Dallas Voters Pass Measure to Decriminalize Marijuana

DALLAS, TX – Dallas voters have approved Proposition R, decriminalizing the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana on November 5.

The Dallas Freedom Act passed with 67% of the vote. Prop R's approval makes marijuana possession the lowest enforcement priority for the Dallas Police Department, meaning individuals caught with small amounts will not be arrested or cited, except in felony-related cases.

The Dallas Action group backed the measure, which gathered enough signatures to place it on the ballot. However, former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia opposed the idea, arguing that four ounces is too much and could encourage drug dealing. 

“Four ounces is not small or for personal use,” Garcia said in August.

Despite local changes, marijuana remains illegal under Texas state law. Possession of up to two ounces is still a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, while possessing between two and four ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying jail time and fines up to $4,000.

Texas' marijuana laws are some of the strictest in the nation, though recent changes have been steps towards reform, such as the legalization of industrial hemp in 2019.