Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
San Antonio - San Antonio marijuana advocates hope state legislation introduced Monday will pass after four states, including California and Nevada, legalized marijuana for recreational use during the 2016 election.
Five marijuana items are on the table for the 85th Session. State Senator José RodrÃguez and state Representatives Moody, Dutton and White have all sponsored legislation this session making it easier to use marijuana and lessen penalties if a person is caught.
For members of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws San Antonio, the local chapter of the national nonprofit lobbying group that is working to legalize marijuana, it's an attractive prospect.
"It's time," said Jamie Balagia, NORML San Antonio member and legal adviser.
Balagia said of the five items introduced, his chapter believes two have a good chance of passing.
Gov. Greg Abbott has already said he would veto any attempts at legalization of marijuana.
Decriminalization and medical use are the best bets, according to NORML.
"I think this is probably the lowest level that we can get over the hurdle at this point," Balagia said.
One bill in both the state House and the state Senate makes having an ounce or less of marijuana result in a fine of $250, with no criminal conviction. NORML equates it to a traffic ticket.
A resolution in the state Senate proposes a constitutional amendment allowing medicinal marijuana. Advocates say both propositions should sell well in the Alamo City.
"Medical marijuana in San Antonio goes straight to the veterans in our community," Balagia said. "For your minorities, for your poor in San Antonio, if you stop giving them a criminal record, stop throwing them in jail - they lose their jobs. They lose their houses. They lose their families.
The Bexar County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday sent this statement:
"The DA's Office has not been contacted regarding any proposed marijuana legislation. Until any proposed legislation is passed by our legislature, our Office will continue to enforce the laws as they are written."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: San Antonio Marijuana Advocates Hopeful Of New State Legislation
Author: Josh Skurnik
Contact: (210) 351-1200
Photo Credit: KSAT
Website: KSAT
Five marijuana items are on the table for the 85th Session. State Senator José RodrÃguez and state Representatives Moody, Dutton and White have all sponsored legislation this session making it easier to use marijuana and lessen penalties if a person is caught.
For members of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws San Antonio, the local chapter of the national nonprofit lobbying group that is working to legalize marijuana, it's an attractive prospect.
"It's time," said Jamie Balagia, NORML San Antonio member and legal adviser.
Balagia said of the five items introduced, his chapter believes two have a good chance of passing.
Gov. Greg Abbott has already said he would veto any attempts at legalization of marijuana.
Decriminalization and medical use are the best bets, according to NORML.
"I think this is probably the lowest level that we can get over the hurdle at this point," Balagia said.
One bill in both the state House and the state Senate makes having an ounce or less of marijuana result in a fine of $250, with no criminal conviction. NORML equates it to a traffic ticket.
A resolution in the state Senate proposes a constitutional amendment allowing medicinal marijuana. Advocates say both propositions should sell well in the Alamo City.
"Medical marijuana in San Antonio goes straight to the veterans in our community," Balagia said. "For your minorities, for your poor in San Antonio, if you stop giving them a criminal record, stop throwing them in jail - they lose their jobs. They lose their houses. They lose their families.
The Bexar County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday sent this statement:
"The DA's Office has not been contacted regarding any proposed marijuana legislation. Until any proposed legislation is passed by our legislature, our Office will continue to enforce the laws as they are written."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: San Antonio Marijuana Advocates Hopeful Of New State Legislation
Author: Josh Skurnik
Contact: (210) 351-1200
Photo Credit: KSAT
Website: KSAT
