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Locals weigh in on the marijuana legalization debate

A new poll suggests most Texans would support legalizing marijuana. East Texans give their opinions on the topic.

TYLER — Currently, marijuana is considered an illegal substance in Texas, no matter the usage. But a poll conducted by the Texas Tribune and University of Texas at Austin found that 53% of Texas voters are in favor of changing that.

"It's not a hardcore drug," says Morgan Quinton, an east Texas resident. "There's a lot of medical benefits to it. It doesn't cause harm to anybody. If you're a consenting adult, I do fully believe it should be legal."

In the poll, 30% of Texas voters would support making marijuana legal if in small amounts, and 23% percent support any amount.

"If it's legal in one state, it should be legal everywhere," says Eric Castaneda, the owner of First Class Glass Smoke Shop in Tyler. "Obviously, it hasn't done any harm in the states that have legalized it. So, I really don't see the harm in Texas legalizing it."

Democrats and young adults under the age of 30 led the poll. At 26 years old, Eric Castaneda falls in that age group. He says there are more benefits than harm to legalizing pot.

"The thing is it has so many medical benefits that have been scientifically proven. Alcohol has no medical benefits whatsoever, but yet, it’s legal."

One of his customers agrees.

“I know plenty of people who smoke marijuana who have never tried another thing in their life and have no desire to," Nathan Smith says.

Despite legalization in some states, marijuana is still an illegal substance in Texas.

"I think I would be against it, if it was for recreational purposes. But I would be for it, if it was for medical reasons," says East Texas resident, Suzanne Tabley.

Recently, the Texas Republican Party endorsed marijuana decriminalization at its national convention. The group suggested a change in the law to make the possession of small amounts of pot a civil, not criminal, offense for legal adults, saying it should be punishable by a fine of up to 100-dollars, with no jail time.

"The punishments they put on people for marijuana are outlandish," says Smith. "Especially since, you can go across the border and it's 100% legal."

If legalized, some believe age limits should be enforced.

"I think some youth would be irresponsible with it, and I don't think we need any more reasons for kids to get in trouble," explains Tabley.

Smith says, "if you're old enough to sign up for the military and go die for your country. You should be old enough to smoke a beer or smoke a joint, so 18 is also a viable option."

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