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Decriminalizing Pot, Even in Texas

Rick Perry is considering decriminalizing marijuana.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry says he is supporting policies toward decriminalization of marijuana in his state, although he is still against legalization of marijuana entirely.

 

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Perry said he has already begun the process to move toward softer punishments for marijuana offenders in Texas, according to the Houston Chronicle.

“As governor, I have begun to implement policies that start us toward a decriminalization,” Perry said as quoted by the Chronicle, including with “drug courts,” an alternative to the traditional court system that sentence some drug users to rehabilitation and supervision instead of jail time.

Perry’s spokeswoman told the paper that the Republican governor still opposes fully legalizing marijuana, but he is looking for ways to reduce jail time for some nonviolent pot users.

 

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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