They say things are bigger in Texas and, according to new survey data just released by Public Policy Polling, that includes support for marijuana law reform.
PPP’s polling found that 58% of Texans support regulating marijuana like alcohol and only 38% were opposed. This change in policy was supported by 59% of women, 70% of Democrats, 57% of Independents, a majority of all racial demographics, and a majority of all age demographics.
The survey also reported that 58% of Texans supported medical marijuana and 61% supported the decriminalization of possession of an ounce or less.
You can read the full survey here.
With a high profile governor’s race shaping up between Senator Wendy Davis, the only declared
Democrat, and a Republican challenger (Attorney General Abbot seems to be leading in current polls) the time is ripe to make marijuana law reform a major issue in America’s second most populated state.
TEXANS: You can contact the announced candidates for Texas governor by clicking on their links below. Send them a quick message telling them:
“Public Policy Polling found that 58% of Texans support ending our costly war on marijuana and replacing it with a system of regulation similar to how we deal with alcohol. This majority support was spread across all age and ethnic demographics. It is time we consider a new approach to marijuana. As a Texas voter, I am very concerned with your position on the issues of marijuana law reform and would greatly appreciate if you could inform me of your stance on the taxation and regulation of marijuana, as well as allowing for its medical use and decriminalization of personal possession.”
DEMOCRAT:
State Senator Wendy Davis
REPUBLICAN:
Attorney General Greg Abbott
Tom Pauken
Miriam Martinez
Larry Kilgore
(If you receive a response please forward it to erik@norml.org)
CANDIDATE RESPONSES:
Miriam Martinez (posted in response to a question on her Facebook page): “I support the medical use of marijuana and decriminalization of personal possession.”
“I support the medical use of marijuana and decriminalization of personal possession. I thank you for your question” – Miriam Martinez
Screen captured documentation:
http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/Ryan_Jarnagin/MariamMartinezMarijuanaStance.jpg
Its time to cash in texas.
Make it fully legal.
Maybe we should make booze a crime .
Surprising. Everything I’ve ever read about Texas tells me it is NOT a place you’d want to be caught holding.
Texas do not like government. Surprisingly, they have car inspections there. (I guess you get more Federal highway funds or something.) I had to get an old junker of a car inspected there even though I was going to move to Maryland in a few weeks. It passed with a cost of $7. When I arrived in Maryland the cost of repairs to pass inspection would have been over $2000.
I almost forgot. Focus efforts at reform on lower taxes and less government interference. Texans have been deriving money from their oil fields, but these are drying up. Convince them to get the stoners to pay!
it should have never been illegal to begin with. I never gave anyone the right over my body or choices.
Mprader,
Do some research on the organic act of 1801 and 1871. You’ll find also the 14th amendment basically gives the corporation “UNITED STATES” complete dominion of your “PERSON” after participating in any government program. Social security number, Drivers License, military, etc. Basically bitcoin is our salvation. Just you watch. Silk road, then bitcoin. IT’S HAPPENING!
Thanks Normal for making it easy to contact the Texas candidates. I don’t expect much but change starts some where. Normal and MPP please contact the political candidates to make them state their position on marijuana. The candidate Wendy Davis is the underdog candidate, but if she will have courage to be different she might just win.
uhh they polled 860 people, not even a legit poll.
I think the front runner is Greg Abbot so I would def send him a message.
Thanks for thinking of us, but this election is going to be about jobs and abortion. They are already calling Wendy Davis, “Abortion Barbie” because she stood up for women’s healthcare rights. No one in their right mind would add Marijuana to that… Thanks, but maybe after she’s in office we could legalize it for medical purposes first… that would be great. There are just so many vocal right wing freaks here these days…
Ok Idaho, you guys, and girls were plenty willing to take a hit when the bong got passed your way, but you won’t do anything to help me change the laws
¿What would legalization in Tejas mean for the profit margins of the private prison corporations there? ¿Would it relieve the violence on the other side of the frontera between the U.S. y México? Too many Mexicans have died and suffered already. This would be a fantistic realization that Vincente Fox could use to convince the Mexican gobierno to legalize so Nortes could visit and get their weed legally in small amounts for personal consumption, naturalemente they could get it in Tejas but maybe they want some excellente Mexican indicas and sativas.
News like this makes me feel that the next President will have no option but to support reform.
And thank you people of Texas for your enlightened opinion.
I don’t understand why that citizens in Colorado and Washington can freely smoke and others in the same damn country, paying the same damn taxes can’t?
