In another promising win for cannabis during this fervent election cycle, three Texas cities have voted to approve the decriminalisation of cannabis possession.
In a decisive show of support, voters in Texas cities – Dallas, Lockhart, and Bastrop have joined a growing list of municipalities in the state to adopt similar reforms.
The measures, which passed with overwhelming majorities, will prevent police from making arrests or issuing citations for possessing up to four ounces of cannabis, unless linked to a higher-priority felony investigation for narcotics or violent crime.
In Dallas, the state’s third-largest city, over two-thirds of voters (more than 66%) backed ‘Prop R’, a measure that will decriminalize cannabis possession of four ounces or less. The new rules will also prohibit police from using the smell of cannabis as a probable cause for search and seizure.
Meanwhile, In Lockhart, the initiative passed with a significant majority, while in Bastrop, voters also approved the measure, which will prevent police from making arrests or issuing citations for Class A or B misdemeanor cannabis possession offenses, unless part of a higher-priority investigation.
The new rules in Dallas, Lockhart, and Bastrop will take effect immediately after election results are certified.
While there is no timetable for implementation, advocates are hopeful that the statewide trend will continue, citing a recent poll showing a strong bipartisan majority of Texas voters (over 60%) support decriminalizing cannabis.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has also acknowledged the need for reform, recommending an expansion of the state’s limited medical marijuana system to meet growing demand.
This comes despite the state’s Republican leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, publicly opposing local decriminalization efforts.
