Now, we all know this is going nowhere- it IS Texas, after all! BUT, the bill was approved by the committee 9 to 0! And that is progress! However, it's always going to be one "baby step" at a time with Texas! Yet, I think, eventually, $$$$ will speak louder than ideology and pandering to the ultra-conservatives. And then, even Texas will legalize! Texas Lawmakers Pass Marijuana Decriminalization Bill (news – 2023) Texas Lawmakers Pass Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Texas House of Representatives legislative panel this week unanimously approved a bill to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The measure, House Bill 218, was approved by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee with a vote of 9-0 on Tuesday. If passed, the legislation would remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana or cannabis concentrate. Such possession would be reclassified as a Class C misdemeanor, a citable offense not subject to arrest and carrying a fine of up to $500. “Basically, the person is given a ticket goes to court, they’re assessed a fine, then the court tells them, ‘You’ve got six months to pay and you need to stay out of trouble during that time,’” Democratic state Rep. Joe Moody said at a committee hearing for the legislation on Tuesday, according to a report from Marijuana Moment. A Texas House panel has unanimously approved a measure that would decriminalize possession of small ... [+] (snipped) Granny
Why do people always blame repubs for blocking marijuana legislation? Here in Georgia it's an old democrat who chairs the committee that moves bills forward, he blocks it every single time.
I think the old Republican way of thinking is moving out the door as younger, forward-thinking Republicans take their place. And they are realizing that hey, maybe this cannabis thing can be a good idea for everyone. Mitch McConnell became a senator when Regean began his Just Say No campaign and he's probably thinking more along the lines of the way Regaen did. Not everyone is going to be able to substitute cannabis for other medications. It is a plant after all, and there are probably going to be people that are allergic. But I still believe God in His wisdom put plants on this Earth for a reason. For our use. Yes, there are plants that are poisonous, but as one survivalist said, "For what is poisonous, Mother Nature provides the cure." And I believe that whole heartily.
Jake Teska of Indiana. Cindy Ledbetter of my district in Warrick county, Jon Pol, Jr, plus several others in the IGA that are Republicans. They are pro-cannabis. People holding it back is Mike Braun and Todd Young. Both are Senators in Washington, D.C.
We have anti pot Dems in SC too but when we see who blocks and opposes pot around the country it’s not simple unearned blame.
No doubt but these republicans are hypocrites. They are supposed to be about smaller government. Trump said it was up to the states. Not only that but in a many red states we are not even allow to vote on the issue. Which is against everything a real republican stands for. Today they are for big government and complete control of the people. They don't even hide the fact anymore.
I know the beloved Lindsay Graham (R-SC) has said “count me out” when it comes to those that favor pot so I know where I’m stuck in this issue.
I appreciate a cognizant and concise response; regardless of politics, I feel you may be closer to progress in your State than mine (Ala) - the horizon here doesn't include any natural product medicinally and recreational isn't even a flight of fancy from the Beauregards entrusted with Elected Offices.
I still had a little hope when it passed but the restrictions are just too punitive. It will be the same with other south states like NC I’m betting.
“Texas” and “sanity” in the same sentence has an odd ring to it… More likely this decriminalization bill has more to do with the $500 fines for possession, than it has with moving toward any sort of eventual legalization… Meanwhile, Minnesota, as excruciating slowly as possible, is moving toward some sort of something concerning marijuana… Lots of talk, lots of committee meetings, lots of voting,,, and lots of waiting for more committee meetings… Most likely, the Democrats will not finish with their committee meetings before the next election cycle, and will need pro legalization supporters to turn out and re-elect those most likely to have pro legalization committee meetings… Minnesota Marijuana Legalization Bill Approved In 12th House Committee
Good point. That's simplistic. I'd say it is generally white Christian conservatives. With a small 'c'. A racist white Democrat is going to be just as likely to be anti weed than his GOP counterpart.
Where do you get that load of crap? They are trying to return power to the states, not the central government. As far as 'voting on the issue', bills on weed legalization need to go through about 4 steps to get to a vote and few states allow the voters to vote on it. Jeez, throwing it all on the right is ridiculous. It's both parties...
The fact is most red states do not allow the people voice to be heard. In my home state of Maryland, the people voted. Every northern and western states left it up to the voters to be heard. Can't do that in Kentucky. 95% of the people in the bluegrass state are for medical weed. They don't give a damn what you think. they rule from on high and you must bow down to their will. That is not what a true republican believes in. Believe me the democrats are just as bad in some areas of the country. As I said before party means nothing to me.