The University of Texas, in association with the Texas Tribune, released a survey on June 23rd, showing that 90 percent of Texans support cannabis legalization in some way. This is a huge difference from what Texans were saying only 10 years ago. Only 42 percent of voters said cannabis possession should be legalize for any amount and purpose. Now, that number is 60 percent.
Questions
Of the several questions asked during this survey, cannabis possession and legalization only had one, with four parts to it. Voters were asked:
- Marijuana possession should not be legal under any circumstance.
- Marijuana possession should be legal for medical purposes only.
- Possession of small amounts of marijuana for any purpose should be legal.
- Possession of any amounts of marijuana for any purpose should be legal.
Only 13 percent of voters believed cannabis should be illegal no matter what. Medical legalization saw approval from 27 percent of people. And the rest, 60 percent, said that possession should be legal no matter what. 31 percent say only small amounts should be legal. The other 29 percent say any amount should be legal.
In regards to age group, 18-29 year olds are the most likely to favor legalization. Around 51 percent agree that cannabis should be legalized in any amount and purpose. On the opposite end of the spectrum, only four percent agree with current prohibition measures.
Reform
While recreational cannabis seems to be coming soon to Texas, Governor Greg Abbot (R) recently signed HB 1535 into law. Under this bill, the state’s limited medical cannabis program does expand slightly. It adds cancer and PTSD to the list of conditions allowed to take medical cannabis. The bill also raised the THC limit from 0.5 percent to one percent.
This bill almost didn’t make it to Governor Abbot though. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) has traditionally been against cannabis legalization or reform. Because he presides over the Senate, he determines what becomes discussed or not. This included the popular medical cannabis expansion bill. But after sitting in a sort of limbo for a few weeks, Lt. Governor Patrick allowed HB 1535 to be brought forward where it received a few amendments before heading to the governor’s desk.
Activists are now moving forward to put reform and legalization measures on the ballot for 2022. As more information develops, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.