Marijuana Support Ads To Air In Texas
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A former police officer stars in a new pro-marijuana ad that has begun airing in Texas' five largest cities.
The ad features retired narcotics detective and Texas Hill Country resident Russell Jones talking about how people act under the influence of marijuana, as opposed to alcohol.
"I know of no instance in my entire career where someone was acting out under the influence of marijuana," Jones says. "People under the influence of alcohol are much more problematic. Law enforcement officials have more important things to do with their time than arrest people for marijuana possession. They need to be there to protect the public, to respond to crimes such as robbery, burglaries, rape, and murders."
Russell speaks in support of Texas HB 507, which would reduce the threat of arrest and jail time for marijuana possession. The bill would instead require a civil fine for up to $250. Current Texas law allows for those in possession of less than two ounces of marijuana to be arrested and given a fine of up to $2000. They could also face up to six months in jail.
The ad will air in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin through Thursday at midnight, which is the deadline for the House to approve the bill in order for it to advance to the Senate.
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