Texas leaders have introduced new bills aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana for adults and opening access to medical marijuana for certain patients within the state.
Rep. Jessica González, a Democrat from Dallas, filed House Bill 1208 this week, proposing the establishment of “a regulated market for the production and sale of recreational marijuana” in Texas.
The proposed legislation from Gonzalez, set for consideration in the upcoming 2025 legislative session, would allow adults 21 and older to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, including up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrates. The bill would also permit Texans to keep up to 10 ounces of marijuana at home.
In addition to overall legalization, HB 1208 would regulate the cannabis industry through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The department would oversee the licensing of businesses involved in the cultivation, processing, testing, distribution, and sale of any marijuana products with a proposed 10% tax on all retail cannabis sales.
González’s bill is part of a broader push for cannabis policy reform in Texas, which has recently been supported by many Dallas residents.
As reported by The Dallas Express, voters in Dallas recently approved Proposition R, decriminalizing possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana in the City. The measure, passing with 67% support, revises the City charter to make such possession the “lowest priority” for local law enforcement.
Other lawmakers also recently introduced related bills aimed at expanding access to medical marijuana and adjusting penalties for cannabis possession across Texas.
HB 1146, introduced by Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, seeks to expand the state’s “Low-THC Medical Marijuana Program.” The bill would allow patients with chronic pain who would typically be prescribed opioids to access medical cannabis as a treatment option. It would also extend eligibility to individuals with “debilitating medical conditions,” opening access to medical marijuana for Texans with a broader range of health conditions.
Meanwhile, Rep. Joe Moody also filed HB 848, which would amend the state’s criminal laws to include cannabis concentrates in its legal definitions.
While much of the attention has focused on the House, several senators have also introduced bills that could expand Texas’ medical marijuana program. Democratic Sen. José Menéndez filed SB 170, which would broaden the definition of “medical cannabis” and set new regulations for the testing, labeling, and packaging of cannabis products.
With Texas legislators meeting only once every two years, the 2025 session is expected to be a crucial time for cannabis reform advocates.