State of Texas Archives: on Drugs
MJ Hegar:
Absolutely for legalizing marijuana, expunging records
Hegar said the ongoing ban on cannabis "only boosts cartel profits."
"I am absolutely for legalizing marijuana. I think we should be expunging the records of those who have been incarcerated for such.
Source: The Marijuana Moment on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
Sema Hernandez:
Legalize marijuana; would bring in tax revenue
Science has continually proven that the consumption of marijuana produces no adverse effects on individual health. Marijuana is an excellent pain reliever and can be used for a variety of medical purposes. I support the decriminalization and subsequent
legalization of marijuana throughout the United States. No one should be thrown in jail for smoking a joint, and no cancer patient should be subject to prosecution for using marijuana to relieve pain. Legalization would bring in tax revenue.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Supports the legalization of marijuana
As Senator, Cristina would support the legalization of marijuana, as well as efforts to address the long-term harm done in
communities of color such as expunging records of those with low-level marijuana offenses.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Beto O`Rourke:
1998 drunk driving: arresting officers say he tried to flee
The former police officer who arrested Beto O'Rourke for driving drunk in 1998, along with the sergeant who signed the incident report, both say they believe now what they reported at the time: that O'Rourke tried to leave the scene of the wreck he
caused.O'Rourke admits he was intoxicated and says there is no justification for his actions, but he has denied that he tried to flee. "Beto's DWI is something he has long publicly and openly addressed over the last 20 years at town halls, on the
debate stage, during interviews and in Op-Eds, calling it a serious mistake for which there is no excuse," said an O'Rourke spokesman. "This has been widely and repeatedly reported on."
[The original police report asserted], "The defendant/driver
then attempted to leave the scene. The [police officer] then turned on his over head lights to warn oncoming traffic & to try to get the defendant to stop. When I made contact with the driver, defendant was unable to be understood due to slurred speech."
Source: Texas Tribune on 2020 presidential hopefuls
Apr 24, 2019
Beto O`Rourke:
Long-time advocate for marijuana legalization
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Ted Cruz (R): Personally opposed to legalization, but states should choose for themselves.
Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Long-time legalization advocate. Sponsored bill to end federal prohibition.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ted Cruz:
Opposed to marijuana legalization, but let states choose
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Ted Cruz (R): Personally opposed to legalization, but states should choose for themselves.
Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Long-time legalization advocate. Sponsored bill to end federal prohibition.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Greg Abbott:
More drug testing for unemployment insurance applicants
We write to you today in support of H.J. Res. 42, your legislation that would disapprove of the US Department of Labor's recent regulation regarding states' ability to drug test individuals who apply for unemployment insurance (UI).
Congress authorized the Labor Department to craft a rule that would provide states the option to drug test unemployment insurance applicants. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration drafted the rule too narrowly, undermining the intent of
Congress and permitting drug testing in too few instances.
Drug testing UI applicants can help individuals suffering from substance abuse to access necessary care and treatment so they may re-enter the workforce as healthy and productive members of
society. We believe this rule should be replaced with a new rule that allows increased flexibility for states to implement UI drug testing that best fits the needs of each state. We look forward to working with Congress on this issue going forward.
Source: 2018 Texas Governor campaign press release
Feb 10, 2017
Ben Carson:
Marijuana is a starter drug; keep barriers to hedonism
Ben Carson, the neurosurgeon in the field, told Fox News in 2014: "I think medical use of marijuana in compassionate cases certainly has been proven to be useful. But recognize that marijuana is what's known as a gateway drug.
It tends to be a starter drug for people who move onto heavier duty drugs--sometimes legal, sometimes illegal--and I don't think this is something that we really want for our society.
You know, we're gradually just removing all the barriers to hedonistic activity and you know, it's just, we're changing so rapidly to a different type of society and nobody is getting a chance to discuss it because, you know, it's taboo.
It's politically incorrect. You're not supposed to talk about these things."
Source: PolitiFact Texas fact-checking on 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 28, 2015
George Pataki:
Let's see what happens in Colorado with legalization
Colorado voters in 2012 resoundingly approved a proposal legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults. Some candidates say the federal government should crack down in states that have legalized adult possession. Other hopefuls say let the states
experiment. Former New York Gov. George Pataki said in 2014: "I am not in favor of legalizing marijuana, but having said that I am a great believer that states are the laboratory of democracy." He added: "Let's see what happens" in Colorado.
Source: PolitiFact Texas fact-checking on 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 28, 2015
Rick Santorum:
Marijuana is a controlled substance for a reason
Colorado voters in 2012 resoundingly approved a proposal legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults as did voters in Washington state. Two years later, voters in Oregon, Alaska and Washington, D.C. embraced similar changes.
Some candidates say the federal government should crack down in states that have legalized adult possession.
Former Sen. Rick Santorum said in April that "Colorado is violating the federal law. And if we have controlled substances, they're controlled substances for a reason.
The federal law is there for a reason, and the states shouldn't have the option to violate federal law. As Abraham Lincoln said, you know, states don't have the right to wrong."
