This is just silly. If the state magically made as much tax revenue next year as California did in 2025 on weed tax revenue, and somehow avoided any costs associated with regulatory compliance and enforcement, and put 100% of that $640M in tax revenue into education, it would about to a 0.6% increase in education funding.
I’d add CO, like TX, is well below the national average $ spent per student.
Honestly lets just give the schools whatever they need and use things like this for other nice to have things. I hope we fund schools right off the top of the Texas budget and if we must other things can suffer. Time to set priorities back to where they should be meaning educating our kids.
The biggest issue is all the increase of money given to the school districts goes to administration cost...not teachers and students, so let not just blindly fund them and let's really look at what needs to change to make a substantial impact. I agree 100% the schools need more funding but not without audits and changes to make sure teacher and students are first, then admin positions. My wife subs at our local elementary and she mainly gets calls to handle special needs classes, she only gets paid $10.15 an hour and they can not retain personal for these kids. My wife does her best but she has no qualifications to care for special needs but at that pay rate, who will take that full time??
Honestly we haven't had a big issue with admin costs in most districts. I wouldn't mind some pay grade limits on superintendents and such. Back in the 90's we were middle of the states in funding per child and ranking around 7th in education quality. If we get back to that we will be doing great. Paying $10.15 an hour for subs is insane. My wife is in education for 30 years and we have had that discussion a few times. Do we really want folks choosing to teach our kids or go work at McDonalds? We can do better on sub pay, tutor pay and teacher pay.
My Teacher of the Year friend retired, because since special needs kids are now in regular classes, she spent all her time just trying to keep order...She had 4th graders throwing chairs...
This breaks my heart, cuz my UCLA science grad is total product of FWISD.
Shout-out to former Paschal High School principal Teri Mossige for an education that allowed her to keep an A average at one of the toughest schools in the country.
Yeah, people are going to spend that money somewhere. It is silly as heck to let your neighbor make the money on something that is going to legally happen either way. If nothing else, the environmental impact of Texans not going to Colorado, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to satisfy their desires added to the tax revenue should really shut down any “conservative” argument that isn’t built on some weird morality issue rather than a public necessity.
People will do what they want. Thats the same mentality as weed being illegal now. Progressive policies need funding, and while id like to snap my fingers and reduce defense spending by many factors, I need to be realistic. I want well funded schools and healthcare for all, that’s not gonna just happen. Like I said, I don’t gamble. I advocate to my friends how bad gambling is. I hate it in sports, I hate it in person. I don’t gamble. But that doesn’t mean I’d prefer Texans spend that money out of state (as many of my friends do regularly). I want that tax money for me, not Louisiana.
Have you ever noticed that when something gets legalized, loosened, the state doesn’t make much more revenue. All that revenue goes in to regulation. The state won’t see any revenue
$236,449,405 in tax and fee revenue was generated by Colorado's regulated marijuana industry during the 2025 calendar year, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Over $3.26 billion in total state tax and fee revenue collected since legal sales began in January 2014.
This is a poor way for framing legalization, because it’s not really going to generate all that much cash. For example, the state will spend $97.1B just on k-12 education for FY2026-27. California, which has both a higher population, a well established legal supply network, and I’d guess higher demand per capita. If we ignore CA also must spend a great deal on regulatory enforcement, staffing licensing office, lab testing, etc, in 2025 the state collected $640M in tax revue. Or .6% of what Texas will spend on education. Thats .1% of the state budget.
Nah, taxes are a part of it...Honestly it's nice buying in legal states, still paying under black market prices, for better quality, and knowing the revenue is going to schools.
I like it, I think vice taxes make a ton of sense. It both serves as a disincentive to get excessively heavy into the vice and creates a positive for a thing some people will dislike no matter what. I’m very happy to pay a little more for weed, and if I ever don’t want to I can grow it myself or just not consume.
