Debating Cannabis: Texas’ Road To Legalization In 2025

The legalization of cannabis in Texas has been a hotly contested issue, and the journey toward legalization in the Lone Star State has been full of twists and turns. Legislators in Texas have already started submitting bills and setting the agenda ahead of next year's legislative session, and marijuana is a hot topic once again.

Several Marijuana Bills Already Filed Ahead Of 2025 Legislative Session In Texas

In a state where most people feel like legalization will never happen, it's interesting to see several bills already pre-filed for the 2025 legislative session about cannabis. They range from full legalization and regulation of cannabis in the Lone Star State, to expanded the state's access to medical marijuana.

In the last legislative session, there were attempts to decriminalize marijuana. Several bills that were aimed at decriminalization passed the House but were left to die in the Texas Senate. Once again, in 2025, lawmakers intent on marijuana policy reform will take up the fight.

Attempts To Once Again Change Marijuana Policy In The Texas House

When it comes to changing policy regarding marijuana in Texas, one bill in particular is looking at full legalization. The bill, HB 1208, would set up the legalization, regulation, and taxing of cannabis. This bill makes it legal for adults 21 and up to possess marijuana, up to 2.5 ounces. That includes 15 grams of concentrates. It also allows adults to have up to 10 ounces at home as long as anything over 2.5 ounces is stored securely. HB 1208 also lays the groundwork for regulating and taxing the production and sale of cannabis products.

Other bills aimed at reforming policy surrounding marijuana include HB 1146 which would expand access to medical marijuana to more patients. Under the bill, patients suffering from conditions that they would normally be prescribed an opioid for would be eligible for the state's medical marijuana program. It also opens access to patients with a debilitating medical condition, as defined by the Department of State Health Services.

There's also a House joint resolution, HJR 70, that would seek to make an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would direct legislators to "authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for medical use". The constitutional amendment would go before voters in November of 2025.

Will 2025 Be The Year Texas Changes Marijuana Policy?

Other bills have also been filed for the 2025 legislative session addressing marijuana policy. There are two bills in the Senate, SB 170 and SB 259, that would expand access to the state's medical marijuana program. No matter how you look at it, next year could be a big one when it comes to how Texas looks at cannabis.

Will next year finally be the year that legalization comes to Texas? Using past legislative sessions as a guide, it's easy to think it's not. However, activists and proponents of cannabis reform do have a lot to be excited about in 2025. Is there anything that could get the support of both the House and Senate? We'll have to wait and see.