Texas Cities Advance Cannabis Decriminalization Efforts Amid Legal Challenges

LOS ANGELES-  Activists in several Texas cities are pushing for cannabis decriminalization, with measures set to appear on the November ballot in Lockhart, Dallas, and potentially Bastrop. These initiatives aim to reduce penalties for possession of cannabis, reflecting a broader trend in the state towards relaxing enforcement despite Texas’ strict regulations.

In Lockhart, the city has certified the required signatures, securing a place for the decriminalization measure on the upcoming ballot. The proposed ordinance would prevent law enforcement from arresting individuals possessing up to four ounces of cannabis, instead issuing a citation. This effort is part of a broader movement, with similar measures already enacted in cities like Austin and San Marcos.

Bastrop’s initiative mirrors the approach taken by Lockhart and other cities. Activists in Bastrop have submitted over double the required signatures, though they await official verification. The Dallas proposal, spearheaded by Ground Game Texas, has already been certified and will also be up for a vote in November.

However, these local efforts face legal challenges. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against five cities with decriminalization ordinances, including Austin and San Marcos. So far, county judges have dismissed these cases, but the legal battles highlight the ongoing tension between state and local governance regarding cannabis laws.

Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Paxton have expressed opposition to these local measures, arguing they create legal inconsistencies and could lead to disorder. Despite this, proponents of the initiatives, including advocacy groups like Mano Amiga and Ground Game Texas, argue that decriminalization is necessary to reduce unnecessary arrests and reallocate law enforcement resources.

As the November elections approach, the outcomes in Lockhart, Dallas, and potentially Bastrop will be closely watched as indicators of public sentiment and the future direction of cannabis policy in Texas.