Texas Holds Hearing on Bill to Legalize Cannabis

Legalization of adult-use cannabis is being discussed in the Texas Legislature as the bill, House Bill 3652, received a hearing today. Sponsored by Rep. Joe Moody, a Democrat from El Paso, the bill aims to legalize cannabis usage, possession, and transportation, with the possession limit capped at 2.5 ounces. The bill also proposes that individuals be allowed to cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants on their property. The bill requires storage of quantities greater than 2.5 ounces in areas with locks or other security devices to restrict access. The proposed legislation legalizes retail sales of cannabis as well.

Rep. Moody has been a vocal advocate of cannabis reform in Texas. While he refrained from commenting on the bill, he has been pushing for its hearing in front of the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee. Although the chances of the bill passing are bleak, given Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s public statements on the matter, Moody’s resolve to continue the debate on whole-plant cannabis legalization is commendable.

Daryoush Austin Zamhariri, creator and chief editor of the Texas Cannabis Collective news site, lauds the courage of Moody and other lawmakers. Although slim, the bill’s chances bring renewed hope of a reform in Texas’s cannabis policies. The nonprofit organization with a focus on cannabis policy, the industry, and the culture is excited that the bill is getting heard in the Capitol of Texas.

Jesse Williams, the managing editor and deputy director of Texas Cannabis Collective, believes the bill won’t make it far. However, the hearing in committee is monumental in itself as it provides Texans an opportunity to voice their opinions on changing Texas’s cannabis law. Cannabis became legal for adult use in New Mexico last year, and Moody got to see how legalization could benefit both the state and local economies. He would likely want to see the same benefits in Texas, according to Zamhariri.

The law’s proposed date of effectivity is September 1, 2021. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation would adopt rules for implementing the law by July 1, 2024, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation would start issuing licenses to cannabis growers and establishments by November 1, 2024. Zamhariri expects to see how House members would respond to the bill to gauge their view on the matter.

While the bill’s chances are slim, the momentum gained by cannabis advocates in Texas is a sign of changing minds and attitudes towards the plant. It is a victory for advocates who hope for a more comprehensive reform in the future.