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The legal status of cannabis in Texas is constantly evolving. Check out this blog to stay up-to-date on the latest information about when cannabis will be legal in Texas.
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Introduction
In November 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Program was enacted to allow patients suffering from intractable epilepsy access to low-THC cannabis. In June 2019, Texas passed a bill expanding the program to include patients with multiple sclerosis, terminal cancer, and incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
As of September 2019, 32 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized cannabis in some form. Public support for legalization has grown rapidly in recent years, with 66% of Americans now supporting full legalization according to a 2019 Gallup poll. Despite this growing support, it remains unclear when cannabis will become legal in Texas.
The process of changing Texas’s cannabis laws is unlikely to be quick or easy. Any changes would need to be approved by the state legislature and governor, which could prove difficult given the conservative leanings of many Texas politicians. However, as more states legalize cannabis and public opinion continues to shift in favor of reform, it seems increasingly likely that Texas will eventually join them.
The Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Texas
Cannabis is currently illegal in the state of Texas. However, there has been a push in recent years to change this. Some lawmakers have proposed bills to legalization cannabis, but none have been successful. There is a growing movement of people in support of legalization, and it is possible that the state will change its stance in the future. For now, however, cannabis remains illegal.
Federal Law
Cannabis is illegal under federal law in the United States. The Controlled Substances Act, enacted in 1970, classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Despite this classification, some states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.
In December 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill was passed, which legalized hemp (a type of cannabis with very low levels of THC) nationwide. However, cannabis (including hemp) remains illegal under federal law.
State Law
The manufacturing, possession, use, sale, and purchase of cannabis are currently illegal in the state of Texas. The maximum punishment for possession of up to two ounces of cannabis is 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. For possession of between two and four ounces, the maximum punishment is one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. For possession of between four ounces and five pounds, the maximum punishment is 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. For possession of between five and 50 pounds, the maximum punishment is two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Possession of more than 50 pounds is a felony punishable by imprisonment for five years to life and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
The sale or distribution of any amount of cannabis is a felony punishable by imprisonment for two years to life and a fine not to exceed $10,000. The sale or distribution of any amount of cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school is a felony punishable by imprisonment for five years to life and a fine not to exceed $10,000. The sale or distribution of more than four grams but less than 200 grams of cannabis is a felony punishable by imprisonment for two years to 20 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000. The sale or distribution 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams of cannabis is a felony punishable by imprisonment for five years to 99 years or life and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
The cultivation or manufacture of any amount of cannabis is punishable as follows: if the quantity cultivated or manufactured does not exceed 20 pounds, the offense is a state jail felony punishable by imprisonment for 180 days to two years and fined an amount not exceeding $10; if the quantity cultivated or manufactured exceeds 20 pounds but does n
The History of Cannabis in Texas
Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, with the first recorded use in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Neng. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that cannabis began to be regulated in the United States. Texas was one of the first states to pass a law criminalizing cannabis in 1907.
Early History
Cannabis has a long and complicated history in the state of Texas. Marijuana was first prohibited in 1919, though there were no real penalties associated with possession or use until 1931. In that year, the Texas Legislature passed a law making possession of marijuana a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. In your free time you might want to check out some 420 mail order delivery services for some high quality strains.
During the early years of cannabis prohibition, enforcement of the law was sporadic and most people considered possession of small amounts of marijuana to be a minor offense. This began to change in the late 1960s, when the Nixon administration began to crack down on illegal drugs as part of its “War on Drugs” campaign. As a result, possession of small amounts of marijuana became a felony offense in Texas, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Enforcement of cannabis laws intensified during the 1980s and 1990s, when mandatory minimum sentencing laws were enacted for drug offenses. These laws required judges to impose harsh sentences, regardless of the circumstances or the offender’s criminal history. As a result, many people convicted of minor cannabis offenses were given lengthy prison sentences.
In 2007, lawmakers began to reconsider these harsh sentencing laws after it was revealed that they were having a disproportionate impact on minority communities. As a result, the legislature passed a series of reforms that reduced penalties for certain nonviolent offenses and gave judges more discretion in sentencing.
