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New Marijuana Law Could Save Texas Taxpayers Millions — If Authorities Use It

Tue, Aug 28, 2007 1:58 pm

AUSTIN, TEXAS — A new law taking effect Sept. 1 could save Texas taxpayers millions of dollars by allowing police officers to cite individuals found in possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, rather than go through the time-consuming arrest and booking procedure (often involving a night or more in jail) that costs approximately $2,000 per arrest.

"This law is good for Texas, because each marijuana arrest costs Texas taxpayers $2,000, takes a police officer off the street for three to four hours, and fills a space in jail that should instead be used to house a violent criminal," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. "By citing instead of arresting marijuana users, Texas will now be safer."

Marijuana possession arrests make up between 6 and 7 percent of all Texas arrests. It has been estimated that each of the state's five largest cities could save over $1 million per year by taking advantage of the law, passed by the legislature as HB 2391. The measure also covers several other misdemeanor offenses, including driving with an invalid license, graffiti, and criminal mischief where the damage is less than $500. The law does not change penalties for marijuana possession or other offenses.

"If Texas were a country, it would have the highest incarceration rate in the world -- higher than even China and Russia," Kampia noted. "Incredibly, literally 1 percent of the entire population of Texas is currently behind bars."

At least one law enforcement official, Bexar County Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg, has already said he expects to ignore the new law, with arrests continuing as usual. That would be a mistake, Kampia said.

"Federal government statistics show no difference in marijuana use rates between states that arrest people for marijuana possession and those that don't," Kampia said. "Ignoring this sensible law will waste tax dollars for no good reason."

With more than 23,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.

» add a comment

Catzilla007

Jun 19 2011, 3:26 am

It's pretty sad when rapists, child molesters and murderers get LESS jail time than someone who gets popped for weed. No one beats the crap out of their wife or gets into bar fights when they smoke pot, like they do when they drink alcohol, yet pot is illegal. You can kill an innocent life by having an abortion but smoking a joint gets you busted. You can go to your doctor for various illnesses, they prescribe medication that gives you other illnesses that they prescribe more meds for and then they take it off the market because it's so bad.
What's wrong with this picture? Legalize medical weed NOW!!!!

Texas Reject

May 31 2011, 3:18 pm

Yes, law is law but for any one that knows anything about our history as the United States. They would know how the prohibition came about and why the goverment did what it did to alcohol. Do any of you know anything about William Randolph Hearst if you dont read up on him! He was the one that started the Smear campaign agains marijuana in the 1930s to protect his interests in the timber industry. He also was one of the first to lead the way with corruption inside politics by bypassing the people of the United states to get what he wanted. He knew hemp was going to take over the soft wood portion of the timber industry plus much more. If something like that was to happen he would loose money out of his investment. He was the beginning of the prohibition on marijuana. Any body out there that acutaly believes all this mind washing none since put out by our goverment over this subject is just as stupid as the next person. MJ is 30-35% protein which can be made into many different kinds of foods that would be very in expensive and healthy for any on going health nut out there. It can also be made into clothing, paper, fuel, lotions, and soaps. Not to minchen it has been proven that you can not over dose on MJ. It has many anti cancer propertys that has been Scientifically proven in numerous reseach studies. No one dies from MJ. I mean seriously look at the potental for this herb it is amazing do some home work before you start talking shit about something you have no clue on what your talking about! My point is MJ Should be completely legal with the freedom for people of age (18or21) to use it.

Bryan tx born and raised

May 21 2011, 11:37 pm

I am a 42 yr old man and yes I have smoked on and off for well over 1/2 my life, at times regularly for months and others none for months, depending on supply, and yet have never had withdraws, like when I have tried to quite cigarettes. Most of this time I smoked instead of drinking and having hangovers. Now I have cancer and smoke to counter the side effects of the chemo, believe me it helps and at times its the only way I can get the relief I need. Legally, no I can't get the Medicine that helps me the most. But I have no problem getting all the hydrocodone that I want, by simply asking my Dr. I take only what I have to due to the huge chance of addiction and damage to my liver. Is Hydrocodone not strong enough for you how about morphine or maybe OxyContin, now there’s you some shit that will really fu** you up, by the way every time that I have taken these meds, they were given to me by my Dr for different reasons throughout the years for Kidney stones. How can a government that has its constitution written on hemp paper, has had several presidents that grew hemp as their main cash crop, has had recent presidents admit to its use, is in dire need of a fast growing crop that can be used for biofuel... do I need to continue, not to mention in debt up to there ears, refuse to allow their people the right to have a medicine that is proven to help without the fear of addiction and limited ill side effects? This has to go much deeper than the drug itself, its call Corporate America. Fine I get it, just allow these huge drug companies grow, roll and sell, tell Opec to kiss our ass and grow our own fuel, farmers could grow hemp instead of cotton, and spend billions less each year on its law enforcement and imprisonment not to mention putting a huge hurt on cartels, and raise millions if not billions each year in taxes. If pot makes you dumber by killing brain cells and I, a 20+ yr smoker, can figure this out and the law makers can't what does this say for them, dumbasses.If pot is as bad as the law makers make it out to be then every polition in public office, that has at one time or another, should resin and turn there self in for breaking the law and a law passed that anyone that has ever taken part in smoking pot in any portion could not hold public office. Or is it OK that they did it but not for the rest of us. I know that I will not see it become legal or decriminalized. Some say it should have the same laws as alcohol and I agree but at least it should have the same laws as hydrocodone.

