I firmly believe that nobody should be imprisoned or bear a criminal record for being associated with marijuana, especially in 2025. This issue is personal to me and I feel it's high time our county adjusted its policies to reflect the growing acceptance of responsible adult use of marijuana. Nationally, marijuana has been legalized in various forms in 36 states, with the potential to boost the economy and lower the incarceration rates significantly (source: National Conference of State Legislatures). Texas stands behind in this progress, particularly Smith County. The punishment for marijuana possession contributes to overpopulation in our local jails, straining taxpayers' dollars without effectively deterring drug use (source: Texas Criminal Justice Coalition). We demand Smith County to align with progressive states by decriminalizing marijuana, thus saving costs, resources, and most importantly, lives affected by pointless criminalization. Please, sign this petition and take a stand for a more equitable and sensible marijuana policy.