Texas Cannabis Law Timeline

  • 1915El Paso Ban

    El Paso was the first American city to individually restrict cannabis.
  • 1919Sale Restricted

    In 1919, transfer of cannabis for non-medical use was made a misdemeanor crime. Possession remained legal.
  • 1931Statewide Prohibition

    Possession of cannabis was banned statewide in 1931.
  • 1973HB 447

    In June 1973, House Bill 447 was signed into law. Prior to its passage, possession of any amount of cannabis in Texas was a felony offense punishable with up to life in prison. HB 447 made possession of up to two ounces a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a $1000 fine and prison sentence of no more than 180 days.
  • 2007HB 2391

    In June 2007, House Bill 2391 allowed police to "cite and release" for possession of up to 4 oz. of cannabis. The same harsh penalties still applied, but the offender was not immediately arrested.
  • 2015SB 339

    In June 2015, Senate Bill 339 (the Texas Compassionate Use Act) allowed the use of low-THC (less than 0.5% THC) cannabis oil for treatment of a specific subset of epilepsy patients, if other qualifying conditions were met.
  • 2019HB 63

    In April 2019, the Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 63, intended to make possession of up to one ounce a Class C (rather than a Class B) misdemeanor. This would have eliminated the threat of jail time and reduced the fine to $500. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick refused to allow Texas Senators a vote on it.
  • 2019HB 1325

    In June 2019, House Bill 1325 legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp containing less than 0.3% THC. It also legalized possession and sale of hemp-derived CBD products without need for a doctor's approval.
  • 2019HB 3703

    In June 2019, House Bill 3703 increased the number of qualifying conditions eligible for treatment under the state's low-THC medical cannabis program by adding terminal cancer, autism, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), seizure disorders, and incurable neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's Disease.