East Texan’s Pot Bill Drawing Attention in Austin

AUSTIN (AP) — Tea party-backed state Representative David Simpson of Longview, says his argument that marijuana should be legalized because God created it, and that the Lord’s creations shouldn’t be banned, wasn’t an endorsement for using pot. “There’s a lot of things that God made that are dangerous, but they’re good,” the Longview Republican who’s seeking to legalize pot for all uses, said in an interview. “He made rattlesnakes and we haven’t criminalized them yet. I don’t advocate playing with them.” Simpson says his proposal now has bipartisan co-sponsors, though he’s not ready to reveal their names. Texas currently outlaws all marijuana, including for medical use, so full legalization seems a tough sell. But that hasn’t stopped the proposal from making waves.

Laredo Democratic Representative Richard Raymond laughed loudly before a recent floor session as Simpson walked by. “Libertarian, baby,” he called “Libertarian!” “Responsible use,” Simpson countered. “Responsible use, but free.” As he talked about the bill later, another lawmaker hurried by without breaking stride calling, “I’m running away.”