Willie Nelson Backs Weed Decriminalization in Dallas

Willie Nelson Endorses the Dallas Freedom Act (Prop R), Calling for Cannabis Decriminalization Ahead of November Elections

Legendary musician and long-time cannabis advocate Willie Nelson has officially endorsed the Dallas Freedom Act, also known as Proposition R, which aims to decriminalize misdemeanor marijuana possession in Dallas, Texas. As the November elections approach, Nelson’s backing brings significant attention to the measure, reflecting growing public support for cannabis reform in the state.

Willie Nelson Rallies for Prop R

Nelson, renowned for his decades-long activism on cannabis reform, took to social media to rally voters. In a message shared on Ground Game Texas’ X (formerly Twitter) account, Nelson emphasized the importance of passing Proposition R.

“Marijuana is an herb and a flower, not a crime,” Nelson said. “Proposition R in Dallas is about fairness and freedom. It’s long past time to end the criminalization of weed in Texas, and I’m proud to support Ground Game Texas in their efforts. Vote for Prop R, and let’s move forward together.”

Ground Game Texas, the nonprofit leading the charge for Prop R, has been working to push marijuana decriminalization efforts across the state. Nelson’s endorsement adds significant momentum to the campaign, which is aimed at alleviating the criminal justice burden on those caught with small amounts of marijuana.

A Long-Standing Advocate for Cannabis Reform

Nelson’s involvement in cannabis reform is nothing new. The country icon has faced multiple arrests over the years for marijuana possession, particularly in Texas, a state known for its tough stance on cannabis. In response to these experiences, Nelson founded the Teapot Party in 2010, a political movement advocating for the legalization, taxation, and regulation of marijuana.

“Like far too many Texans, Willie knows firsthand how much a weed possession charge can disrupt a life. We’re grateful for his years of advocacy for common sense reform,” said Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas.

With cannabis laws rapidly evolving across the U.S., Texas remains one of the few holdouts where strict marijuana prohibition still prevails. Proposition R aims to reduce the penalties for low-level possession and align Dallas with cities like Austin, where marijuana decriminalization efforts have already taken root.

Texans Overwhelmingly Support Cannabis Reform

A recent poll shows that a substantial 73% of Texans support either full marijuana legalization or decriminalization, signaling that Prop R could have strong voter backing come November. The push for decriminalization is seen as a crucial step toward broader cannabis reform in the state, which could lead to more expansive changes in the coming years.

Texas’ Medical Cannabis Program Faces Criticism

As the fight for marijuana decriminalization gains steam in Dallas, attention is also being drawn to broader issues with the state’s medical cannabis program. A report commissioned by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and conducted by Weeds, Inc., has highlighted significant shortcomings in the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP).

Since its inception in 2015, CUP has enrolled tens of thousands of patients and expanded the list of qualifying conditions. However, access to medical cannabis remains severely limited, with only three licensed dispensaries operating across the entire state. This lack of availability has been a major point of concern for patients and advocates alike, particularly given Texas’ vast geography.

The report notes that the scarcity of dispensaries outside of Central Texas presents significant barriers for patients, many of whom must travel long distances to obtain their medication. “Texas’ huge geographic spread creates unique problems for both patients and dispensing organizations,” the report states.

Calls for Reform in Texas’ Medical Cannabis Program

The report has sparked renewed calls for reforms to the state’s medical marijuana program. Among its recommendations are the addition of 10-15 more dispensaries to meet the growing demand and expanded physician education initiatives to encourage more doctors to prescribe cannabis.

With the Texas Legislature preparing for its next session, advocates are hopeful that these findings will push lawmakers to expand and improve CUP, ensuring that patients across the state have access to the medicine they need.

As Willie Nelson continues to lend his voice to the fight for cannabis decriminalization, the momentum behind Prop R could help shift Texas’ approach to cannabis. The November elections will provide a crucial moment for voters to weigh in on the future of cannabis reform in Dallas and potentially set the stage for broader changes statewide.