veterans fo medical MJ-HOUSTON

May 20 2011, 3:51 am

Texas is about $27 billion in debt, according to the Houston Chronicle few days ago. With the introduction of the legalized marijuana industry, if only for medical purposes, could over time deplete our state debt to nothing by itself. It would create jobs and save people money on bullshit pharmaceuticals. Instead of wasting money on marijuana law enforcement, regulate and tax it. Turn that lost money into revenue. It's so simple if you're not ignorant to the facts of why it's illegal. Secondly, end bullshit laws. If you don't want tax payers money being wasted, don't give those redneck cops the power to decide your fate with all their enlightened wisdom. Simple, let people go if they have less than 4 ounces. NO BULLSHITING.

jhouston

Apr 4 2011, 6:43 pm

Haha! Do some more research.. captain spelling.. if your concerned at all about being a taxpayer.. or the dire financial situation that texas is in.. you would think twice. Are you ready to close down public libraries and other public services.. or would you prefer that texas makes 3 billion off of taxation of mj just like california did last year.. And dont try to feed me your gateway drug bullshit i dont buy it.. MJ is less harmful and addictive than even alcohol.. and millions of people enjoy it calmly in their own homes every day.. just ask your neighbors!

moonwych1313

Oct 17 2010, 12:16 am

First of all, I no longer smoke. Why? Because it's illegal. That's it. Would I like to? Yes, hell, yes! My husband would also like to, but it's illegal and it would cost him his job. My oldest son has been begging us to let him get our youngest son high (he is autistic) and we refuse again, because it's illegal. Will it help the severe anxiety that affects our youngest? Probably. However, we won't know because it's illegal. I'd love to say that we do it anyway, but we don't. Youngest can not keep secrets of any kind. Oldest still enjoys and I don't blame him. I've joined moms for marijuana and several other groups to help get the laws in Texas changed. How about my fellow Texans joining a group, getting some laws changed, and doing some good for everyone? PS I homeschool!

anonymous

Sep 13 2010, 2:23 pm

You can't even spell wonder. Moron.

chucha

Sep 3 2010, 12:25 pm

wander? haha

Jul 29 2010, 10:39 pm

I've been reading all of the blogs and most of you have a real issue with spelling and speech...I wander if that has anything to do with how high you are. Hey, I'm not a prude about mj, but I am a taxpayer and for the most part, I love Texas. So if you don't like the laws here, just keep moving on down the road. You got to learn to be smart about it. Stupid is as stupid does...

Mr. GreeeNThuMb

Jun 21 2010, 1:27 pm

Dam!!! I jus got popt for sum plants, my beautiful baby grlz. I dont know what they gunna do. And if your from Amarillo TX. then youll know that the cops over here are fucking dicks!!! Wherez My BONG!!

Johnny

Mar 26 2010, 1:09 pm

I was arrested in a small Texas town for possession of about an 1/8 back in 2003. One night in jail, $500 fine, no probation, no piss tests, no community service and it didn't even go on my record. The judge was shocked that I was 30 years old and I had never been arrested before.

dwn4dacause13

Mar 16 2010, 4:27 am

texas is so primative in there drug laws that it makes me throw up!!! got busted for having fuking .5(not even a gram) of kush on me and now i have a year and half probation and have to stop smoking because of the drug tests !!!! asshole cops! its sad to c how the attitude of law enforcement is down here in texas, fuking red neck fucks

outgrowbigbro

Feb 16 2010, 10:38 am

You can help! Join the Texas Cannabis Crusade on May 1st.

Visit www.TexasCannabisCrusade.com for more info.