Despite these reforms, possession of small amounts of marijuana remains a felony offense in Texas. The penalty for possession of up to two ounces is 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Possession of larger amounts is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The War on Drugs
The war on drugs is a term that refers to the government’s campaign to end the illegal use of drugs. It began in the early 1970s under President Richard Nixon and has continued through multiple presidents. The goal of the war on drugs is to reduce the illegal drug trade, as well as the production, sale, and use of illegal drugs.
However, the war on drugs has been criticized for its negative impact on minority communities, as well as its failure to achieve its goals. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to legalize cannabis (marijuana) in the United States. This movement has gained traction in various states, including Texas.
Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, many people believe that cannabis does have medicinal value and should be legalized for this reason.
Texans have been fighting for cannabis legalization for many years. In 2015, lawmakers approved legislation that would allow patients with certain medical conditions to use low-THC cannabis oil. This was a small victory, but not full legalization.
In 2019, lawmakers again considered legislation that would legalize cannabis for adult recreational use; however, this bill did not pass. The issue is expected to be revisited in 2021. Texans will continue to fight for full legalization of cannabis in the state.
Recent Developments
In early 2019, the Texas Legislature passed two bills affecting cannabis. The first bill legalized the production, manufacture, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. CBD oil, which is derived from hemp, became legal to possess and sell in Texas as a result of this bill.
The second bill decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Possession of one ounce or less is now a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. This is a major step forward for cannabis reform in Texas, where possession of any amount of marijuana has been a felony punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
The Future of Cannabis in Texas
Despite the progress that has been made in other states, cannabis remains illegal in Texas. There is currently no legislation pending that would make cannabis legal in the state. However, this could change in the future. Let’s take a look at the possibility of cannabis becoming legal in Texas.
The Medical Marijuana Program
Texas’s Compassionate Use Program, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015, allows some patients with intractable epilepsy to receive low-THC cannabis from one of three state-licensed dispensaries. However, the program is extremely limited in scope, and patients must receive a recommendation from two doctors and register with the Department of Public Safety before they can purchase cannabis.
In June 2019, Texas lawmakers passed a bill that would expand the state’s medical cannabis program to include patients with a wider range of conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, autism, and terminal illnesses. The bill would also allow patients to consume cannabis in any form, including smoking. However, the bill has not yet been signed into law by Governor Abbott.
If you are interested in using cannabis for medical purposes, you should speak with your doctor to see if you qualify for the state’s Compassionate Use Program. You can also visit our website to learn more about how to get started with medical cannabis in Texas.
Decriminalization
Decriminalization would decrease the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and ensure that people are not incarcerated for minor, non-violent offenses related to cannabis. Decriminalization is not full legalization, but it is a step in the right direction.
Some states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, while others have legalized possession and sale. In states that have decriminalized, possession of small amounts of marijuana typically results in a citation or summons, rather than an arrest, and offenders may be required to pay a fine but will not face jail time. These policies save law enforcement time and resources that can be directed towards more serious offenses, and they don’t result in the same collateral consequences as a criminal conviction, such as difficulty finding employment or housing.
It is important to note that decriminalization does not necessarily mean that cannabis will be legal in Texas. It simply means that penalties for possession will be less severe. Even if decriminalization is enacted, it is still possible to be arrested and charged with possession if you are caught with large quantities of the drug or if you are suspected of intent to distribute.
Legalization
The future of cannabis in Texas is unclear. The state has not yet legalized the drug, but there has been increasing support for legalization in recent years. A 2019 poll found that 59% of Texans support legalizing cannabis, and a 2020 poll found that 63% of Texans support legalization. There is also growing support for medical cannabis in the state, with a 2019 poll finding that 83% of Texans support legalizing medical cannabis.
It is possible that the state will legalize cannabis in the near future, but it is also possible that it will take longer for the state to change its laws. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments regarding the legalization of cannabis in Texas so that you can make informed decisions about your own use of the drug.
