Thread by @TexasTribune

1/ Four states voted to legalize marijuana in the most recent election. Now, Texas lawmakers are filing a slew of bills to loosen restrictions around the drug.

Here’s what you need to know.

2/ On Monday, the first day of bill filing for Texas’ upcoming legislative session, @Menendez4Texas filed a bill that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program and lower fees associated with operating a dispensary, among other things. #txlege bit.ly/38IGOBY

3/ Throughout last week, state lawmakers introduced 11 measures that could potentially loosen legal restrictions on the drug — and there are still two months to go before the session begins in January. From @HoustonChron: bit.ly/3lDg5u3

4/ With the pandemic blowing a $4.6 billion hole in the state budget, some state policy makers argue a legal marijuana industry could bring in hundreds of millions in tax revenue and create up to 30,000 jobs. bit.ly/2UweDxV

5/ One analysis found if Texas legalized and taxed cannabis like Colorado, it could take in more than $1.1 billion per biennium. bit.ly/2IFFKna

6/ Bills filed suggest funneling the tax revenue to teachers and localities or school districts, border security and local law enforcement. bit.ly/2IFFKna

7/ Still, the chances of legalization are slim.

The few legalization proposals filed in recent years have received little attention. Even less controversial measures — like lowering criminal penalties for possession — have fallen flat in the Texas Senate. bit.ly/2IFFKna

8/ In 2019, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he and other Senate Republicans opposed the bill that would have lessened penalties for possession, calling it a “step toward legalization of marijuana.” bit.ly/2UweDxV

9/ With Patrick, a staunch conservative, at the helm of the upper chamber, it remains unlikely that a legalization bill will make it out when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
bit.ly/2UweDxV

10/ Meanwhile, marijuana arrests and prosecutions across Texas have been plummeting, largely because a bill passed last year that legalized hemp — which is hard to distinguish from marijuana — has thrown prosecutions into chaos. bit.ly/32Olqrh

11/ In order to legalize hemp, Texas had to change its definition of marijuana. Marijuana is now classified as a cannabis plant containing more than 0.3% THC. If the substance has less THC, it’s considered hemp. bit.ly/3kDGuXg

12/ That move led the Texas Department of Public Safety to announce state labs will not perform testing to distinguish between hemp and marijuana in misdemeanor cases due to budget restraints. bit.ly/2IFaEMO

13/13 And some cities have already eased off on pursuing small pot cases.

This summer, Austin police said they will no longer cite or arrest people for possessing small amounts of marijuana, essentially decriminalizing misdemeanor amounts of the drug. bit.ly/3kyYsdA