A new bill in Texas aims to ease penalties for low-level marijuana possession, removing the risk of arrest and jail time.
A key Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to cannabis policy.
The legislation, HB 3242, filed by Rep. Joe Moody (D), proposes making the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana a Class C misdemeanor. Unlike the current Class B misdemeanor classification, which carries penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, the new classification would mean a maximum fine of $500 with no possibility of incarceration.
The bill, introduced on Monday, is among nearly two dozen cannabis-related proposals in Texas this legislative session. Other measures under consideration range from full marijuana legalization and revisions to medical cannabis laws to the regulation of hemp-derived products.
Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, praised Moody’s effort, highlighting its potential impact on criminal justice reform. Moody, who was appointed House speaker pro tempore by Speaker Dustin Burrows (R), has been a vocal advocate for revising Texas’ marijuana laws.
If enacted, the bill would bring Texas closer to the growing number of states that have moved toward decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana. However, it remains to be seen how it will fare in the Republican-controlled legislature.
Related Reading: Cannabis Policy and Industry Developments in the U.S.
Marijuana policy reforms are gaining momentum not only in Texas but across the United States. For instance, New York is actively working on regulating its legal cannabis market, while at the federal level, the FDA has approved clinical trials to study cannabis as a treatment for PTSD in veterans. These developments highlight the growing interest in both decriminalization and the medical use of cannabis nationwide.
