While Oregon became the first state to decriminalize all drugs, this election cycle also saw five other states passing legislation that will ultimately make cannabis more accessible to their citizens. New Jersey, Montana, and Arizona all legalized recreational cannabis, establishing age restrictions for its use and guidelines around who can grow it and how much. Mississippi approved cannabis for medical use. And in a first in the United States, South Dakota voters chose to legalize BOTH medical and recreational cannabis with the same vote. Though medical cannabis will officially legalize and be made available first, the state legislatures have done their part. These five states are the only ones in which cannabis measures were on the ballot during this election cycle. And while it’s encouraging to see that the voters chose legalization every time it was offered to them, It’s hard not to see missed opportunities. One that particularly comes to mind is the situation in Texas.
Texas has a strict history when it comes to cannabis, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the state is a little late to the party even now. Prior to the year 1973, Texas had the harshest cannabis laws of any state in the nation. Possession of any amount, no matter how small, was considered a felony offense and was punishable by two years to life in prison.
In 1973, a bill was passed that reduced possession of two ounces or less to a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and a prison sentence of no more than 180 days. This bill also allowed for previously convicted offenders to be resentenced under the terms of the new law. In 2015, Representative David Simpson introduced a bill to legalize on religious grounds, stating,
“I don’t believe that when God made marijuana, He made a mistake that the government needs to fix.”
Though this idea did not gain enough traction to be written into law, the Governor did sign the Texas Compassionate Use Act, allowing low THC cannabis to be used for the treatment of epilepsy. Later, in 2019, the Governor signed a bill to allow the cultivation of such cannabis—but in doing so, he accidentally changed the legal definition of marijuana in the state, differentiating it officially from hemp and reducing the number of Texas cannabis convictions in the process.
So we can see that Texas legislators have shown themselves to be resistant to the idea of legalization. And yet, it might be what’s best for the state in the long run. Enough states have legalized now that legalization is no longer a mystery. We know what the impacts look like once cannabis is legalized. And one of the most reliable and beneficial after-effects is increased tax revenue for the state.
In Texas, this has the potential to be HUGE! A recent report found that legalization in Texas would bring in more than half a billion dollars in new tax revenue every year, in addition to saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars in law enforcement costs. Legalization would also create tens of thousands of new jobs. The report incorporated the number of adult Texans who already use cannabis on a regular basis and figured for a taxation rate similar to that which has already been implemented successfully in Colorado.
However, Texas’ most recent step was in the opposite direction—earlier this year, a bill was passed banning hemp in its smokable form. So it remains to be seen whether the Lone Star State will be willing to take advantage of the many benefits legalization would offer—and if so, when.
This blog was originally written by Anthony Dutcher but has been updated with new information as states continue to change their regulations nationwide. Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states…
One of the biggest drivers of cannabis legalization has been the allure of tax revenue. While there are many reasons cannabis ought to be legalized, such as the medical benefits and the harm wrought upon marginalized communities by the War on Drugs, the practical benefits of tax revenue have helped to move the needle when…
Transporting cannabis is a tricky business, thanks in large part to the fact that cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. Even when you’re transporting cannabis from a state where it’s legal to another state where it’s legal—for example, driving across the border from California to Oregon—there’s a chance you might run into trouble….
Note: Veriheal does not support illegally consuming therapeutic substances such as cannabis, psilocybin, and other psychedelics. But it’s acknowledged that it transpires because of the current illicit status, which we strive to change by advocating for research, legal access, and responsible consumption. Psychedelics and music have long had a love affair but now, their relationship…
Cannabis concentrates made their way onto the scene not long ago and, to many people, they are still quite a new way of consuming our favorite plant. There are loads of individuals out there that enjoy cannabis concentrates regularly. As legalization progresses across the nation and more Americans than ever before show support of its…
Cannabis glass art is a functional art of spectacular proportions. There are many different variances of functional glass art created by a…
With cannabis still breaking free from the chains of stigma and propaganda used to ruin its reputation, many who are using cannabis…
Cannabis legalization and positive cannabis reform in the United States of America is something that needs to happen. At the end of…