Sarah Stogner’s Bold Move
A Republican District Attorney’s Protest Against Marijuana Ban
A Republican district attorney in West Texas embarked on a highly public campaign to protest the state’s ban on marijuana: She lit up. Sarah Stogner, district attorney for Ward County, smoked a joint live Saturday on TikTok. The video showed the 41-year-old sitting under a tree outside her home in Ward County smoking weed she said she purchased legally in New Mexico, as roosters crowed in the background.
Stogner’s Position and the Texas Lawmakers
Stogner’s position puts her at odds with most elected leaders in her party, at least in Texas. Texas lawmakers are considering a ban on hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol — or THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. Last week, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 5, which would criminalize gummies, vapes, drinks, snacks and smokable flowers containing any amount of THC.
Breaking News
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s Stance
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a similar bill in June and called for regulation, not prohibition, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing for a full ban. The district attorney appeared to taunt Patrick and others before her social media stunt. “Come and take it,” she wrote on X.
Stogner’s History of Risque Political Methods
This is not the first time Stogner has captured attention for her risque political methods. In 2022, she posted a campaign ad of herself riding nearly naked on an oil field pump jack. She ultimately lost the race for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission, but she gained attention and headlines from across the state and beyond.
Stogner’s Background and Criticism of President Donald Trump
In 2024, Stogner, an oil and gas attorney and vocal critic of President Donald Trump, ousted a longtime Democratic district attorney in the West Texas county home of Monahans.
The Potential Consequences of the Marijuana Bill
If the marijuana bill passes, Stogner said in a written statement, it would slow the state’s economy, clog the court system and hamper efforts to fight violent crime.
Stogner’s Response to Potential Legal Repercussions
Stogner also conceded that she could face legal repercussions of her own after smoking weed. She indicated she was not overly concerned. “Bring it on,” she wrote. “It’s time to regulate, not ban, cannabis. It’s a plant that grows in nature, with positive uses. Enough is enough.”
Conclusion
Sarah Stogner’s bold move to smoke a joint on TikTok has sparked a heated debate about the marijuana ban in Texas. As a Republican district attorney, her stance on the issue is unconventional, but she is determined to make her voice heard. The potential consequences of the marijuana bill are far-reaching, and Stogner’s protest has brought attention to the need for regulation, rather than prohibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the marijuana bill in Texas?
A: The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 5, which would criminalize gummies, vapes, drinks, snacks and smokable flowers containing any amount of THC. However, Gov. Greg Abbott has vetoed a similar bill in the past and has called for regulation, not prohibition.
Q: Who is Sarah Stogner and why is she protesting the marijuana ban?
A: Sarah Stogner is the district attorney for Ward County in West Texas. She is protesting the marijuana ban because she believes it would slow the state’s economy, clog the court system and hamper efforts to fight violent crime. She also believes that cannabis is a plant with positive uses and should be regulated, not banned.
Q: What are the potential consequences of the marijuana bill passing?
A: If the marijuana bill passes, it could slow the state’s economy, clog the court system and hamper efforts to fight violent crime. Additionally, it could lead to legal repercussions for individuals who use or possess cannabis, including Stogner herself.
Q: Is Stogner’s protest a one-time event or part of a larger campaign?
A: Stogner’s protest is part of a larger campaign to bring attention to the need for regulation, rather than prohibition, of cannabis in Texas. She has a history of using risque political methods to make her point and is determined to continue fighting for what she believes in.
