In pockets of Texas, prosecutors just say 'no' to marijuana prosecutions

AUSTIN — Texas lawmakers may be reluctant to ease up on punishing small-time pot smokers, but local prosecutors across the state are increasingly looking for ways to keep two-bit toking cases from clogging court dockets and wasting resources.

This past session, seven bills that would have reduced criminal penalties for minor marijuana possession went up in smoke. But some county prosecutors are already choosing to pass on even filing charges when it comes to small pot possession cases, or looking for ways to divert recreational users to probation or community service programs.

Some have been doing so for years.

“The only people who do jail time for marijuana are the people who want to do jail time for marijuana,” said Shannon Edmonds, director of governmental relations for the Texas District and County Attorneys Association.

A little over two years ago, for instance, Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz...

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URL: 
http://smmercury.com/2015/06/21/in-pockets-of-texas-prosecutors-just-say-no-to-marijuana-prosecutions/