Texas is a bit behind the rest of the country when it comes to marijuana laws. Twenty-four states have made marijuana fully legal, even for recreational purposes. Fourteen more states allow the use of medical marijuana. Texas is one of the few states that hasn’t legalized recreational marijuana and that only allows for the use of CBD oil medicinally.
While Texas may catch up to the rest of the country eventually, residents may already be wondering if there are ways for them to bring legal marijuana into the state. For instance, maybe someone was already planning to go on a vacation to Colorado or California. They know that they can buy marijuana products in those states without violating the law. Could they then simply return to Texas with these products, finding a way around the more restrictive laws in their home state?
2 major issues
No, Texas residents cannot do this, and there are two reasons why. It starts with the state laws in Texas, which still prohibit the use, possession or distribution of those marijuana products. Even if the initial purchase was legal in another state, those products are still illegal within the borders of Texas itself. The police can still arrest you, even if you explain that you made the purchase elsewhere.
Speaking of borders, crimes that cross state lines can enter federal jurisdiction. The federal government still has not rescheduled cannabis, so it is technically a federal crime to drive or fly across state lines with marijuana in your possession.
Unfortunately, as the laws change, people sometimes make mistakes that lead to legal charges and arrests. Those who are facing allegations need to know about their criminal defense options.