Legislation that seeks to significantly reduce marijuana possession penalties is once again pending before Texas’ state lawmakers. State Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston) has prefiled legislation, House Bill 184, to amend minor marijuana possession penalties to a fine-only, Class C misdemeanor.
Under present law, the possession of one ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a Class B criminal misdemeanor publishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Passage of HB 184 would reduce these penalties to a maximum fine of $500 and no jail time.
In Texas more than 75,000 people are arrested for marijuana every year, with more than 90% of those arrests for possession. According to Texas NORML’s Legal Counsel, Jamie Spencer, an estimated 70% of all marijuana possession arrests are for an ounce or less, meaning that, if passed, HB 184 could save literally tens of thousands of Texans from arrest and jail time.
WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS NOW AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
16 Comments for ACTION ALERT! Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Introduced In Texas Legislature
Cristal Avilez
4 months ago
It’s time for a change. You are spending millions of tax payers money incarcerating non-violent offenders. Could you please tell me how many people have died from marijuana use? If that number even exists, please compare it to deaths caused by cigarettes and alcohol, BOTH of which are legal. You and I both know the the War on Drugs has been a sad joke and money making scheme. We are willing to forgive as long as you all are willing to ask for forgiveness and begin to truly FIX YOUR MISTAKES. The time has come, the Universe is watching.
If its legalized there will be no point of border violence or worry about drug smuggleling. There are states in the U.S.A. that have legalized it, why not make it justices and have equal “Rights” for WE THE PEOPLE…
Please u beg of you people are sick,in jail, or just tiered of the war on drugs this bill is a Sep in the right direction in this nation leagicy. Blease vote for this bill this year it might help the econimy too if people are not spending money one unesisery justice crime.
Thank you
GCR
Dear Sirs;
I’m a 63 yr old man with Post Polio Syndrome. I’m bed fast and I have been using marijuana since 1975. I’ve
never tried to conceal my use of it even to the police. My doctor has me taking 80mgs of Oxycontinn twice every
day. When I have Reefer I have at least 20 tablets left over every month, if I have marjuana. It’s totally crazy
for this amazing plant that our Heavenl Father created to help His children, why else would it be so good for so
many health issues? If I could I would donate to you but I recieve very little money. Is this going to stop you from
responding to me? Be different and do something most people won’t, Respond.
Fathers Blessings to You and Your Organization,
Your Brother in Christ,
Jim Scott
Jim, we would never not respond because of your lack of monetary support! Please know that we appreciate any and all support, particularly your bravery in telling your story. Please get in touch anytime and if you haven’t already, please reach out to your Representative and Senator to let them know that you want their support on changing the laws in Texas! We also have a board member who focuses on patient issues and medicinal marijuana concerns. Please contact vincent@texasnorml.org or myself cheyanne@texasnorml.org if you want to discuss further.
Thank you for your support!!
Cheyanne Weldon
Director of Women’s Outreach
Texas NORML
Im very happy to hear this. We need to stop putting so much money & effort into prohibition of a NATURAL PLANT that has no danger to human health!! I believe this bill would help keep offenders out of jail which saves tax dollars! Focus more on the life-destroying drugs like cocaine, meth, & heroin!!!
I wish and pray with all my might that this bill will be passed as a beginning to an end of prohibition. Obviously this isn’t an end all cure for the cause but it would be a very welcome start here in Texas. I have been arrested for simple possession and had to go to jail, as well as pay 1500$ for a single joint. Not to mention I lost my job over not showing up the next day.
However life is somewhat better now that I’m teaching for a better school since losing the other over an arrest.
[...] marijuana users don’t deserve to be jailed. Supporters of the bill including Texas NORML (National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws). Opponents have not spoken up [...]
[...] the greater the likelihood that they will look into the issue for themselves. There was also a decriminalization bill introduced earlier this month, so much credit to the activists and reformers keeping the issues on [...]
when will they vote on this ? I read where 65% of hawaian’s want full on legal cannibis , there was a bill up for thier state legislature to vote on that issue and they punted and won’t even vote on it . spineless , guttless politicans !!! when will they side with the people instead of alcohol and pharmacy lobbist , I guess only when thier jobs are on the line . oh well untill then i’ll quote rage against the machine ” FUCK YOU I WON’T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME “
“The real “battle” victories of the marijuana war have always been economically attained by:
1. Law Enforcement – which has entrenched itself with excessive overtime pay for this enforcement/apprehension of non violent offenders.
2. The Judiciary – with full calendars of billable court costs hours and legal fees which are paid by the non violent offenders.
3. Prisons – maintaining stable shareholder revenue or increased annual budget funding for keeping cells full of non violent offenders.
These status quo institutions are granted the ability to exploit the citizenry, well beyond their purpose (mostly with those that can least afford to even be in this war) to graciously feather their own “self conflict” nests.
