DALLAS, TX — Dallas voters will have the chance to decide on a marijuana decriminalization measure this November, following the city’s certification of nearly 50,000 valid signatures submitted by advocates. The initiative, led by Ground Game Texas, seeks to decriminalize the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana within the city limits.

The Dallas City Secretary confirmed the validity of the signatures on Friday, allowing the measure to be placed on the ballot. “The overwhelming support of the ballot petition by Dallas voters is evidence that listening to the community and organizing around issues that matter to them is key to building voter enthusiasm and turnout,” said Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas.

Key Provisions of the Measure

If passed, the measure would prevent law enforcement from making arrests or issuing citations for Class A or B misdemeanor cannabis possession offenses, unless related to a high-priority felony investigation for narcotics or violent crime. Additionally, the Dallas Police Department would be prohibited from using the odor of marijuana or hemp as probable cause for searches or seizures.

The city manager and chief of police would be required to submit quarterly reports to the Dallas City Council detailing the implementation of the policy change, including information on any marijuana possession arrests or citations.

Legislative Background

While some members of the City Council had expressed interest in pursuing decriminalization through legislative action, plans to introduce the proposal at a recent hearing did not materialize. Consequently, the decision has been left to voters. Councilmember Chad West emphasized the council’s obligation to include the initiative on the ballot, stating, “Legally, Council has no discretion on these matters—we must vote to add the amendments to the Charter package that voters in November will vote on.”

Broader Context in Texas

The movement for marijuana decriminalization in Dallas is part of a larger trend across Texas, where several cities have enacted local decriminalization policies. Recently, activists in Bastrop and Lockhart have also submitted petitions to place similar measures on their local ballots. However, the path to reform has not been without challenges, as seen in Lubbock, where voters rejected a cannabis reform initiative last month.

Governor Greg Abbott has expressed opposition to local decriminalization efforts, asserting that municipalities do not have the authority to override state law. Despite this, public support for marijuana legalization continues to grow in Texas, with a recent poll indicating that a majority of Texans favor legalization.

Looking Ahead

As the November election approaches, the outcome of the Dallas decriminalization measure could have significant implications for cannabis policy in Texas. With growing public support and increasing activism, advocates are hopeful that Dallas will join the ranks of other Texas cities that have successfully implemented decriminalization measures.

The upcoming vote represents not only a critical moment for cannabis reform in Dallas but also a potential turning point for broader changes in Texas cannabis law. As the community prepares for the ballot, the conversation around marijuana decriminalization continues to gain momentum across the state.