Final answer:
Texan public opinion on marijuana legalization has markedly shifted in recent years, with a corresponding slow response from legislators and the judicial system, reflecting a move towards decriminalization and legalization due to the evolving public consensus and recognition of disproportionate penalties along racial lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing changes in the public opinion of Texans regarding the legal status of marijuana with the actions of legislators and the judicial system in Texas indicates that there has been a significant shift in societal attitudes toward the substance, which is now increasingly reflected in policy changes. The misinformation and racial stereotypes that historically surrounded marijuana use have been challenged by a more informed understanding of its effects, leading to a movement for its decriminalization and legalization.
The public has become more aware of the disproportionate penalties for possession along racial lines and the associated costs of incarceration and overcrowding in prisons. The Pew Research Center reported that, public opinion on marijuana legalization has soared from 52 percent in 2013 to 67 percent in 2019, indicating a solid majority in favor of legal change. Consequently, legislators, who may follow the principle of delegate representation, are now responding to the evolving public consensus, leading to legal reforms in various states, including changes to marijuana policies and the legal environment surrounding the cannabis industry.