Dallas Officials Approve Cannabis Decriminalization Petition for November Ballot

LOS ANGELES- Dallas officials have finalized a petition allowing voters to decide on a cannabis decriminalization ordinance this November. The proposed measure aims to make the enforcement of Class A and Class B misdemeanor cannabis possession the city’s “lowest enforcement priority.” If approved, the ordinance would direct city resources away from misdemeanor cannabis enforcement to other public safety initiatives.

The initiative, led by Ground Game Texas, garnered nearly 50,000 signatures, with at least 35,000 confirmed as valid from registered Dallas voters. The measure, if passed, would decriminalize the personal possession of up to four ounces of cannabis. It would also restrict Dallas police from using the odor of cannabis or hemp as probable cause for searches or seizures, except in high-priority felony cases.

Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas, highlighted the community’s strong support for the initiative and emphasized the importance of focusing public safety resources on more critical issues. The Dallas Freedom Act, as it is known, represents a broader movement across Texas to reduce penalties for cannabis possession, similar to measures approved in other cities, including Austin and San Marcos.

The city manager and police chief would be required to report quarterly to the Dallas City Council on cannabis possession-related arrests or citations if the measure passes. This initiative comes amid ongoing debates and legal challenges over cannabis decriminalization across Texas.