Dallas, Texas Officials Approve Cannabis Decriminalization Petition Signatures

Officials in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday finalized the petition to put a cannabis decriminalization ordinance to voters in November. If approved, the ordinance would “make enforcement of Class A and Class B misdemeanor marijuana possession its lowest enforcement priority,” the petition states.    

“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,” the proposal states. 

In a statement, Catina Voellinger, executive director of Ground Game Texas, which is leading the effort, said “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.” 

The group had collected nearly 50,000 signatures from Dallas voters to get the issue on ballots. 

“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.” — Voellinger in a press release 

The measure would decriminalize personal possession of up to 4 ounces of cannabis in the city. 

Petitions were also submitted to enact similar reforms in Bastrop and Lockhart. Voters in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos have approved similar measures. In May, voters in Lubbock rejected a decriminalization referendum, as did San Antonio voters last year; however, San Antonio’s measure was tied to larger criminal justice reforms. Voters in Harker Heights also approved the reforms, but the city council ultimately repealed the initiative.