I sent Wendy a e-mail asking her if she is pro cannnabis probiton or anti cannabis probiton. on the 9 of oct. She still has not reply
It is about time we actually get a choice to vote for it. People die everyday because they drink alcohol. No one has ever died smoking marijuana. Nor have they gotten so blized they cant even walk. The only thing they might run into is a couple of drive-thru. But people act as if Marijuana is so bad. But can never say why….
Thank you Norml,
For connecting Americans with the Democratic process as it must be. Here is a posting of the letter I just sent Wendy Davis:
Dear Wendy Davis,
As a Texas Democrat, a Central Texas builder and a father of two, how can I help you win this race for Governor?
Here is my answer: You will win votes campaigning for indsutrial hemp to grow once again across these beautiful lands we love.
In less than 25 years, an area from Texas to Kansas will not have enough ground water to grow corn as a viable crop, a source of celullose ethanol, much less for food. Even with recent rains, lake Travis is only 1/3rd full. Texans are worried about their water supply.
Hemp uses less water than corn. Hemp contains %80 celullose, requires no pesticides and no fertilizers. Despite what the DEA would have us believe, hemp does not contain psychoactive amounts of THC to make anyone “high” from smoking it, and medicinal growers of marijuana would not want their crop anywhere near a hemp farm for fear of crossbreeding lower THC strains.
Hemp can “create jobs without spending a dime.” If Tea Party Republicans can’t agree with that, they have been reduced to nothing more than money-laundering corporate spies.
The future of America is within the competing exports of food, building materials, medicine and celullose ethanol fuel made from industrial hemp. We need to keep up with innovation from China! We can use the revenue from sensible, legal cannabis regulation on education and human health. We can live healthier, happier lives. Please lead the way for us, Wendy Davis. We will follow you to victory.
Sincerely,
Byron,
Blanco, TX
Go Texas!!!! Legalize it!
Many rebublicans and tea party supporters are for legalization. I believe in the constitution, balanced federal budget,low taxes, personal responsiblity, and recreational use.
In Texas there is more republican support than democrat. Check out this info.
http://www.mpp.org/assets/pdfs/states/PPP-Texas-Poll-2013.pdf
I think it’s about time the state of Texas legalize Marijuana for medical and recreational use, just ad rules like Colorado did. It would benefit a lot of people. Drug wars would defiantly drop, Marijuana arrests would no longer exist saving tax payers money. And the government their cut of taxes. And it could possibly attract more visitors and boost our state (Texas) economy.
I think Texas need go ahead and “Legalize It!!!” This year Go For It Texas!!.
To my fellow Texans,
I know there are Republicans for cannabis legalization as well as Democrats. Most of us are moderate and could give a $#!+ either way. However, the money established in the politics of marijuana legalization leaves the Republicans up against their own oil industries and Koch brothers who help finance the DEA.
Hemp creates renewable celullose oil.
This will drive down the price of crude oil.
So for the short term, only a Democratic platform could hold a pro-cannabis rally in the State of Texas.
Funny thing is, being pro-cannabis is being conservative… with water, carbon, and self-sustainability…
interesting point of view. I never really thought of it like that. Well i’m off to the back yard to fire one up.
Here is my letter to Greg Abbott…doubt he will ever see it!
Thank You for providing access to yourself and your team, Sir, thru this website.
I would like to know your stance on marijuana reform and the use of medicinal marijuana for Texans. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society concludes that “Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting , and all can be litigated thru marijuana and that there will always be a sub population of patients that do not respond well to other medications” ( http://www.maps.org/mmj/lnls-res.pdf ?).
I urge you to decriminalize the plant and stop the madness on our southern borders. Regulate and tax this plant that is already here and will always be here. We should not fear it but benefit from its therapeutic value. Perhaps in time, we will have an understanding that it also has a place for recreational use for adults as a regulated commodity such as tobacco. This would generate an incredible amount of tax dollars alone thru a law abided process and would be instantaneous in helping our Great State of Texas rebuild our infrastructure. This act would showcase our state proving that we are the progressive, modern state, and the future always leading as Texans do.
Prohibition did not work for us. Our current marijuana laws/system is not working. Cigarettes and Alcohol are for more dangerous yet we have no problem stocking our big box retailers with these products that are controlled and regulated by laws and government. It’s time to wake up and be bold enough for change. You have the people’s support on this…..58% of Texans say YES already to Marijuana Reform for Texas.
You have my vote already, Sir. Please share your thoughts on this important debate. I believe the longer this issue is shelved the longer more and more people will be suffering needlessly.