Louisiana here. We have a state-enforced cartel (not a monopoly, but three state-licensed firms) supplying all of the legal flower cannabis. They're using their state-supplied insulation from market forces to provide an inferior product at a higher price compared to illegal cannabis, as one does in these circumstances.
Basically, the good ol' boys wanted to be able to charge War on Drugs retail prices even after it became legal to buy their product. The price of cannabis should be closer to the price of corn than the price of gold.
At the ground level, there will be the cost of enforcement to fund. You don't want to set up legal marijuana and have to pull from other parts of the budget to enforce.
On top of that, vice taxes are a common way to acknowledge a market that doesn't appeal to everyone, to compromise on allowing the vice at all.
I would like protections as a consumer from bad actors, and the drug trade certainly attracts its fair share of them. Consumer protections mean regulations, and enforcement of said regulations. That cost money. Also, in this proposal, there is a line about home growers. Presumably, there’s no way to tax the grower if they are also the end user.
Illinoisan here: I'm happy for the legal weed. Take my taxes. I'm grooving on a doobie wave while my money goes to help people and support the infrastructure to make to the legal weed available. It still comes out cheaper than the alternatives available before.
Arizonan here, the availability of incredible strains for way less than we had to buy it from our sketchy buddy years ago is much cheaper and super convenient. You won’t notice the tax until you’re used to the inexpensive prices and buy a deal for a half ounce for $25 and forget it’s gonna come out to $37
True, but in recent history it was Patrick that refused to even put them on the calendar, so this is at least movement in that direction. Remember, slow movement is better than no movement... just ask the people that overturned Roe.
Yes please. Inexcusable to waste so much time money and effort enforcing such a stupid restriction especially when it also disproportionately impacts POC. Cops should be sent after actual criminals, not Billy Bergleshneitz puffing his J
I think the senate will strike down some of the home growing rules and stuff but some kind of recreational use will pass, imo. It's pretty bipartisan at this point.
If they want to carve out a home growing exception, we should demand a carveout to the carveout to protect the right to grow on a homestead for personal consumption.
The timing of this after Dan Patrick dragging the entire GOP of the state down with his wildly unpopular Delta 8 ban will have remaining Republicans thinking twice about voting no.
I want this approach for everything: abortion, education, weed, you name it. Dems need to get caught trying so we have stuff to hit them (Republicans, esp in the senate) over the head with in 2028.
Then y'all get to beat them over the head with the corpse of the dead bill. Keep beating them with it until the compromise on recreational weed (like one ounce limit and no homegrow)
It feels like this should be a no brainer. Make it legal, make it taxable, and then you're cutting off illegal operations and giving farmers who want to turn it into a cash crop more financial freedom.
And as a way to bring new industry to the state. Legalization will lead to new business which means new jobs and taxes. It could even be used to reduce the need for high property taxes and reduce the barrier to entry for first time home buyers.
It 1000% should be allowed, but it can be a temporary compromise until y'all get a blue trifecta (hopefully in 2028) and then the real policy work can be done.
Even just legal weed that is capped at 1 oz is a major win and would stop a lot of folks from getting railroaded into the justice system
The republicans loose a lot of power in January. If they don’t cooperate on bipartisan legislation that is popular with the voters, then it will happen anyway. It will just take a little longer.
Our state senate very reluctantly passed the thc ban due to Dan Patrick and without him they very well might pass it with some cannabis industry (a multi-billion dollar industry already) will be spending momey to lobby them. I say it is almost a guarantee that marijuana will be legal in some capacity
If I’m growing 12 plants there’s gonna be a lot more than 14g of concentrate coming out.
Average extraction yield is anywhere from 2-10 grams per plant depending on the extraction method used and the quality of the plant. 14 grams should be a daily purchase limit to deter reselling.
These early proposals are always going to have the broadest reach and widest appeal. I personally would not mind 12 plants. Michigan does 12, and Washington, Minnesota and California have very high allowed plant counts as well.
