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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JURISPRUDENCE Hearing Date: April 6, 2021 1:00 PM - or upon final adjourn./recess or bill referral if permission granted Printed on: April 8, 2021 2:10 PM COMMENTS FOR: HB 439 2020-2028 TX-LIBERTARIAN/CENTRIST Rickey Morris Jr, Presidential Candidate NLECO NEW LEVELS ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LLC 40 CYPRESS CREEK PKWY; 317 Houston, TX 77090 (800) 414-8013 #cutthecheck #endthewaronhumans #nomorewar #EconomyforAll #endpolicebrutality #endthewarondrugs #endprisonprofitsonhumanabuse #reperationsforall #wearethefuture #weareone #governmentforthepeoplebythepeople #godblessusall #godsaveusall #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #coronavirusisstillkillingpeople #americanrescueplan #$5Kperpersonpermonthreccurringretroactive Kimberly Phipps-Nichol self 3726 Lake St Houston, TX 77098 (775) 560-2612 On the penalty reduction and legalization fronts there are several bills to debate in the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Not sure what may be able to be combined with the multitude, but it is long past time for Texas to be as gung-ho about supporting citizen’s cannabis civil liberties as they are about all their other freedoms. Please support, as early as possible, any of these bills that would drive equitable, responsible and just change for the good of Texans. And please don’t get distracted by the mis- information often shared by police and sheriff’s unions relative to crime and teenage use/gateway drugs. It amounts to fear- mongering and has been disproven by numerous quality sources. As Judge Delaney reminds us, the collateral damage done by the punitive laws around cannabis is far too great a price to pay for a plant. Veronica Vella Self 1153 Florida Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78404 (361) 673-2211 I have been suffering with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, muscle spasms, nerve damage, carpal tunnel, PTSD (from traumatic sexual, emotional, mental and physical abuse). I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I have been on several different pharmaceutical medications that have not helped me. Cannabis (Marijuana) has helped me so much more without the horrible side effects! It can help so many more who are suffering from a variety of illnesses! Roy Grimes Self Student 280 Cedar Grove Trail Van Alstyne, TX 75495 (903) 818-1113 I support this bill Page 1 of 20 COMMENTS FOR: HB 439 Laurie Zapinski self 12207 Waterford Run Way Manor, TX 78653 (512) 501-0939 Hi my name is Laurie Zapinski, I am a 53 year old mother, grandmother, homeowner, and technology worker. I have worked hard all my life raising my kids as a single mother. I am a productive member of society. I was arrested for a insignificant amount of cannabis (3 grams) in a container in my purse, when I was in my late 30’s. I was treated like I was a violent offender, I spent the night in jail, and took a deal in court for another day in jail (for a total of 3 days, which included my arrest, in jail), had my license suspended, had to maintain a SR22 to get my license back and pay the fines to the DPS. I have a class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana conviction. I was ridiculed by some for being “stupid” for using cannabis, been called a “stoner”, been told things like just imagine what you could have been. I have to disclose to any potential employer that I have been convicted of a class b misdemeanor for possession of marijuana. Any job I apply for I have to disclose that I have a record for possession. I have type 2 diabetes with severe neuropathy. Cannabis works on my symptoms where prescription drugs have failed me. My job requires that I am able to think, it requires a logical thought process. I do not take opioids for the neuropathy, due to severe reactions to it, and the side effects associated, so most of the time I am just in pain. Cannabis does not affect my ability to make decisions nor does it impair my ability to think, troubleshoot and analyze technical issues the way that prescriptions do, I am able to control the pain and function. HB63, would at the least change the laws so that even with a small amount of cannabis, up to an ounce, you would at the very least, not have a criminal record. There is no reason that taxpayers should pay $10,000, per arrest, when other states have not only decriminalized cannabis but legalized it and are building their economies, while Texans are