Texas DA Smokes Weed on TikTok to Protest THC Ban, Tells Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to “Free the Plant”
In a bold move, Sarah Stogner, the District Attorney of the 143rd Judicial District in Ward County, West Texas, livestreamed herself smoking marijuana on TikTok to protest a proposed ban on THC products. The ban, which would prohibit the sale of products containing any amount of THC, the active component in marijuana, has already passed the Senate and is now headed to the House.
Stogner, a Republican, directed her livestream towards Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a key proponent of the ban. She went to New Mexico to purchase the marijuana from a dispensary before bringing it home to smoke in West Texas. The livestream was accompanied by a press release, in which Stogner called out Patrick for his support of the ban, labeling it a “new, even more restrictive marijuana law.”
After the livestream, Stogner posted photos and video clips on social media, addressing Patrick and saying, “Our law enforcement on the ground don’t support it. It’s silly and takes LE away from real crime. The solution: legalize. Smell no longer gives PC to search a vehicle but reasonable suspicion to make sure the driver isn’t intoxicated. It’s not that difficult.”
Patrick responded to Stogner’s post, but the conversation was unrelated to the THC ban. Stogner replied with a screenshot of her livestream, saying, “Free the plant, Dan.”
The proposed ban, Senate Bill 5, would prohibit the sale of products containing any amount of THC, while still allowing for the sale of non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. The bill has been met with opposition from some lawmakers, who argue that it would take away from law enforcement’s ability to focus on real crimes.
The House has filed legislation identical to SB 5, but has not yet held a hearing. If the bill passes, Governor Greg Abbott would have the choice of whether to veto it or call lawmakers back for another special session.