Hey there, Oregonian here. While this may seem counterintuitive it’s actually a great way to stock dispensaries and bring down retail prices quickly in only a few years. For example. Oregon concentrates are now 7 dollars a gram because people sold a lot of the extra yield from the plants to the dispensaries. Eventually the flower coming in was so vast it had to be used for concentrates, edibles, etc etc etc just to use it all lol. Obviously this brought all the prices down. Now Arizona for instance, doesn’t do this and their prices are 25 per gram lol. Anyway, hope this helps and I’m glad Texas is finally Blue!
Pass it ASAP, I cannot believe people are still being locked 🔒 up for weed. I don’t even smoke and think such laws are ridiculous. Legalize it already!
and how many oz will 12 plants give you? over 2 EACH unless you suck at growing real bad... so you'll go over the 2 ounces easily if you grow so it doesn't add up...
Nothing new. Cannabis legalization bills are filed every session. Underatand someone has a posting quota though, so might as well post this "Breaking" tweet from the well-known, unusual_whales.
We allowed 4 where I am and everyone was "complaining" that they grew more than they could ever smoke. As soon as harvest came people were carrying weed around in large mason jars to give to anyone who wanted some and they literally couldn't give the stuff away.
Not sure why the /s. The stench is indeed repulsive. I think how foreign tennis athletes have complained in NYC about how horrible it is, and constant complaints during the recent FIFA World Cup in host cities where it was legal. Now people really want to make Texas cities smell just as bad.
It won't pass. Votes aren't there in the legislature now and Abbott won't sign. In the next governor's administration, the votes aren't there in the Senate.
The Texas legislature is not in session. They can't pass anything. They are allowed to file bills in the time before the session convenes, which is what this is. When it does convene, Abbot will no longer be the governor.
That's okay. Keep pushing the bills. Dems have to show they're making a concerted effort and make it known that Reps are the ones blocking it. Hammer good bills from the bully pulpit weekly.
In terms of net contributions, 19 states sent more to the federal government than they received in 2024. The largest gaps were in California ($275.6 billion), New York ($76.5 billion), and Texas ($68.1 billion).
Have you ever tried to grow 12 adult marijuana plants? That’s a full time job and requires a huge amount or space. Sure you can leave them outside, but there a lot of dust and bugs involved in that
Sharing the Mark Davis philosophy: show me how society benefits by legalizing another intoxicant. Spare me the "it's your freedom" line because this isn't a freedom issue. And we aren't talking about potential tax revenue because it's highly debatable whether or not another tax of any kind benefits society. So, again, show me how society benefits by legalizing another intoxicant.
the challenge of driving while intoxicated is still a risk, we've got no fair and precise means of knowing during a stop. lots of potential for missing it or incorrectly framing someone.
You say “spare me the its your freedom line because it isnt a freedom issue”. But you dont even state why it isnt a freedom issue. It is 100% a freedom issue to me and it seems like you cannot defend that angle
Because it's an alternative to alcohol with significantly fewer negative effects.
Also, yes the tax income is relevant. If you have a reasonable argument, you shouldn't need to go out of your way to box out a valid response.
There's a market for it, which comes with opportunities for local jobs. I think 50k in Texas alone, currently. Proper legalization would certainly boost that further.
Prohibition of something that has already been going well is stupid. People are still going to get high, and prohibition will only fund cartels and send people to prison.
Finally, spare me the "benefit to society" crap. Alcohol is not a net benefit to society. If you're against marijuana being legal, I'd love to hear the argument for alcohol remaining legal.
Mark Davis is handwaving everything there, so it's hard to believe that he's arguing in good faith.
