Medical Marijuana may gain entry into Texas
Posted by Sagar Satapathy on September 25, 2014.
At a time when we witness reforms in marijuana law in most states, a huge debate has taken place in Texas whether medical marijuana should be allowed there or not. The local and state political groups have mixed thoughts over the issue. There are many groups such as the Sheriff’s Association of Texas Legislative Committee, which have strongly opposed any move to change the Texas marijuana laws.
Denton County Sheriff Will Travis, while talking to a leading newspaper on July 29, had vowed not to allow any changes to the existing laws. He categorically said that the Texas sheriffs will firmly oppose the legalization of marijuana and send a clear message to the Legislature. "It's high time we protect the children and families of Texas from any attempt to legalize marijuana," he said.
On the other hand, the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML), has batted for the legalization of marijuana with the argument that many epileptic kids may get benefits from medical marijuana. The NORML is working hard to mobilize political opinion to end prohibition of marijuana in Texas. The organization is trying to rope in more number of senators to propose pro-marijuana bills for 2015.
There is little doubt that the public opinion towards use of marijuana has changed significantly in the last few years. As many as 23 states in the US have so far legalized marijuana for medical purpose with riders. Colorado and Washington have already legalized marijuana for recreational use. But, they have kept the minimum age of the marijuana users at 21 or above.
It seems the public opinion in Texas is in favor of legalization of marijuana. As per the Public Policy Polling published in October 2013, 58 percent of Texans were found supporting legalization of marijuana for adults and sought alcohol-like regulation for it. Even 61 percent of people backed decriminalizing marijuana possession. With the rising public support and changing perceptions within the political fraternity, the day is not too far when Texas may decide to take the plunge to legalize medical marijuana.
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