Texas Cities to Vote on Partial Cannabis Decriminalization

Two cities in Texas are poised to take significant steps toward cannabis decriminalization in the upcoming election. Lockhart and Dallas residents are set to vote on measures that would reduce the penalties for low-level cannabis possession, potentially aligning these cities with a growing trend in the state towards more lenient cannabis policies.

Lockhart’s Path to Decriminalization

Lockhart, a city in Central Texas, is moving towards decriminalizing the possession of up to four ounces of cannabis. This development follows the successful verification of a ballot petition known as the Lockhart Freedom Act. On July 23, City Secretary Julie Bowerman confirmed that the petition had garnered over 900 signatures from registered voters, surpassing the required threshold to bring the issue to a public vote.

The Lockhart City Council is scheduled to meet on August 6 to discuss the proposition, which is expected to be included on the November ballot. If the measure passes, it would significantly alter the legal landscape for cannabis in Lockhart, reducing unnecessary arrests and conserving city resources.

“This campaign is about ending needless cannabis arrests, protecting our community, and demonstrating the power we hold together,” said Elle Cross, campaign director for Mano Amiga Responsible Implementation (MARI), one of the organizations supporting the initiative alongside Ground Game Texas.

Dallas Joins the Movement

Similarly, Dallas residents are preparing to vote on a measure aimed at deprioritizing cannabis possession offenses. Activists, led by Ground Game Texas, successfully collected over 50,000 signatures, which were verified by city officials on July 19. The initiative, also slated for the November ballot, seeks to make cannabis possession a low priority for law enforcement.

The proposed policy in Dallas includes provisions to redirect city budget and police resources away from enforcing misdemeanor cannabis laws and towards more pressing public safety concerns. This shift reflects a broader reevaluation of cannabis laws in the state, driven by the high cost of enforcement and the negative consequences for those arrested.

Current Cannabis Laws in Texas

Under current Texas law, cannabis possession is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a permanent criminal record. Between 2017 and 2021, Texas law enforcement agencies made approximately 219,000 cannabis-related arrests, with 97% of these arrests being for possession alone. The impact of these arrests has been particularly severe on young people, with 56% of those arrested being under the age of 25.

Previous Decriminalization Efforts

The initiatives in Lockhart and Dallas are part of a broader movement across Texas to decriminalize cannabis at the local level. Cities like Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton have already implemented similar measures. Despite facing legal challenges, these local laws have generally withstood scrutiny, signaling a shift in public opinion and legal precedent regarding cannabis in Texas.

Implications and Future Outlook

The potential decriminalization measures in Lockhart and Dallas reflect a growing recognition of the social and economic costs associated with criminalizing cannabis possession. Advocates argue that these policies not only save public resources but also prevent the lifelong consequences that can result from a criminal record, such as difficulties in finding employment or housing.

As the November election approaches, the outcomes of these votes will likely influence future cannabis policy debates in Texas and beyond. If successful, the measures could further accelerate the trend towards decriminalization and possibly even legalization in the state.

The ongoing efforts in Texas cities to reform cannabis laws highlight a significant shift in public attitudes towards cannabis use and regulation. As more cities consider similar measures, the pressure on state lawmakers to revisit and possibly revise statewide cannabis laws continues to build. This evolving legal landscape underscores the complex interplay between local initiatives and state policies in shaping the future of cannabis regulation in Texas.