Commentary

Today I read Madison Galvan's Blog post, Blog Stage 7 where she criticizes the power of our government. She made some valid points in that President Trump was acting childish to get his way in our most recent government shutdown. I agree that there need to be more limitations since this can really hurt our country. I would like to see more information on previous presidents that have also used their power for their own goals. It is important for our president to have power but where have we seen that they have too much freedom and how this has impacted us.

The Magic Plant

Marijuana is my topic for today, and specifically what is happening in Texas regarding this plant.
I live in Austin, Tx where the famous pot movie Dazed and Confused was filmed, so there is no
doubt that I support the use of marijuana. Many states in the US have already legalized this
plant and are actually profiting greatly from its earnings.

I read an article on the Austin Statesman regarding the legalization of this plant. In the article,
they talk about HB 63 and HB 1365 which both in regard to marijuana. HB 63 would reduce the
criminal offense of the possession of an ounce of marijuana from a Class B misdemeanor to a
civil offense, which was immediately declared dead by Dan Patrick. Hb 1365 passed Housed
approval 144-0, which would allow Texas farmers to grow hemp and enable hemp products to
be manufactured in the state.

I think it is important to understand these small steps that are happening in our state. In the

article, they talk about how there is enough support for the legalization and decriminalization
of this plant but yet our lawmakers believe something else. I understand many are skeptical
about this plant but there is not enough research that proves what many of these conservatives
believe. I think it is important for our government to begin to move forward with the legalization
of this plant so that many people can benefit. I also think that our national government has a
big role that they need to play. They need to decide whether they see this plant as a drug or as
medicine that many can benefit from. This way we won’t have this debate between states and
people. Our country is changing and so are the views of its people it is time for our government
to take the time to address this plant like they have before. Our government needs to begin
scientific studies to really understand this plant so that they can help its citizen.