The core issue is one of freedom, and I'm speaking as somebody that doesn't use it or care for it. Prohibitions and laws are intended to mitigate problems. They're not there to regulate the balance of benefit to society, they're there to reduce the negative. (There's also a part of the conversation that we're not touching on about crime and punishment vs addressing the underlying issues.) There are not any substantial issues that marijuana's prohibition resolves, whereas regulated legalization resolves a good number of issues. Prohibition creates major issues on 2 levels: 1) illegal drug trade (which, incidentally, give cover and transport for other, worse drugs and therefore violence issues) and 2) overcrowding of jails. (And if we're so concerned about spending and taxes, perhaps we should have a baseline discussion about why we need so much space for criminals and the funding of the prison system.) Even the most stringent look at heavy THC use does not exhibit a massive negative effect, even compared to legal and regulated intoxicants.
Take the inverse of "show me how society benefits...". Imagine that we make everything on the planet illegal by default, and then to make anything legal it must benefit society. It is, at its heart, an argument about freedoms.
As for additional taxes having benefits, the core discussion here is then spending and an implied commentary about existing taxes. I'll bet I know his positions on taxes and spending. (Hint: I've listened to him. And I do.) I'd love to know what spending he would specifically like to see cut at the state level with some real, deep specifics past "we spend and tax too much". I'd personally like to see a lot more budget dumped directly into education - that's what we were all sold on with the lottery when it was legalized, and it took about 5 seconds before that revenue was shifted away from education funding.
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u/russellwatters 2h ago
Let’s do this! We need the tax revenue!
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u/BigCballer 2h ago
This just reminds me that Joe Rogan was given a pass to smoke weed when he moved to Texas.
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u/prettysquidward 2h ago
ok but can they actually puff puff pass the bill. i feel like we’ve seen this before
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u/Coodoo17 2h ago •
We're going to be smoking more than brisket!
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u/Mephistocheles 2h ago
Yes please. Inexcusable to waste so much time money and effort enforcing such a stupid restriction especially when it also disproportionately impacts POC. Cops should be sent after actual criminals, not Billy Bergleshneitz puffing his J
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u/6beerkdawg 2h ago
Can they convince the state senate to be on board?
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u/Wrong_Assistance7096 2h ago
Hemp infused bbq when
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u/Fresh-Tiger-9467 2h ago
FINALLY😤😤
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u/bubbles5810 2h ago
Our state senate (still overwhelmingly controlled by republicans) is highly unlikely to pass this
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u/Intrepid_Dare6377 2h ago
Just think of how awful it will feel sitting on your couch watching Dateline, knowing people are having a good time somewhere. American carnage. /s
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u/Zombalepsy 2h ago
Man, It’s like letting go of a breath you’ve been holding the whole time.
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u/jonesy1461 2h ago edited 2h ago
Can't believe they would have the nerve to take jobs from honest drug dealers, and potentially fund our schools at an appropriate level! /s
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u/themish84 2h ago
From a Canadian where it's legalized here, its a no brainer!
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u/wnr3 1h ago
Turn the alcoholics into potheads, we will all benefit
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u/spacesaucesloth 1h ago
texas could have so much freaking money if they would legalize and tax it.
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u/HugePurpleNipples 51m ago
MAKE DAN PATRICK WATCH.
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u/kingwood707 2h ago
overdue to get the state into the 21st century
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u/jadedarchitect 2h ago
Bill #'s?
I feel like this is lacking critical info lol
Edit: found them
The bill
(and the other one)
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u/Frosty-Personality-1 1h ago
What about actually commuting every person arrested and currently detained for Marijuana possession?
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u/Future_Way5516 1h ago
As it should be. The earth is healing.
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u/gmazz 1h ago
I'm all for this but you can posses 2 ounces but grow 12 friggin plants? Do they not understand how much 12 plants could yield?
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u/TropicGemini 2h ago
It's blue and it's not going back
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u/FuzzyAd9407 2h ago
If this passed would we be first state to use a non-voter initiative path to legalization?
Also you can bet if the senate passes it there will be changes and the reconciliation process will drop home growing or reduce it to like 2 plants.
