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Marijuana policy reform alive in Texas this session
I know many of you don't share my views on this subject but those who do please let your voice be heard.
(I know this isn't music related and some might think it should be in the Politcal Discussion or COR, but it pertains to texans specifically.)
TO: Texas residents*
FROM: Michael McKey, MPP legislative analyst
DATE: Monday, February 7, 2005
SUBJECT: Marijuana policy reform alive in Texas this session
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On January 28, Reps. Terry Keel (R-Austin) and Elliot Naishtat
(D-Austin) took a compassionate stand and introduced H.B. 658, which
would provide an affirmative defense for medical marijuana patients in
Texas. If passed, the bipartisan-supported H.B. 658 would allow
patients to prove to a jury that their use was medically necessary and
doctor recommended -- which they are currently prohibited from doing
-- and thereby escape punishment for using their medicine. Please urge
your representatives to support this bill:
http://mpp.org/TX/action.html
If you've never used our system to send letters to your legislators,
you'll be surprised at how quick and easy it is. Further, if you are a
medical marijuana patient, or if you know a patient, doctor, or nurse
who would like to help with the cause, please e-mail [email protected][/email]
today.
In support of H.B. 658, MPP-grant recipient Texans for Medical
Marijuana (TMM) -- a prime mover behind this legislation -- is
sponsoring a "Lobby Day" on Thursday, February 17, in Austin. Join TMM
and let your legislators see the support for medical marijuana in
Texas. Please visit
http://www.texansformedicalmarijuan...bbyDayFlyer.pdf for
event details.
If you have not confirmed your attendance, please e-mail
[email][email protected] or call 512-589-1086 to let TMM
know that you are coming.
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In another step forward for marijuana policy reform, Rep. Harold
Dutton (D-Houston) introduced H.B. 254, which would spare those
possessing small amounts of marijuana from having to serve jail time.
H.B. 254 would make possession of less than one ounce of marijuana a
Class C misdemeanor -- the equivalent of a traffic ticket. Under
current law, possession of less than two ounces of marijuana is a
Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail.
Commenting on H.B. 254, Rep. Dutton stated that Texas has "been tough
on crime for the last decade or so, and now it's time to be a little
bit smart on crime."
http://mpp.org/TX/action.html
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass
this information on to family and friends so that even more voices can
be heard.
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