Most Respectful,
If you receive a response, please forward it along! erik@norml.org
“Public Policy Polling found that 58% of Texans support ending our costly war on marijuana and replacing it with a system of regulation similar to how we deal with alcohol. This majority support was spread across all age and ethnic demographics. It is time we consider a new approach to marijuana. As a Texas voter, I am very concerned with your position on the issues of marijuana law reform and would greatly appreciate if you could inform me of your stance on the taxation and regulation of marijuana, as well as allowing for its medical use and decriminalization of personal possession.” If you could only see how close marijuana has brought our family and friends in the community, like things should be, you’d have “ants in your pants” to try and get it legalized too!
It is believed that drug prohibition is the true cause of much of the social and personal damage that has historically been attributed to drug use. It is prohibition that makes these drugs so valuable – while giving criminals a monopoly over their supply. Driven by the huge profits from this monopoly, criminal gangs bribe and kill each other, law enforcers, and children. Their trade is unregulated and they are, therefore, beyond our control.
History has shown that drug prohibition reduces neither use nor abuse. After a rapist is arrested, there are fewer rapes. After a drug dealer is arrested, however, neither the supply nor the demand for drugs is seriously changed. The arrest merely creates a job opening for an endless stream of drug entrepreneurs who will take huge risks for the sake of the enormous profits created by prohibition. Prohibition costs taxpayers tens of billions of dollars every year, yet 40 years and some 40 million arrests later, drugs are cheaper, more potent and far more widely used than at the beginning of this futile crusade.
I believe that by eliminating prohibition of all drugs for adults and establishing appropriate regulation and standards for distribution and use, law enforcement could focus more on crimes of violence, such as rape, aggravated assault, child abuse and murder, making our communities much safer. I believe that sending parents to prison for non-violent personal drug use destroys families. I believe that in a regulated and controlled environment, drugs will be safer for adult use and less accessible to our children. And also by placing drug abuse in the hands of medical professionals instead of the criminal justice system, we will reduce rates of addiction and overdose deaths.
I feel that we need to stand for what we know is right. We can’t just stand by as our natural gift, isn’t being utilized or given a chance to be acknowledged as a safe and sound antibiotic or inhibitor. We need to legalize the flower and stop standing by watching as it is stripped and concealed from our generation.
In response to numerous replies: Anyone who engages in or approves of legal alcohol does not have a negative word to say about legalizing Marijuana. They are the same element of use. They both are for Adults to enjoy and use as a recreational drug. Hypocrisy runs deep in Texas – Both elements are from plants only one is fermented and the other harvested and dried. Both are invested and or consumed – no difference except for the prejudicial views of those who think weed should be illegal. If weed were treated as a human the majority I mean minority would be viewed as hypocritical, judgmental, prejudice and ignorant. Face it Alcohol and Marijuana are the same however you want to look at it. Our founding Fathers had no intent of making weed illegal – It was the taxing entity that made that choice (the Alcohol taxing entity). The Marijuana tax stamps were never distributed and thus by default illegal. That is until it was demonized by the uninformed government officials. Legalize marijuana or criminalize alcohol – Period! Please do not be a Hypocrite! Legalize Marijuana and let’s all enjoy life and get on with the task of making this Country a true Superpower and not a Hypocritical Police and Prison State. Be Cool whichever way you look at it!
G only G
Please Legalize Marijuana for Medical and Recreational Use. I have advanced Degenerative Disk Disease and have undergone a 4 Level 360 degree Spinal Fusion which has gone horribly wrong. Two Thirds of my spine has degenerated (No Viable Disk Tissue) and the other Third is Bulging, Torn, Ruptured, and/or Gone. I live in unbearable pain 24 Hours a day. Marijuana reduces the pain significantly and allows me to have a manageable life. We are compassionate people and should not allow (Mandate Legally) people to suffer horrible pain. It is plain cruelty to not allow people to suffer so much – Legalize Marijuana – Please!
Thank You Sincerely,
Be Cool – G only G
Thank You NORML for the Support to Legalize Marijuana!
However, It appears that my comments are not worthy and or not what You deem applicable and/or acceptable. I am an ideal representative for legalizing medical Marijuana. I have a constant pain level of 8 and above and have been identified by my Surgeon and Pain Mgt. Doctor as their worst and/or one of their worst patients they have. Worst being my injury and associated medical condition. My Spine is Disintegrating! Moderate my middle finger!
