Texas NORML
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February Texas NORML Meeting
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 at 8pm CST Join us for our informal, monthly meeting taking place the FIRST Wednesday of
Video: Legislative Workshop 2021
This virtual workshop helps attendees understand and engage in the legislative process. The only way to change marijuana laws in
87th Texas Legislature: Commemorative Long
The Texas Legislature convenes every 2 years and opening day for the 87th Legislature is this month. Texas NORML is
Texas NORML: Looking Back at
The pandemic has shaped 2020 to be a year full of adversity and opportunities. The Texas NORML Board is proud
Medical Cannabis White Paper: Policy
The Texas Legislature is expected to consider proposals to reform the state’s medical cannabis program during the 2021 legislative session.
Texas Cannabis Law Timeline
1915
El Paso Ban
El Paso was the first American city to individually restrict cannabis.
1919
Sale Restricted
In 1919, transfer of cannabis for non-medical use was made a misdemeanor crime. Possession remained legal.
1931
Statewide Prohibition
Possession of cannabis was banned statewide in 1931.
1973
HB 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.
2007
HB 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.
2015
SB 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.
2019
HB 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.
2019
HB 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.
2019
HB 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.