Texas Lawmakers Propose Change in Marijuana Possession

By, Terra Rivers

Texas Lawmakers and business leaders are pushing legislation to change the lives of individuals living with marijuana possession on their permanent records.

Possession of less than even one ounce of marijuana is a criminal offense in the state of Texas. But members of the Republican and Democrat parties are showing their support for the decriminalization of marijuana possession.

Individuals charged with possession of small amounts of marijuana face misdemeanor criminal charges. If caught with four ounces or more, the charges are raised to a felony and start with 180 days to 2-years jail time. Even nonviolent drug charges have become a road block for many Texans when it comes to finding a job.

“They are branded that way forever,” State Rep. Jason Isaac said, “And that shouldn’t be the case.”

Isaac said managers get frustrated when a minor, nonviolent drug conviction forces them to turn away applicants for jobs.

Joe Moody, State Representative for El Paso, pushed decriminalization legislation for the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana in 2015. The legislation proposes making possession a finable offense instead. Arrestees will receive counseling

 and community service.

Companies will not be required to hire individuals with minor drug convictions under decriminalization effort.

“Drug convictions and things like this are going to derail them,” Moody said. “If you create an unemployable class of young people, that necessarily would create a negative impact on the economy as a whole.”

The Texas Association of Business has shown its support for decriminalization legislation.

“Possession of small amounts of marijuana should be a ticketing offense,” Bill Hammond, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, said.

When Senate Bill 339, which allowed the use of marijuana to treat epilepsy, was signed, Governor Greg Abbott said it was his belief that marijuana should remain illegal in Texas. How he will react to a decriminalization bill, if it is approved, is still up uncertain.