Vote To Legalize

Jan 30 2010, 11:53 am

I've read every comment in this section.
My recommendation is: Every time you go to the ballot box to vote, Write "Legalize Marijuana" on your ballot in LARGE letters. If enough of us do this, the message will become clear that we, too, vote!

medical

Jan 29 2010, 2:45 pm

i smoke cannabis for medical reasons, nausea, pain, and to sleep. if i dont smoke cannabis i will be sick all day throwing up. I would not be able to live my life and do everyday things, like go to collage. well i am from texas and i support medical cannabis in texas its a safe medicine to use in the long term , or even short term. i feel that its time that texas comes together on this,,, I need this medicine , and to be arrested for using medicine is scarey for me as a medicine taker,,, please support medical cannabis .....

lifelongtexan

Oct 23 2009, 12:33 am

Bexar County is San Antonio, not Austin.

'C-SOL'

Oct 15 2009, 1:06 am

I live in South Texas...I've been arested numerous times for under two ounces.......really wish they'd fallow this law down here it would've saved me and the police alot of time and money.....It's pretty shitty when a 32 year old has really only been to jail for possesion of marijuana...and who only smokes..and works and pays his bills gets screwed like this...but hey I guess that's Texas for You........>;}-~~~

Earl Smith

Sep 25 2009, 11:27 am

http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=11179371

My brother(Charles Smith) is being held in Nacogdoches County Jail for an Engaging in Organized Crime charge for 1 plant and a few seedlings.I tried to post his bond but 20 minutes after I did it went up from $5000 to $100000.All he ever wanted was his place in the country and his animals.He is not and has never been a drug dealer,maybe the police shouldn't be harrassing his wife,trying to get her to say he was selling it.It has medicinal value to him.Back and leg injuries,no health insurance and the price and side effects of prescription drugs are ridiculous.
Earl Smith

Friendly

Aug 11 2009, 5:23 pm

Please do not go blaming the republicans for this issue-
Who wins from this stupid and laughable prohibition?
Dow Chemical
Anyone who makes any kind of alcohol
Private prison owners
Drug enforcement agency's
Drug Cartels
Lawyers

leaflover

Jul 18 2009, 11:58 pm

I cannot believe in the year 2009, the marijuana laws are this bad. The tax payers' money that is wasted on housing low level drug offenders is a disgrace. Texas is such a Republican state and so out of touch with the rest of America. The thing about Republicans is they are "do as I say, not as I do." They are hiring hookers, doing coke and probably even killing people, but God forbid you smoke a little pot.............................................

Ryan

Jun 26 2009, 4:25 pm

Bruce im going to assume from reading your statement that your 12 and home schooled, here in the real world we use bigger words. just to let you know retard us "potheads" came up with the DLP tv. do some research before you look like a stupid fuck when speaking.

i hope this bill passes its mind blowing that there are people in power with the same mind and attitude as flat faced bruce here

Bruce

Jun 24 2009, 2:33 am

You lazy ass pot heads are as useless as tits on a boar hog. You lilly livered pilgrims are just total tit turds !!!!!!

MR.G

Apr 21 2009, 8:19 pm

I SPENT THE NIGHT IN A TEXAS JAIL FOR AN OZ. AND THEY KEEP RESCHEDUALING MY TRIAL. I,VE BEEN WAITING FOR MY COURT DATE SCINCE FEB.

GanjaGurl

Apr 13 2009, 12:34 pm

I just spent 2 days in jail for a quarter bag, here in Texas. A month till my court date and I'm looking at a 6 month probation with drug testing and 20-30 hrs community service.

Chong

Mar 8 2009, 1:53 pm

at least this is better than the laws in arizona, im moving to austin in a few months and was just wondering the laws there. but here in az, any amount of bud is a felony, any pipes/bongs are a felony too.
if its your first offense theres a 900 dollar fine and court ordered drug testing. they give you a color, you call this number every day if they say your color you gotta go in and its an observed test. and after 90 days clean tests, all charges are dropped. i was on it for almost 6 moths because i was dirty for so long

still fuckin gay as shit though.

Tomballpi

Oct 2 2008, 10:08 pm

What a waste of resources arresting non violent people. When a DA says he is going to ignore a law he is taking away the rights of our population. Texas drug laws are out of date and until the lazy assed public has the balls to stand up for our rights they wont change. Now for the post knocking Texas, keep hating it so you wont come down here and find out great it is.

