According to a new survey performed by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune, 87 percent of Texas voters favor legalizing the use of marijuana. The figures from the poll are comparable to those of a survey conducted by the organizations in February 2021. Still, the results had dramatically changed within the last decade when more than twice as many people favored criminalizing marijuana. Ten years ago, only 42 percent of respondents supported legalizing marijuana for any purpose.
Respondents had the option of selecting one of four cannabis policies in the survey released by the University of Texas. The four options were: possession of any amount of marijuana should be legal for any purpose, possession of small amounts of marijuana should be legal for any purpose, marijuana should be legal for medical use only, or possession of marijuana should not be legal under any circumstance. A total of 60 percent of respondents from the new poll supported decriminalizing marijuana for any purpose, with the voters divided nearly evenly on the issue of possession limits. Only 27 percent thought marijuana should be legal only for medical purposes.
As shown in the demographic breakdown of the survey responses, most respondents support some form of legalization no matter their political affiliation. Those in the 18-29 age range are most likely to support legalization, with 51 percent saying possession of any amount of marijuana should be legal for any purpose, and only 4 percent choosing possession should be illegal under any circumstance.
Marijuana possession charges can make it difficult for people to find housing, jobs, or pursue higher education. However, reforming the state’s cannabis policies and removing marijuana possession charges from records can free many Texans from the stigma that comes with a criminal record. Although the majority of Texans support decriminalization, according to the survey, little has been done by the state to further the legalization of marijuana.
Though the House passed a decriminalization bill for cannabis in 2019, the bill did not advance in the Senate. On the other hand, bills aimed at reducing marijuana penalties, revising the state’s hemp program, and decriminalizing marijuana possession advanced this year. Still, the bills failed to become law before the session ended.
Possessing marijuana remains illegal in many states, and having a possession charge can make planning your future feel overwhelming and even impossible. At Easy Expunctions, we believe in second chances. Our experts can help clear your record and change your life. Sign up for a free background report on our website so we can determine what’s on your record and what we can eliminate with our fast and affordable software!