Man on the Street: New marijuana policy in Harris County

News – The Daily Cougar By Isabel Pen March 7, 2017

“I had a friend who got caught. He got pulled over, he had a little teeny tiny piece of weed and he actually got arrested and spent the night in jail for it,” said math sophomore math Amber West. “So I’m glad they’re doing something about that.” | Isabel Pen/ The Cougar “People shouldn’t spend time in jail for marijuana possession at all, but Ogg’s program is a good step,” said liberal studies and economics sophomore Mason Malone. “Opponents shouldn’t call this legalization because you can still face jail time if you possess too large of an amount. Marijuana is still illegal. Ogg is just cutting some slack for low-level offenders.” | Isabel Pen/ The Cougar
Stoners in Harris county can now breathe a sigh of relief with the implementation of a new policy that will keep marijuana users from clogging up county courts and jails.
Effective March 1, offenders caught with less than 4 ounces — a misdemeanor offense according to Texas law — will not be taken to jail, fined or charged with anything, if they agree to take a voluntary four-hour drug education program.
The program costs the offender $150 and the person must not break the law before completing the class.
Not everyone is eligible to take this option if caught with marijuana. Those that are out on bond, currently on probation, caught in a school zone or those who are under the age of 17 do not have the option to take the class.
If the offender does not complete the class, called “Cognitive Decision Making,” within 90 days of being caught, an arrest warrant will be issued and charges will be filed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
The new policy, unlike the previous one established by the former HCDA Devon Anderson, does not limit eligibility to first-time offenders. Anyone who is ...


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