{"id":2513843,"date":"2023-03-15T14:05:39","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/poll-finds-over-half-of-texas-voters-support-relaxed-marijuana-laws-decriminalization-bill-advances\/"},"modified":"2023-03-19T13:49:10","modified_gmt":"2023-03-19T17:49:10","slug":"poll-finds-over-half-of-texas-voters-support-relaxed-marijuana-laws-decriminalization-bill-advances","status":"publish","type":"platowire","link":"https:\/\/platoai.gbaglobal.org\/platowire\/poll-finds-over-half-of-texas-voters-support-relaxed-marijuana-laws-decriminalization-bill-advances\/","title":{"rendered":"Poll Finds Over Half of Texas Voters Support Relaxed Marijuana Laws, Decriminalization Bill Advances"},"content":{"rendered":"

The state of Texas is making progress towards marijuana reform. According to a recent poll, over half of Texas voters support relaxing marijuana laws and allowing for decriminalization. This is a significant shift in public opinion, as the state has long been known for its strict stance on marijuana.<\/p>\n

The poll, conducted by the University of Texas and Texas Tribune, surveyed 1,200 registered voters. It found that 53 percent of respondents supported reducing penalties for marijuana possession. This is a significant increase from the 39 percent who supported similar measures in a 2017 poll.<\/p>\n

The poll also found that support for marijuana reform is growing across party lines. While Democrats were most likely to support relaxed marijuana laws, Republicans also showed increased support, with 44 percent in favor of decriminalization.<\/p>\n

The poll results come as a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession in Texas is advancing in the state legislature. The bill would make possession of up to one ounce of marijuana a civil penalty instead of a criminal offense. It would also reduce the penalty for possession of up to two ounces from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor.<\/p>\n

The bill has received support from both sides of the aisle, with Republican Governor Greg Abbott expressing his support for the measure. If passed, it would be a major step forward for marijuana reform in Texas.<\/p>\n

The poll results and the proposed legislation demonstrate that public opinion on marijuana is shifting in Texas. As more states legalize recreational marijuana use, it is likely that Texas will continue to move towards more relaxed marijuana laws. This could have a positive impact on the state’s economy and criminal justice system.<\/p>\n