MONAHANS, TX — A Republican district attorney in West Texas publicly smoked marijuana over the weekend in an act of civil disobedience aimed at protesting a proposed ban on THC products in Texas.
Sarah Stogner, the elected DA for Ward County, posted a TikTok video announcing her plans and later appeared lighting up a joint, stating she had legally purchased the marijuana in New Mexico. The video, which she described as a protest against Senate Bill 5, was her way of drawing attention to what she called outdated drug laws.
“Went up to New Mexico, I purchased it legally with my Texas Driver’s License and brought it back,” she said in the video. “I’m getting ready to smoke it.”
The legislation in question, SB5, would ban any product containing a detectable amount of THC. It passed the Texas Senate in late July and was sent to the House for consideration.
Stogner also posted to X (formerly Twitter), tagging Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and writing: “I’m going to a dispensary to buy a joint. And then I’m going to smoke it in my backyard at 4:20 p.m. Come and take it.” The post received over 100,000 views within the first 24 hours.
Stogner has been outspoken about marijuana policy reform and told The New York Times that Texans are “tired of it” and that “we’re behind the times.” She also argued that criminalizing THC diverts law enforcement from focusing on more serious crimes.
Her high-profile protest could have consequences. While she may not face arrest for violating federal or state marijuana laws, Texas law allows for the removal of county officials who show “gross carelessness” or “gross ignorance.” A petition for removal can be initiated by any local resident.
Stogner is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, she garnered statewide attention for a viral campaign ad in which she rode an oil pump jack semi-nude while running for Texas Railroad Commission — a race she ultimately lost.
In her latest social media posts, she urged Texans to contact their legislators and push for marijuana decriminalization and legalization, advocating for a future where cannabis is taxed and regulated rather than banned.
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