Law & OrderCurated by Patrick Svitek and Terri Langford
Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that allows epilepsy patients to use medicinal cannabis oils, which contain a non-euphoric component found in marijuana.
But the Legislature did not otherwise lower penalties related to the possession of marijuana — medical or otherwise.
Most people arrested for marijuana possession are holding less than two grams. That small amount can mean up to six months in jail for the offender, along with a $2,000 fine. Minor marijuana possession cases tie up prosecutors and the state’s misdemeanor courtrooms every day in Texas, some lawmakers say.
Updated: June 1, 2015
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The Texas Legislative Guide was designed and developed by Becca Aaronson, Emily Albracht, Daniel Craigmile, Annie Daniel, Ben Hasson and Ryan Murphy for The Texas Tribune. The Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that promotes civic engagement and discourse on public policy, politics, government and other matters of statewide concern.