Dallas Cannabis Reform Ballot Is A Go: Decriminalization In November Elections Would Allow Up To 4 Ounces Of Weed

A petition to add a marijuana reform amendment to the Dallas city charter has been certified by the City Secretary, paving the way for voters to make the final decision to decriminalize cannabis in the November 2024 ballot. The petition was initiated by Ground Game Texas, which has organized cannabis reform initiatives across multiple Texas cities.

The proposed amendment, the "Dallas Freedom Act," seeks to change how marijuana offenses are handled in the city, home to 1.3 million people.

Read Also: Texas Town Joins Statewide Push To Decriminalize Cannabis With Successful Petition

The amendment directs the Dallas Police Department to stop issuing citations or making arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor for the possession of up to 4 ounces of marijuana. It also prohibits the use of city funds or personnel for testing any cannabis-related substance to determine if it meets the legal definition of marijuana under state and federal laws.

In addition, the amendment language stipulates that police officers cannot consider the smell of marijuana as probable cause for search and seizure "except in the limited circumstances of a police investigation," according to KERA News, adding that cops can be punished if they are found to be violating the policy.

Democracy In Action: ‘Refreshing’

The city council will not influence whether the amendments appear on the ballot. According to a Council member Chad West, the council must vote to include the amendments in the Charter package for the November election, as they have no legal discretion in the matter.

West told KERA in a text message that he was delighted with all the popular (and local government’s) support for the issue.

"It's refreshing to see so many Dallas residents get excited about a policy initiative," West said. "I appreciate the engagement in and passion for city government and hope they keep it up."

And Then There's Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

Paxton is spending many hours prosecuting several cities across Texas that have decriminalized marijuana…most with over 70% voter approval, we might add.

Those cities include Denton, Elgin, Killeen and San Marcos, all of which are being sued by the busy Attorney General. In June, a judge dismissed Paxton's lawsuit against Austin.

Why Does Paxton Do It, You Ask?

We'll let him tell you. "I will not stand idly by as cities run by pro-crime extremists deliberately violate Texas law and promote the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities," Paxton wrote in a press release earlier this year and has reiterated the claim on numerous occasions.

Now Read:

• Texas Judge Dismisses GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Lawsuit Against Voter-Approved Cannabis Measure, Upholds Austin’s Marijuana Decriminalization Law

Photo: Dallas skyline courtesy of Texas State Historical Association