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Texas to Consider Marijuana Decriminalization
Dec 16, 2014
Recreational Marijuana
On Monday, a bill was introduced by Texas State Representative Joe Moody that intends to reduce state penalties for low-level marijuana possession by adults.
The proposed bill would remove the threat of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for individuals caught with up to one ounce of marijuana. The penalties would be replaced with a civil fine of $100.
Currently in Texas, anyone caught with under two ounce of marijuana can be arrested and given a criminal record. They can receive up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
According to the FBI, there were 72,150 arrests or citations for marijuana-related offenses in Texas in 2012, 97% of which were for simple possession. That same year, nearly 90% of all burglaries — including home invasions — and 88% of all motor vehicle thefts went unsolved.
“Our current marijuana policy in Texas just isn’t working,” Rep. Moody said. “We need a new approach that allows us to more effectively utilize our limited criminal justice resources. This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction.”
If the bill passes, Texas will join 19 other states that have lowered the penalties for low-level marijuana possession.
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Texas to Consider Marijuana Decriminalization
Dec 16, 2014
Recreational Marijuana
On Monday, a bill was introduced by Texas State Representative Joe Moody that intends to reduce state penalties for low-level marijuana possession by adults.
The proposed bill would remove the threat of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for individuals caught with up to one ounce of marijuana. The penalties would be replaced with a civil fine of $100.
Currently in Texas, anyone caught with under two ounce of marijuana can be arrested and given a criminal record. They can receive up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
According to the FBI, there were 72,150 arrests or citations for marijuana-related offenses in Texas in 2012, 97% of which were for simple possession. That same year, nearly 90% of all burglaries — including home invasions — and 88% of all motor vehicle thefts went unsolved.
“Our current marijuana policy in Texas just isn’t working,” Rep. Moody said. “We need a new approach that allows us to more effectively utilize our limited criminal justice resources. This legislation is a much-needed step in the right direction.”
If the bill passes, Texas will join 19 other states that have lowered the penalties for low-level marijuana possession.
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