Houston Chronicle: SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Rick Perry signaled Thursday that he’s for the decriminalization of marijuana use — not legalization, but the softening of punishment for pot users in the border state.

It’s the first time the governor, who’s voiced support for drug courts in the past, took a position on decriminalization in Texas.His spokeswoman confirmed that Perry is staunchly opposed to legalization of marijuana because of the dangers that have been associated with the drug but is committed to policies that would lower the punishment for its use to keep smokers out of jail.