left behind. I now fight for my rights and for the rights of others, I spend time at the Capitol, I speak with our legislators, I put myself at risk because Texas needs to change. I am not a danger to society, I am not a danger to anyone! I would urge you to consider the severity of the current laws when faced with making decisions regarding Cannabis regulations and not leave me as a criminal in the state of Texas. Again, I am not at danger to society. Thank you for your time and consideration. Amber York Self 7719 CR 4801 Athens, TX 75752 (903) 203-8804 Gennesis 1:29-30 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God made this plant. Who are you to go against God? In God We Trust. Haley Hunt self - business owner Page 2 of 20 COMMENTS FOR: HB 439 1293 Harmon Hills Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (432) 889-7848 This past year has been so hard on so many people. As a mother of 3 teenage girls, I have seen a drastic change in their anxiety, stress, depression and overall mental health. We have strongly supported them with counseling, medication adding/adjustments, anything we can do to lift them up and keep a positive drive in them....knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, my oldest daughter who turned 17 in November 2020 was pulled over, arrested, searched and received a felony charge because of a THC pen - less than 1 gram. She is not a criminal, she made a bad choice and will now suffer harsh consequences because of those choices. I understand it is illegal (Federally and specifically in Texas) but I don't believe her receiving a felony charge helps in ANY way. She has a bright future ahead of her, she was hoping to take a gap year after graduating early December 2021 to travel and explore and hopefully find a better sense of self and purpose. Because of that one mistake, it could change her future forever. Even if she receives probation for the next 2 years because of the charge, I feel it is hindering any progress made. She is young, she will make mistakes, but the harsh penalties of a felony charge will follow her forever. Considering how the cannabis industry has changed over the last decade - I feel this needs to be adjusted. I appreciate your time, consideration and service. Chris Griffith Self Product Manager 15008 Ravens Way Roanoke, TX 76262 (714) 495-0089 I support this legislation. Thank you for your consideration and service! kevin giles self- teacher 1205 EDD RD DALLAS, TX 752534008 (972) 533-0065 I support this legislation. Thank you for your consideration and service but it is time to move on from this pointless war on people. Laura Adams Self/retired teacher 1024 Fox River Lane Ft. Worth, TX 76120 (817) 247-9281 I support all legislation to decriminalization of Marijuana. It is time for Texas to legalize marijuana! Wanda Lawson Self 330 WHISPERING PINE DR SCROGGINS, TX 75480 (903) 575-8063 I am a TCUP patient. THC has saved my life. The Texas laws are too strict for us with qualifying diagnosis. It has helped many of Page 3 of 20 COMMENTS FOR: HB 439 my health issues that are not on the state list. Decriminalizing marijuana would help so many who suffer, such as myself...along with removing it from Schedule 1. Marijuana has never killed anyone, can't say that for RX drugs, cocaine, heroine, alcohol, and the like. It is a common sense issue, not Reefer Madness from ions ago. Decriminalization would be a huge step in moving forward to help those who suffer, the elderly, veterans, and the terminally ill. Let's move forward away from false information and get these 8 bills passed. Jim Mccreight Self 540 E Escondido Kingsville, TX 78363 (361) 522-7557 I support this bill William Lemens Self 5000 Smokey Mountain Dr Austin, TX 78727 (512) 773-2995 I support this legislation. It is needed and important. Thank you for your consideration and service! David Romancelly Self 3617 Hanover Ln Irving, TX 75062 (469) 834-6519 I support Leah LoneBear CIAAG 7301 CR203A #5 Liverpool, TX 77577 (979) 313-6139 Be kind, be smart and leglize Cannabis. This state could make millions in tax revenue. Create a quality medical MMJ program with quality Drs and then stop trying to micro manage THC percentage or caps. Leave that to Drs. In a time when pain medication is near impossible to obtain cannabis, one of the only atlternatives for people who live in chronic unrelenting pain and have medical issues for which Cannabis is a better alternative than pharmaceuticals. Lt Gov Dan Patrick does not represent the will of the people on this subject .