False
Did Texas make marijuana possession a felony after 70% of voters supported legalization?
Texas did not make marijuana possession a felony, but the state has changed its laws to allow for medical use and decriminalization of small amounts.
Key points
- In 2019, Texas passed Senate Bill 2, which made simple marijuana possession a Class B misdemeanor instead of a felony.
- The bill also allowed for the cultivation of industrial hemp and increased penalties for more serious offenses involving marijuana.
- Despite voter support for legalization, no major changes to possession laws have been enacted since then.
Explanation
In 2019, Texas passed Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which significantly changed its marijuana laws. The bill made simple possession of less than two ounces a Class B misdemeanor, downgrading it from a felony. However, the bill also increased penalties for more serious offenses involving larger quantities or distribution. While there was significant voter support for legalization in various polls and surveys, no legislation has been passed that would make possession a felony again. The state now allows for medical use of marijuana and decriminalization of small amounts.
Sources
- Texas Legislative Reference Library - Senate Bill 2 (2019) Provides details on the bill that changed marijuana laws in Texas.
- Texas Tribune - How Texas’ new marijuana laws will work Explains the changes made by SB 2 and their implications.