I wish

Jul 26 2008, 8:33 pm

It's still illegal, but it would be nice. :(

Trying to be informed

Dec 31 2007, 7:41 pm

Yes,they will keep arresting us. I use to be a municipal court clerk. You would not believe the arrogance from these officers. I do miss being up on all the new laws though.

bry

Oct 9 2007, 3:05 am

They will keep arresting us for sure to bragg to all there LEO buddies about how they got a criminal off the street and got these drugs out of the wrong hands yoda yoda BS. and 2nd is up to them to still issue you a citation which would still be a Ticket... you would have to go to court which means you would still need a lawyer and prob still get probation which means drug tests this law doesnt mean shit just keeps you outta jail the gov still maeks money on you from court probation drug tests
your frees its a loose loose cituation the Texas cops are just getting smart to not waste time book you a court date and then bring you in later and arrest your or give your probation whicher they choose fit of ugggh it disgusts me guys

nunya!

Sep 22 2007, 2:54 pm

Don't you all get hard-on yet,....there still gonna keep arresting us despite the new law..

texaSmoker

Sep 13 2007, 11:41 am

south texas is fucking great. our bud's good & it's cheap too! i will for sure keep riding dirty with this new law.

To koven66

Sep 11 2007, 4:13 pm

No , you're already fucked ...

koven66

Sep 10 2007, 12:04 am

fuck you i'm from texas

DiamondDawn

Sep 7 2007, 12:52 pm

I think this law should not be ignored. Potheads are pretty much harmless, these asshole cops are wasting their time fucking with us nonstop, rather than worrying about serious things like children being beaten and raped, stores being robbed every night, people being shot. For fucks sake even drunk drivers are more dangerous than potheads. HOW MANY POTHEADS HAVE CAUSED ONE OR MORE DEATHS WHEN DRIVING WHILE HIGH.... It has never happened and if it has it's never been recorded or put in the media. So quit wasting time and money on potheads and start worrying about real crime. When someone is high, they are only hurting themselves by losing brain cells, and that's our choice, so let us have it already. ENOUGH OF THE BULLSHIT!!!!!

mihigh

Aug 31 2007, 1:20 am

woop its imhigh rofl but well im growin in okalhoma so fuck the police

John Tyler

Aug 31 2007, 12:11 am

I think Texas rocks. I do however think their drug laws are a little on the taliban side though.

texan

Aug 30 2007, 9:52 pm

i hate texas and rick perry

okla420

Aug 30 2007, 2:42 pm

Texas has some of the most backwords drug laws in America...second only to Oklahoma. Ugh..

imhigh

Aug 29 2007, 8:07 pm

the only thing that comes from texas is stears and queers and some blueberry

resident

Aug 29 2007, 2:51 pm

The legislators in Texas don't see things in a reasonable light, and policy dictates that. Unfortunately, this will not be recognized. I am a life long resident, and well aware of the BS associated with these politicians.

Crazy Dave from Boston$$$

Aug 29 2007, 1:29 pm

How about no time in jail and the police just leave us alone . Why. Because they should be going after people doing real crimes ! How about United States politicians they seem to be raping the American people all the time !!!!!!! POWER 2 THE PEOPLE ! LEGALIZE MARIJUANA ! So we can all be happy.

doc1212

Aug 28 2007, 6:15 pm

hell yea i think this the best idea because i stay in texas and this make everything alot better

it has always

Aug 28 2007, 6:08 pm

been about the money.

everything is about money.

Virginia Gentleman

Aug 28 2007, 5:30 pm

People are starting to realize the $$$$ is what will make the difference .Not because its the right thing to do , but because it will make them some $$$$ . But , that has ALWAYS been the case .

this is whats retarded

Aug 28 2007, 4:11 pm

the law DOES NOT CHANGE THE PENALTIES FOR THE CRIME!

it only would mean that they would have to send you through the court process and then give you your sentencing.

IT SAVES MONEY BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO HAUL YOUR ASS INTO JAIL JUST SO YOU CAN POST BAIL AND BE OUT THE NEXT DAY.

but leave it to our retarded texas government officials to "ignore the law" even though it makes absolutely no sense to ignore it.

they do love to waste money. especially when it means jailing non-violent people.

i love texas, but i hate the people who run it.

what a fucking joke.

Buzz Ard to John Doe

Aug 28 2007, 3:48 pm

Want to bet he's running for something ?

A. Alonzo Wigfall

Aug 28 2007, 3:22 pm

HB 2391 Should be a model
that other states might want
to look at in order to draft
like measures for thier individule states. It's cost effective and efficent,which is what the majority of taxpayers would appreciate from thier state governmemt.

John Doe

Aug 28 2007, 3:19 pm

" Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg has already said he expects to ignore the new law , with arrests continuing as usual "

"Ignore the new law " ? Kinda says it all doesn't it . Watch this guy Austin !

Sounds like a damn fine

Aug 28 2007, 3:12 pm

idea to me!
Leave it to Austin to be the first, It's the greatest city in Texas!!!