Thread by @jamestalarico

Happy 4/20! I’ve filed legislation to legalize cannabis, expunge past marijuana convictions, and use the new tax revenue to fund early childhood education. #txlege

This is a popular bipartisan idea.

According to the @TexasTribune’s latest polling, 60% of Texans support the full legalization of marijuana.

Only 13% said it should be completely illegal.

Marijuana is not a “gateway drug.” Most people who use marijuana do not go on to use harder substances.

In fact, medical research suggests alcohol and tobacco are far more dangerous to our health than cannabis.

Marijuana has health *benefits* and can be used to treat ailments like chronic pain, depression, and addiction.

That’s why human beings have been using cannabis for more than 3,000 years.

Marijuana legalization is part of ending the racist war on drugs that continues to target Black and Brown communities.

Black Americans are 4x more likely than White Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession even though both groups consume marijuana at the same rate.

HB 4089 is one of many great marijuana reform bills by @RepDominguez, @RonReynolds, @moralesfortexas, @Toth_4_Texas, @Senfronia4Texas, @NicoleCollier95, @TerryCanales40, @ErinForYall, @GeneforTexas, @sherylcole, @juliejohnsonTX, @raylopezfortx, @EddieLucioIII, @jasminefor100...

...@RepDominguez, @BucyForTexas, @jessicafortexas, @James_E_White, @RepLyleLarson

But if you really want to understand cannabis policy in Texas, follow the person who has championed this cause for many sessions: @moodyforelpaso.

Last thing: since my bill taxes weed to fund education, my staff wanted me to call it a “baked sale.”