The Cite and Release Law says that if a person is found with less than 4 Ounces of marijuana, then they are to be given a citation (ticket) and they have 3 Thursdays to set up a court date. They will still be charged criminally but it frees up immediate jail space for violent offenders like Drunk Drivers, that's why Mother's Against Drunk Drivers pushed for this Law to pass in Texas. Which it did pass in 2007. Yes - It IS the Texas State Law that is NOT being enforced in Houston, TX.

A person Cited and Released has the opportunity to set up bail and get an attorney. They won't lose their vehicle and have the opportunity to make all types of arrangements.

This is VERY important when you are sick.
Patients are allowed to make arrangements to manage their illness while paying their debt to society for possessing their doctor recommended medicine. The days are hard enough, but add jail time and court dates, children taken away, jobs lost, vehicles impounded, that's a lot for anyone, try doing it while you are dying and/or tremendously sick.
Going to jail while getting your medicine is the worst feeling ever. The treatment of ill people in general is horrible and traumatic. The staff is usually frustrated and uneducated (intolerant).

In Austin TX THEY HAVE ENFORCED the Texas State Law since 2007. God Bless The Educated Austin Police Officers. Enforcing the Cite and Release Law has created 25% more space in the jails for violent criminals, AND the city makes DOUBLE the money off that 25% because people that are cited and released are paying the full fees as if they were incarcerated.