Some would say it’s the highest of times, others might say it’s the lowest of times. Marijuana has come to the forefront of political fields throughout the nation and Texas is no exception. If we are to understand why this is, first we must identify what marijuana even is itself. Marijuana, or marihuana as it is sometimes spelled, goes by a seemingly endless list of synonyms. Bud, weed, good herb are all monikers that are sometimes used. What the substance truly is, is cannabis. Cannabis is a plant that grows naturally in a variety of climates, but can flourish quite well in Texas. This plant when smoked has both psychedelic and medicinal effects making it confusing as it has both recreational and medicinal properties. For simplicity’s sake,
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Marijuana has not always been the illicit substance it is today. In the early 1900’s it was perfectly legal to possess it. You could even purchase it at a store as an over-the-counter remedy in pharmacies. Around 1910, there was a rise of immigration from Mexico after the Mexican Revolution. People began associating the drug with these immigrants even though marijuana use wasn’t particularly prevalent. This association combined with xenophobia was the beginning the negative social view of marijuana. By the 1930’s, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed which effectively banned both the possession and sale of the drug. (Burnett 2014) Marijuana is definitely not legally accepted in Texas at this time. Both the possession and sale of the substance is punishable by law. (Health & Safety §481.125) Possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 (481.032). Possession of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana is a felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a maximum sentence of 99 years, and a fine of no more than $50,000 (481.032). This may change in the future as the Texas legislature is
Marijuana has not always been the illicit substance it is today. In the early 1900’s it was perfectly legal to possess it. You could even purchase it at a store as an over-the-counter remedy in pharmacies. Around 1910, there was a rise of immigration from Mexico after the Mexican Revolution. People began associating the drug with these immigrants even though marijuana use wasn’t particularly prevalent. This association combined with xenophobia was the beginning the negative social view of marijuana. By the 1930’s, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed which effectively banned both the possession and sale of the drug. (Burnett 2014) Marijuana is definitely not legally accepted in Texas at this time. Both the possession and sale of the substance is punishable by law. (Health & Safety §481.125) Possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 (481.032). Possession of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana is a felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a maximum sentence of 99 years, and a fine of no more than $50,000 (481.032). This may change in the future as the Texas legislature is