Texas NORML Annual Members’ Mixer 2014
October 6, 2014
National and Statewide Elections – Their Results and What They Mean for Texas
November 5, 2014This year’s Governor race is important for our State and we would like to let you know how the Candidates weigh in on the Cannabis Issue so you can take that into consideration when at the polls ~
Wendy Davis (D) – Regarding decriminalization, Davis has said, “we as a state need to think about the cost of that incarceration and, obviously, the cost to the taxpayers as a consequence of it, and whether we’re really solving any problem for the state by virtue of incarcerations for small amounts of marijuana possession.” She also said that if the bill lowering penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marihuana had made it to the Senate floor, she would have voted for it. Regarding medical benefits, Davis stated, “I personally believe that medical marijuana should be allowed for.”
Kathie Glass (L) – These are Kathie’s responses to our 2014 Texas NORML Voter’s Guide. “Medical – Support, ONLY if that is the best we can get. Decriminalization – Support, ONLY if that is the best we can get. Legalization – SUPPORT Remarks – Medicinal or recreational, treat marijuana like beer.
Greg Abbott (R) – Through multiple sources, we have received this standard letter from Greg Abbott: “Greg Abbott supports current drug policy. Drug use affects every sector of society, straining our economy, our healthcare and criminal justice systems, and endangering the futures of young people. The best methods of combating this problem include a combination of medical treatment and criminal enforcement. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug (the highest tier of restriction) under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This means that the substance is recognized by the U.S. government as having a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision. Additionally, due to this classification, it remains illegal under federal law to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. Although Eric Holder’s Justice Department has stated that it will not enforce federal law regarding marijuana in some states, federal law (which
supersedes Texas law) still clearly prohibits the use of marijuana for either recreational or medical purposes. Even the
Obama Administration agrees that marijuana use is harmful and should be discouraged. The White House website notes
that: http://www.whitehouse.gov/…/ondc…/marijuana-legalization
Additionally, while some claim that legalizing and taxing marijuana would generate significant tax revenue, a study in
Colorado shows that marijuana tax revenues may not cover the incremental state expenditures related to legalization.
See: https://webcom.colostate.edu/…/CFC-Amendment-64-Study…”
Early voting has just begun! Texans have registered to vote in record numbers this year but now we have to make sure we GET OUT THE VOTE!
To find your polling places, go here.
IN ORDER TO VOTE IN TEXAS, BRING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS TO YOUR POLLING PLACE:
– Texas driver’s license issued by DPS
– Election ID Certificate issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS),
– Personal ID card issued by DPS,
– Texas concealed handgun license,
– U.S. military ID card (with photo),
– U.S. citizenship certificate (with photo)
– U.S. Passport
Learn more about Voter ID Basics here. To learn how the candidates stand on the cannabis issues review the 2014 Texas NORML Voters’ Guide here. Please share this information with EVERYONE!
Because of law changes in 1997, Texas must change all drug laws at the state level and through the legislative process. Therefore, we are reliant on our elected state officials who only meet for a 140 day session every two years.
We recommend taking the following actions in your area:
1. Share the 2014 Texas NORML Voters’ Guide with all of your friends and family and through social media. Put this Guide on blast! Find the downloadable version here.
2. Print and distribute. In addition to the obvious cannabis consumer friendly locations, consider printing up stacks of the Voters’ Guide and leaving them next to the League of Women Voter’s Guide at you local grocery stores and libraries.
3. Look up the State Representatives and State Senators for your area using http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx. Find supportive candidates on social media and follow them. Encourage your members to volunteer for their campaigns. Build relationships and plan on staying in touch throughout the legislative process.
4. Remind everyone to vote!! Early voting is October 20th to October 31st. Election day is November 4th, 2014.
Let’s get cannabis friendly candidates elected in Texas!
Sincerely,
Your Texas NORML Team