Yeah, that marijuana war keeps on a rolling, as with all wars, it’s just too damn profitable to shut em down.”
Recent legistration in Colorado and Washington is a “flicker of hope”, But can it make the “long, hard, dusty road of Texas a little shorter? I sure hope so.
Add to Google
It’s time for a change. You are spending millions of tax payers money incarcerating non-violent offenders. Could you please tell me how many people have died from marijuana use? If that number even exists, please compare it to deaths caused by cigarettes and alcohol, BOTH of which are legal. You and I both know the the War on Drugs has been a sad joke and money making scheme. We are willing to forgive as long as you all are willing to ask for forgiveness and begin to truly FIX YOUR MISTAKES. The time has come, the Universe is watching.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
I support all who fight for the freedom and peace-maker herb:)
If its legalized there will be no point of border violence or worry about drug smuggleling. There are states in the U.S.A. that have legalized it, why not make it justices and have equal “Rights” for WE THE PEOPLE…
Just an update…..
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB184
Please u beg of you people are sick,in jail, or just tiered of the war on drugs this bill is a Sep in the right direction in this nation leagicy. Blease vote for this bill this year it might help the econimy too if people are not spending money one unesisery justice crime.
Thank you
GCR
I am 100% in favor of making possesion of marijuana a class c misdemenor..
We all know why it’s illegal – and we all know what a great injustice that truly is.
Legalize in Texas and stop the drug war across the boarder
Dear Sirs;
I’m a 63 yr old man with Post Polio Syndrome. I’m bed fast and I have been using marijuana since 1975. I’ve
never tried to conceal my use of it even to the police. My doctor has me taking 80mgs of Oxycontinn twice every
day. When I have Reefer I have at least 20 tablets left over every month, if I have marjuana. It’s totally crazy
for this amazing plant that our Heavenl Father created to help His children, why else would it be so good for so
many health issues? If I could I would donate to you but I recieve very little money. Is this going to stop you from
responding to me? Be different and do something most people won’t, Respond.
Fathers Blessings to You and Your Organization,
Your Brother in Christ,
Jim Scott
Jim, we would never not respond because of your lack of monetary support! Please know that we appreciate any and all support, particularly your bravery in telling your story. Please get in touch anytime and if you haven’t already, please reach out to your Representative and Senator to let them know that you want their support on changing the laws in Texas! We also have a board member who focuses on patient issues and medicinal marijuana concerns. Please contact vincent@texasnorml.org or myself cheyanne@texasnorml.org if you want to discuss further.
Thank you for your support!!
Cheyanne Weldon
Director of Women’s Outreach
Texas NORML
Im very happy to hear this. We need to stop putting so much money & effort into prohibition of a NATURAL PLANT that has no danger to human health!! I believe this bill would help keep offenders out of jail which saves tax dollars! Focus more on the life-destroying drugs like cocaine, meth, & heroin!!!
I wish and pray with all my might that this bill will be passed as a beginning to an end of prohibition. Obviously this isn’t an end all cure for the cause but it would be a very welcome start here in Texas. I have been arrested for simple possession and had to go to jail, as well as pay 1500$ for a single joint. Not to mention I lost my job over not showing up the next day.
However life is somewhat better now that I’m teaching for a better school since losing the other over an arrest.
[...] marijuana users don’t deserve to be jailed. Supporters of the bill including Texas NORML (National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws). Opponents have not spoken up [...]
[...] the greater the likelihood that they will look into the issue for themselves. There was also a decriminalization bill introduced earlier this month, so much credit to the activists and reformers keeping the issues on [...]
when will they vote on this ? I read where 65% of hawaian’s want full on legal cannibis , there was a bill up for thier state legislature to vote on that issue and they punted and won’t even vote on it . spineless , guttless politicans !!! when will they side with the people instead of alcohol and pharmacy lobbist , I guess only when thier jobs are on the line . oh well untill then i’ll quote rage against the machine ” FUCK YOU I WON’T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME “
“The real “battle” victories of the marijuana war have always been economically attained by:
1. Law Enforcement – which has entrenched itself with excessive overtime pay for this enforcement/apprehension of non violent offenders.
2. The Judiciary – with full calendars of billable court costs hours and legal fees which are paid by the non violent offenders.
3. Prisons – maintaining stable shareholder revenue or increased annual budget funding for keeping cells full of non violent offenders.
These status quo institutions are granted the ability to exploit the citizenry, well beyond their purpose (mostly with those that can least afford to even be in this war) to graciously feather their own “self conflict” nests.
Yeah, that marijuana war keeps on a rolling, as with all wars, it’s just too damn profitable to shut em down.”
Recent legistration in Colorado and Washington is a “flicker of hope”, But can it make the “long, hard, dusty road of Texas a little shorter? I sure hope so.