G only G
I strongly support what NORML is doing to decriminalize Marijuana and my donation is on its way.
Thank You NORML,
G Only G
Lol @ chupacabra who referred to the government paying for your late termand baby to be murdered as “women’s healthcare rights”
Texas is big on crime, The human warehousing industry has been so out of control it took the National recession before theybegan using its parole system. There more private jails here than anywhere, come here on vacation, leave on probation, and they will have you back on a revocation.. They are the shining example of the prostitution of justice.. Greg Abbott is a neck deep in this kind of system.Texas will legalize someday, but this is going to be a stubborn state, regardless commen since
Without marijuana i would horribly in school.i have a problem sleeping and when i smoke a joint i fall asleep wonderfully and wake up feeling great.before i would never be able to fall asleep and id wake up feeling insanely tired and in class i would never focus necause i was so tired. Please laglize it.
I’m for the legalization of marijuana. If you at how the law came about. It was from the racist views of one Harry Anslinger trying to keep blacks and Latinos out of work during the depression and to keep Anslinger’s nose in the public feeder.
I wrote to TX. Senator Joan Huffman, her office is the only one to respond. I also wrote to TX.Rep. Ron Reynolds, Con. Pete Olsen, Sen. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.
I made the suggestion.
Make it legal period.
1. For a private grower a one time tax of fifty dollars ($50.00) The private grower may grow up to six(6) plants.
Can not sell.
2.Commerical grower will be registered as a business and registered with the F.D.A. and the Tex. Ag. agency. Can only sell to licensed pharmacies and or coffee houses.
3. Places of Consumption.
A.In a designated area in the pharmacies and or coffee houses.
B. In a private residence including a enclosed backyard. Preferably enclose by a wooden fence.
I would to hear what ya’ll have to say.
Thank You
I am one of those who did Get caught with the marijuana.paying fines and did my time. But for medical use I am a long time slave to insomnia and will not asleep for days At a time.I am afraid to consult a doctor about this because I know I’m just gOing to be prescribed pills and Syrups that I don’t trust taking due to their addictive ways. Iv always been pro-marijuana since day one and it’s the only way I can actually get a restful normal sleep as like someone without my disorder. So please do help me and others like me to have a Normal life. And also that’s one . Just meDicinal uses. The plant itself can be used for oil. Clothes. Paper. Innivation is key. And texas is wasting time and money by not legalizing marijuana .not only for medical but recreational uses.
im a represenative of all voters in this district.
i think marijuana should be legal, because it is a theraputical herb used for older individuals. it should also be recreational because it is gene therapy in certain persons.
just like alcohol has many flavors they need to include the marijuana people, and make the tax code simpler.
To Galileo
The fines for inspections sticker go directly into the state trooper’s retirement fund.$$$ They can spot an expired sticker from a mile away.
I would like to see NORML press this issue so the Texas public will know where we stand, come election time.
Thanks
NORML
I am for the legalization of marijuana. My father has had cancer for the past 2 years and the only thing that helps him with his appetite and pain is cannabis. He prefers to eat it instead of smoking it. But if it wasn’t for this great plant he would probably not be here today.
I am a Texas Republican and I am %100 for things that would help Texans. The weed is God given. It would bring income to Texans. Cigarettes cause cancer and alcohol is a major factor with deaths on our roads. There is no reason why Texans should not have the freedom of choice. Why should cartels and gangs get the revenue from a plant that is easily grown by our citizens. Legalize it now!
IT IS TIME TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA!!!!!!!!!! I don’t understand why tobacco and alcohol is legal but cannabis is being discriminated. l will support the legislation of marijuana 100% of the wey I been haven back pain since the age of fifteen and have constant pain in my stomach I had enough of going to a doctor and getting prescribed pills that made me fill like if I was going to die I have stopped smokein pot over a year and a half and my family has seen a change in me I’m not my laid back happy self it seemed like l spended more time with them when I was medicated on pot I been haven health problems since a young age and im only twenty one imagine when im a few years older I really don’t want to be destroying my kidneys upwwith all them pain killers I rather smoke me a joint an forget about the pain and live life I hope to hear from some one soon I will love to get involved and support in the LEGISLATION OF THE GOD GIFT TO EARTH MARIJUANA …..robertreyes21486@yahoo.com let’s legalize cannabis in Texas YEAR 2014
I will vote for weed
A vote for weed is a vote from me
Im for weed
I will vote for cannabis 100% to cus me and lots of ppl in TX really have back spinal pains really look they should make alcohol a crime lots of innocent ppl died for drunk drivers
What can marijuana harm u in nothing it relaxes u controls ur mind and good for pain so really I think this should be are new year resolution 😉
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn’s disease and Marijuana is the best medicine. I used to use it when I lived in Austin. I wish it was accessible everywhere in Texas.
