Texas Bill Seeks to Allow Municipalities to Legalize Cannabis

A bill proposed in Texas would allow municipalities to legalize cannabis within their borders and direct the state Commission of Licensing and Regulation to adopt all necessary rules for the administration and enforcement of this bill, including licensing, regulation, testing standards, and transportation. 

Under the measure, adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess and transport up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 15 grams of concentrate. At their homes, adults would be allowed to possess or process no more than 10 ounces of cannabis and if any more than 2.5 ounces is in a person’s home, the excess must be securely stored. 

In a statement announcing the legislation, State Rep. Jessica González (D) said the bill would allow “local communities to make the best decision for themselves regarding cannabis legalization.” 

“Twenty-one states in America have legalized cannabis, and 27 states have decriminalized the use of cannabis. In a recent study, a majority of Texans supported some form of legalization of cannabis use. While Texas has made progress with the Compassionate Use Act, we have been left behind on a potential revenue source that would increase investments in public education, stop unnecessary arrests for cannabis possession, and create jobs in our state.” — González in a press release 

The measure would impose a 10% tax on cannabis products and direct the revenue to cannabis regulation (10%), testing and quality control (10%), to participating local governments for oversight purposes (20%), with the remainder earmarked to the Foundation School Fund. 

During the midterm elections, five Texas cities – Denton, Elgin, Harker Heights, Killeen, and San Marcos – voted to decriminalize cannabis possession within their borders. Last year, voters in Austin passed similar reforms.