Texas: Dallas Voters To Decide Marijuana Depenalization Measure This Fall

Voters in the city of Dallas, Texas (population 1.3 million) will decide on election day on a municipal ballot measure prohibiting local law enforcement from making low-level marijuana-related arrests.

Activists affiliated with Ground Game Texas collected over 50,000 signatures from registered voters in support of the measure. City officials verified on Friday that advocates had collected the requisite number of signatures to place the initiative on the November ballot.

The proposed ordinance states: “The City’s policy shall be to make enforcement of Class A and Class B misdemeanor marijuana possession its lowest enforcement priority. In particular, the City shall update its annual budget, police department manual, and relevant policies and procedures to ensure that public safety resources are not wasted on misdemeanor marijuana enforcement, and are instead targeted at other programs that best promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of Dallas.”

Texas law defines marijuana possession as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a criminal record. According to data compiled by Texas NORML, police made an estimated 219,000 marijuana-related arrests between 2017 and 2021. Ninety-seven percent of those arrested were charged with possession only. Fifty-six percent of those arrested were under 25 years of age.

Voters in several Texas cities — including Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton — have previously approved similar municipal depenalization measures.

Voters in Florida and in South Dakota will also weigh in this election day on marijuana policies.

In June, the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office confirmed that supporters of a proposed statewide ballot initiative legalizing the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana turned in the requisite number of signatures to qualify it for the November ballot. The initiative will appear on the ballot as Measure 29. It will be the third time that South Dakota voters have weighed in on the issue.

Also this fall, Florida voters will decide on a constitutional amendment permitting existing medical cannabis facilities to engage in adult-use marijuana sales. Because that ballot proposal is in the form of a constitutional amendment, it requires approval from a super-majority of Florida voters (60 percent) to become law. A Fox News poll from June reported that 66 percent of Florida voters back the initiative.

Activists in Arkansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota have also submitted signatures in favor of proposed ballot questions. Those efforts are awaiting certification from state officials.

Additional Election 2024 coverage is available from NORML.