It’s time we grow and smoke our own pot and stop getting it from other places like Mexico or even California, it makes know since to go to jail then pay a bondsmen then pay a lawyer to figure things out for you but it’s legal in 3 to 4 state’s now how does that sound (^o^) weird, it’s a known fact that the sales of marijuana will create jobs in several different fields…
All for marijuana use because people die everyday from alcohol and tobacco not one dies from marijuana. It actually brings people together I can’t believe how many fiends I’ve actually made moving here and meeting people that smoke. My life would’ve been worse without it and I think it could even help progress our country. Maybe we wouldn’t have suck a large debt if we allowed the use of marijuana?
Greg Abbott has sent me a reply stating that he is absolutely against all forms of marijuana reform and stands firmly behind opposing making it legal in any way.
Then went on to lecture me about the harmful sides of it, and how the government has done studies showing how it holds no medical benefits.
I replied stating he was wrong, and sent him a link to a patent held by the U.S. Government stating all the benefits of marijuana.
So he gave a cookie cutter response, with no research beyond what he is fed and told to say. I was polite, and i forwarded my response over to NORML.
Have not heard from the others just yet, but will update when i do.
I 100% support it but do believe there should be limitations and laws same as alcohol I have smoked in the past and it helps from everything from migranes to tooth aches to bipolar insomnia stress and everything it is limitless so to say it has no medical purpose is a lie and clearly they have not ever tried for anyone that has knows that it helps does not kill or get you addicted and harm your body such as alcohol or any perscription drugs that are perscribed for health reasons and have bad side affects there is no over dosing or alcohol poisioning etc if you have to much most people just fall asleep sure some teens will take if over the edge and go driving etc but is the same as alcohol they take the chance and made that legal with laws but teens still drink and drive everyday marijuana is much better then alcohol and has less risks so why not seriously there is no honest argument marijuana helps it heals they make it into oils and more that is used for pain relief even moonshine is legal and used for medicinal purpose now why on earth tell me honestly would you legalize moonshine that can kill and not marijuana!!!
Take away the tabaco and give us a new smoke that wont lead us to our graves..
Hurry up abd pass the rights ti smoke l, people are loseing their jobs going to jail. At lest pot doesn’t make you drive crazy or maje pei pke act a fool or kill our livers like beer and jill our lungs like cigerates do.
Srry spelling sucks
Texas, for marijuana rites
they need to pass this law soon before Texas misses out on all the money. truth be told I don’t want to have to move states (I want to stay close to my family)
@Jesse
A Coloradan’s worst nightmare is seeing Texas tags with a U-Haul.
You politicians who consider marijuana as a stage 1 narcotic are IDIOTS!!!!! Alcohol should be considered a stage 1 substance.
Some politicians are crazy if they think I should rot in prison for 2 years over being caught with just an oz… Mexican cartels, various criminals, etc. are also probably making a fortune selling low grade weed to some of us Texans. Law enforcement needs to focus on the real criminals, not potheads
It’s all about the Lawyers making money ( Gregg Abbott is a Lawyer) and you know th A G is going to take care of his on -then you have our fine Law Enforcement ,would you rather spend your time booking a 19 yr old for 1/2 oz or a real Window Crawler – Why else would they try and control the border that is a bigger joke than anything–
Went through cancer, 9 months chemo…… Got caught with pot, 9 months probation…… Gimme a break!
Im tired of being controlled by right wing republicans in texas, they just cant admit that for over 30yrs they have been wrong about marijuana and for generations have used lies and scar tactics, well that brain washing isn’t working and NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE! MJ his not harmful like alcohol or tabacco so admit u are wrong and legalize it completely! U will never win my vote with this republican backward thinking!!
I’m surprised that anyone goes back this far to read old posts, but if you are than please watch the debates tonight on NBC at 8pm and vote for Wendy Davis if you want marijuana legalized in the state of Texas.
There is a voter’s guide at the Texas NORML website. Early voting ends October 30th. Registration ends October 8th. Official vote is November 4th. If you know someone in your family or a friend who is not registered and is not a brainwashed prohibitionist zombie, please get them to register and vote for Wendy Davis!
supporting this movement 100% of the wey its time to make a change in Texas and make it a better place
im looking forward to voting for this