuana is the best option in my opinion, as law enforcement already knows how to enforce alcohol laws. Moving distribution from the black market to a regulated market would provide consumers with the safeguards of a legal marketplace. Continue Reading
Texas is the second-largest state, in terms of both population and geographic size. Texas comprises 8.6 percent of the nation’s population, so once the Texas government decides to regulate marijuana like alcohol, the federal government will almost certainly follow. Continue Reading