Dallas residents will soon have the chance to vote on a marijuana decriminalization reform that could change the city’s approach to cannabis possession. The City Secretary has certified a petition that garnered over 50,000 signatures by Ground Game Texas, a nonprofit advocacy group that describes its mission as advancing social justice and democracy. This means the Dallas Freedom Act will be on the ballot this November, allowing voters to decide whether to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.
The Rising Wave of Marijuana Decriminalization in Texas
Across the United States, marijuana reform has been gaining momentum. From medical use to full legalization, states and cities are rethinking their stance on cannabis. Several cities in Texas have already decriminalized cannabis possession to some extent; Those cities include Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos. Dallas is now potentially the latest city to join this wave, potentially setting a precedent and pending the for other Texas cities that have also proposed marijuana decriminalization initiatives for the ballot in November.
The Dallas Freedom Act aims to change the way the city handles marijuana possession. If approved, it would allow the possession of up to four ounces of cannabis, and it would also direct the Dallas Police Department to stop issuing citations or making arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor marijuana possession. This means individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana would no longer face legal consequences.
Key Provisions Dallas Freedom Act
Other than allowing up to four ounces of cannabis for possession, one of the most significant aspects of the Dallas Freedom Act is that it would end arrests and citations for minor marijuana possession. This would free up police resources to focus on more serious crimes, aligning law enforcement priorities with community needs.
The amendment would also prohibit the use of city funds or personnel to test cannabis-related substances to determine if they meet the legal definition of marijuana. This means the city would no longer spend money on testing for small amounts of cannabis, further saving public resources.
Under the new amendment, the smell of marijuana would no longer be considered probable cause for search and seizure, except in limited investigative circumstances. This would protect citizens’ rights and reduce unnecessary police interactions. Officers who violate this policy could face penalties.
The Role of Ground Game Texas and Marijuana Decriminalization
Ground Game Texas, the organization behind the petition, has been working tirelessly to advance social justice and strengthen democracy. By focusing on popular, progressive issues, they aim to engage voters year-round and build local campaigns that resonate with the community.
The petition received overwhelming support, with nearly 50,000 signatures from Dallas voters. This level of engagement highlights the community’s desire for change, and their willingness to participate gets this initiative rolling.
Catina Voellinger, Executive Director of Ground Game Texas, expressed enthusiasm for the civic engagement the initiative has sparked in a recent statment, noting that it’s refreshing to see so many residents excited about a policy initiative.
“The overwhelming support of the ballot petition by Dallas voters is evidence that listening to the community and organizing around issues that matter to them is key to building voter enthusiasm and turnout. This would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our field staff, who were able not only to collect tens of thousands of signatures but also ensure that those signatures were accurate and verifiable. We look forward to winning in November and continuing to build our movement.”
It’s not just Ground Game Texas that’s excited about the support of the Dallas Freedom Act. District 1 Council Member Chad West told KERA that he was happy to see all the support for the issue — and local government in general.
“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.”
Path to the November Ballot
Now that the petition has been certified, the Dallas City Council must vote to include the amendments in the charter package for voter consideration. Legally, the council has no discretion in this matter and must put the proposals on the ballot.
While the community shows strong support for the initiative, legal challenges could arise. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has a history of suing cities (and failing) that have passed similar ordinances, such as Austin and Denton. Paxton’s office argues that these local measures violate state law and promote the use of illicit drugs. Despite these potential hurdles, the Dallas City Council members who support the amendment remain optimistic.
The upcoming November vote will be crucial for the future of marijuana reform in Dallas. It’s an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and make a tangible impact on local policies.
If the Dallas Freedom Act passes, it could serve as a model for other Texas cities considering similar reforms. The success of this initiative could inspire a broader movement towards cannabis decriminalization across the state, reflecting changing public attitudes toward marijuana use in a state that has historically been strict on cannabis.
