Recent polling indicates strong support among Texas voters for legalizing marijuana, with even greater backing for decriminalization.
According to the Texas Lyceum Poll, 60% of registered voters in Texas are in favor of legalizing marijuana, whereas 31% are opposed, and 9% remain undecided. Of those opposed to legalization, 42% support decriminalizing marijuana, and 47% favor maintaining current prohibition and criminalization policies.
“Overall, 60% of Texas adults say that they support legalizing the use of marijuana in Texas, a 14 point increase since the question was last asked in 2015, when a majority of voters (50%) expressed opposition”, the survey notes.
Support was highest among Democrats at 72% and those aged 30 to 44 at 71%. It was lowest among those 65 and older at 49% and self-described conservatives at 46%.
The poll surveyed 1,200 participants between April 12-21, with a margin of error of +/- 2.83 percentage points.
Despite this widespread bipartisan support for reforming marijuana laws, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated lawsuits against several cities, including Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton. He argues that their amnesty and non-prosecution policies for marijuana offenses contravene state laws on possession and distribution.
Under current Texas statutes, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 180 days in jail. For two to four ounces, the penalty increases to one year in jail, and for more than four ounces, the law imposes a mandatory minimum of 180 days in jail and up to 10 years in prison.
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