Source: PolitiFact Texas fact-checking on 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 28, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Respond to the evil threat posed by drug cartels
When it comes to our state's responsibilities, our first and foremost obligation is to protect our citizens' safety. We cannot be naive to the threat posed by drug cartels, transnational gangs and human smuggling and traffic operations.
In the face of such evil, we cannot respond with apathy, but resolve.We will not fail my fellow Texans. We will do what the federal government has failed to do. We will secure our border.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Texas Legislature
Feb 17, 2015
Emily Sanchez:
Legalize marijuana
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Never legalize marijuana"?
A: I support legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.
Source: E-mail interview on Texas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 21, 2014
John Cornyn:
Legal pot causes similar attitudes to other illegal drugs
Advocates of pot use note that 14 states have passed decriminalization laws, and 16 states and the District of Columbia permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Texas is not one of those states, and it is not likely to be one soon, said Sen.
John Cornyn (R-TX)."I would be surprised if it has much in the way of public support, which would be the biggest obstacle, since I doubt the members of the Texas Legislature would take this matter up and pass it," Cornyn said.
There is no companion legislation in the Senate, but Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he would join House colleagues in opposing similar measures.
Cornyn said he worries that decriminalization,
medical usage and removing marijuana laws from federal enforcement is a slippery slope "where a similar attitude would be embraced with regards to other illegal drugs and dangerous substances."
Source: The Weed Blog on 2014 Texas Senate race
Jul 20, 2011
Elizabeth Ames Jones:
Secure our borders against Mexican drug cartels
For politicians who have failed to secure our borders, the horrific violence perpetuated by Mexican drug cartels may just be a final wake-up call.
We must take immediate action to secure our borders and ports of entry to stop the illegal entry of people, drugs, and dangerous contraband into our country.
Source: 2012 Senate campaign website, www.jonesfortexas.com
Jul 17, 2011
Rick Perry:
Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates
Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping--
where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem. S.B. 158 creates criminal
penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances that are not medically
necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.Legislative outcome:House conference report adopted on May 29, 2011; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.
Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158
Jun 17, 2011
Rick Perry:
Fight cross-border violence as part of drug war
We should continue our investment in border security because the threat of cross-border violence has only grown, as the drug wars escalate.
I don't raise the issue of border security as a criticism of our neighbors to the south, but to show our resolve and unity in the struggle, as they deal with a wave of violence unlike anything outside of the world's war zones.
Source: 2011 Texas State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2011
Pete Gallego:
Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates
Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping--
where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem. S.B. 158 creates criminal
penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances that are not medically
necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.Legislative outcome: Rep. Gallego co-sponsored the bill on Nov. 8, 2010, and voted to adopt House conference report on May 29, 2011; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.
Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158
Nov 8, 2010
Randy Weber:
Keep marijuana possession criminalized
Q: Should the possession of small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized?A: No.
Q: Do you support a ban on smoking in public places?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support a ban on the use of trans fats in restaurants?
A: No.
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
A: Yes.
Source: Texas Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Rick Perry:
Protect the border from drug traffickers
The best plan to secure our border involves intensive operations with federal, state and local officials working together to seal off common illegal crossings.We have caught drug traffickers and human smugglers off guard and reduced crime in remote
border regions.
That is why I ask you to fund a $100 million effort that will expand patrols, purchase new technology and protect the border from drug traffickers, human smugglers and other criminal thugs that seek to destroy our way of life.
Source: Texas 2007 State of the State address
Feb 6, 2007
Joaquin Castro:
Strengthen sentences for drug-related crimes
Castro indicates support of the following principles regarding crime & drugs.- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
-
Strengthen sex-offender laws.
- Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).
Source: Texas 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
Paul Sadler:
Strengthen drug penalties; also strengthen rehabilitation
Sadler supports the following principles concerning drugs. - Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
-
Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
- Lower the limit defining drunk driving to .08 blood alcohol content.
Source: Texas State 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Brian Babin:
Mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs
Babin indicated the following positions concerning illegal drugs.- Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug
traffickers.
- Require drug testing for federal employees in sensitive positions.
- Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills.
Source: Texas Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Steve Stockman:
AdWatch: Arrested for drug possession in 1977
Article entitled "Stockman traveled from aimless youth to halls of Congress; religion saved him from 'colorful' past":The congressman said he was ticketed so often he had to spend a weekend in jail more than once. "I was out partying, just like you
were or any other kid, and you'd get busted for a thing and you'd do a weekend in jail for a traffic violation," Stockman said. "So I may have been in jail a couple of times, two or three times." He said he could not remember exactly.
The Michigan
Department of State keeps driver records only seven years, so Stockman's are no longer available. One of his jail weekends led to a drug charge. On Sept. 23, 1977, when Mr. Stockman was 20, he reported to the Madison Heights City Jail to serve two days.
The records state that an officer "found, in doing a strip search, that Stockman had 3 Valium tablets 10mg each. Subject stated that his girlfriend had given them to him to take while serving his sentence." The charge was later dropped.
Source: Dallas Morning News AdWatch re: 2014 Texas Senate race
Jun 11, 1995
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021