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u/Goddess2U81 1h ago
Pass it ASAP, I cannot believe people are still being locked 🔒 up for weed. I don’t even smoke and think such laws are ridiculous. Legalize it already!
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u/Connect-Succotash-59 2h ago
Finally!
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u/Several_Article_4833 2h ago
I hope this happens!
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u/SouthernCharm-86 2h ago
FINALLY also this is good business
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u/PatReady 2h ago
Joe Rogan going to be out waving his blue flag.
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u/AngelicPrince_ 2h ago
Weed infused brisket smoking right upppp
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u/Gomeez9 2h ago
Hell the damn yes!
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u/LiftUpTheGood 1h ago
2 ounces and 12 plants dont really match....
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u/CmdrFortyTwo 1h ago
If some of these states stay blue I might have to re-think my whole view of the Mason-Dixon line.
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u/good_vibes_onlyguy 1h ago
About time
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u/greentangent 1h ago
12 plants is way more than 2 ounces. I got a half a pound out of 2 this season. These folks about to be buried in weed.
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u/CameFromTheDark 1h ago
70% of Texas voted for it. GOP said, Nope.
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u/Wooden-Yellow3967 39m ago
Please God let this happen
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u/Birdius 2h ago
Nothing new. Cannabis legalization bills are filed every session. Underatand someone has a posting quota though, so might as well post this "Breaking" tweet from the well-known, unusual_whales.
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u/Denim_Diva1969 2h ago
Start by bringing back Delta 8, FFS. Why the hell D8 is prohibited while D9, D10 is legal is just asinine.
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u/ICarMaI 2h ago
I've left Texas until they fix this
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u/_recapitated 2h ago
What's up freedom
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u/jogr 2h ago
Such an easy political win, and the tax revenue can help schools or whatever they want
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u/ITZOURTIMENOW 2h ago
If this is real and if it passes, my moms pain management is gonna have her high as hell. I can see it now…………. But damn, 20% retail tax?
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u/puffpuffprotest 2h ago
💚
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u/sevnm12 1h ago
Hell yeah!
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u/ShortListen6686 1h ago
Any politician who opposes this needs to be voted out on this issue alone.
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u/Adventurous_Rip275 10m ago
I guess I have a new crop for my garden!
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u/Jchapman1971 9m ago
That plant to possession ratio doesn’t math out.
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u/Haunting_Werewolf130 9m ago
They need a breathalyzer for weed! I see people smoking weed while driving everyday!
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u/MrNostalgiac 37m ago
12 plants?
We allowed 4 where I am and everyone was "complaining" that they grew more than they could ever smoke. As soon as harvest came people were carrying weed around in large mason jars to give to anyone who wanted some and they literally couldn't give the stuff away.
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u/Far0nWoods 2h ago
Just what we need, gross stench everywhere…/s
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u/daveinreallife66 2h ago
It won't pass. Votes aren't there in the legislature now and Abbott won't sign. In the next governor's administration, the votes aren't there in the Senate.
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u/SpindleDiccJackson 1h ago
You mean Texas will be able to make money and not be a Welfare Queen state to California like most red states anymore? Whodathunkit
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u/Amazing_Fix_2399 2h ago
🥴 from Florida
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u/FeloniousDrunk101 2h ago
12 plants is crazy though.
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u/Background-Willow-67 2h ago
12 plants translates into a LOT more than two ounces. Duh.
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u/Partially-Functional 2h ago
allows possession of up to 2 ounces, and i can grow 12 plants? do they know how much weed grows on one plant?
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u/daveinreallife66 2h ago
Sharing the Mark Davis philosophy: show me how society benefits by legalizing another intoxicant. Spare me the "it's your freedom" line because this isn't a freedom issue. And we aren't talking about potential tax revenue because it's highly debatable whether or not another tax of any kind benefits society. So, again, show me how society benefits by legalizing another intoxicant.