Dallas Puts Marijuana Decriminalization Measure On The November Ballot

The Dallas City Council on Wednesday voted to put a marijuana decriminalization measure on the ballot for the November election, continuing a trend by Texas weed activists to reform cannabis policy at the local level. Dubbed the Dallas Freedom Act, the measure would decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis by adults.

In June, the nonprofit social justice advocacy group Ground Game Texas submitted petitions with nearly 50,000 signatures from Dallas residents who support ending the criminal prohibition of marijuana in the city. If passed, the Dallas Freedom Act would decriminalize possession of less than four ounces of marijuana by adults aged 21 and older. The ballot measure also requires the chief of police and the city manager to submit reports on the policy change to the city council on a quarterly basis, including information on any arrests or citations issued for marijuana possession.

“The Dallas Freedom Act is about more than just marijuana — it’s a step toward broader social justice, smarter use of public resources, and protecting civil liberties in Dallas,” Ground Game field director Natalie Marquez said in a statement from the group on Thursday. “This campaign is for the grandmothers who signed the petition to make sure their grandchildren never have a bad interaction with the law. It’s for veterans who want to combat their PTSD with cannabis but are afraid of getting into legal trouble. This campaign is dedicated to everyone who has lost years of their lives being locked up for a joint and to ensure that no one else has to endure the same injustice.”

At Wednesday’s meeting of Dallas city leaders, Council Members Adam Bazaldua, Chad West, Zarin Gracey and Omar Narvaez spoke in favor of the pot decriminalization measure, with Gracey saying the proposal is a “necessary change” for the city. When brought up for a vote, the council decided 15-4 to put the Dallas Freedom Act on the ballot for the November general election.




https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2024/08/15/dallas-puts-marijuana-decriminalization-measure-on-the-november-ballot/