According to a Dallas Morning News-University of Texas at Tyler poll, 60% of Texans are in favor of making marijuana legal for recreational use. This included 42% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats.
When asked about consuming marijuana for medical purposes, support was much stronger.
A massive 83% of Texans questioned, including 91% of Democrats and 74% of Republicans, favored legalizing marijuana for medical purposes.
The results suggest a shift in Texans’ opinions about the drug. For instance, only 27% of Texans surveyed in May 2010 by the University of Texas and Texas Tribune agreed that marijuana should ever be legalized.
Beto O’Rourke, a failed Democratic candidate for governor of Texas, declared that if won, he would legalize marijuana in the state. Additionally, he would hide the records of anyone arrested for marijuana consumption.
“Marijuana arrests have increased racial inequalities in the criminal justice system, increasing the load on Texas taxpayers, and distracted law enforcement from violent crime. When I become governor, we will legalize marijuana, cover the records of anyone jailed for marijuana use, and utilize almost $1 billion in new state revenue and savings on the criminal justice system to fund teacher salaries and public education.” Beto O’Rourke
Abbott previously stated his support for limited marijuana legalization.
“There is one thing that the state Legislature and I both agree on, and that is the fact that prison and jail are places for severe criminals who might hurt others. We don’t want to overcrowd jails with violations like minor marijuana usage.” Gov. Abbott