El Paso County sheriff advises Texas lawmakers on marijuana enforcement

A San Antonio, Texas, news crew interviewed El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder last week about the possibility of expanding medical marijuana use in the Lone Star State.

Texas lawmakers are considering at least five bills that would allow doctors to prescribe medical pot to people with a wider range of medical conditions beyond just patients with uncontrollable epileptic seizures.

A sixth bill proposes legalizing and regulating all marijuana use, which could open the door for recreational marijuana, which is not yet legal in Texas.

Elder said the Texas Legislature should pay particular attention to three factors: regulate the amount of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), limit how many plants a person can grow at home; and enact strong penalties on violators.Those factors, Elder said, were not properly considered by Colorado lawmakers when they legalized medical marijuana in 2000.

“There was such a rush to get through the process,” he said. “A lot of people truly believed it wouldn’t pass, but it did. Now that the door is open, it’s time to make some changes. I hope they think about those things before they vote.”

El Paso County is the second local county to offer advice on marijuana enforcement and regulation. Late last year, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell spent three days in Canada, advising authorities there after that country legalized marijuana.

Both counties began an increased enforcement of illegal marijuana operations last year and are continuing the crackdown this year.

Elder said he hasn’t been asked by another country, state or entity to make a formal presentation on marijuana enforcement.