Dallas Voters Approve Marijuana Decriminalization

DALLAS, TX — Dallas residents approved a ballot measure on Tuesday to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

With 66.51% in favor, Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” bans Dallas police from arresting or citing individuals for possessing up to four ounces of marijuana except in felony-related cases.

The initiative aims to limit arrests, restrict the use of marijuana odor as probable cause for searches, and decrease local resources allocated to minor marijuana-related offenses. 

Under Texas law, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana remains a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Possession between two and four ounces constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Despite local decriminalization efforts, the state has not legalized marijuana for recreational use and only permits limited medical use under the Compassionate Use Act.

Former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia voiced concerns over the proposition’s impact on public safety, arguing it could encourage illegal sales and worsen quality-of-life issues in some areas.

Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has previously taken legal action against other cities attempting similar decriminalization measures.

Texas’ marijuana policies remain among the nation’s strictest, though recent legislative shifts, like the legalization of industrial hemp in 2019, have marked incremental changes.