The Dallas City Council voted to put a marijuana decriminalization measure on the ballot for the November election.
In June, the nonprofit social justice advocacy group Ground Game Texas submitted petitions with nearly 50,000 signatures from Dallas residents who support ending the criminal prohibition of marijuana in the city. If passed, the Dallas Freedom Act would decriminalize possession of less than four ounces of marijuana by adults aged 21 and older.
The ballot measure also requires the chief of police and the city manager to submit reports on the policy change to the city council on a quarterly basis, including information on any arrests or citations issued for marijuana possession.
At an Aug. 14 meeting, Council Members Adam Bazaldua, Chad West, Zarin Gracey, and Omar Narvaez spoke in favor of the Dallas Freedom Act, and 11 out of the 15 members voted in favor of putting it on the November ballot. As Council Member Gracey said, the policy is a “necessary change” for the city. Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia and some members of the council have claimed that the policy will impair the police’s ability to investigate violent crime.
Nearly identical ordinances in Austin and San Marcos have recently been upheld as legal and enforceable by judges in Travis and Hays County.
“The Dallas Freedom Act is about more than just marijuana — it’s a step toward broader social justice, smarter use of public resources, and protecting civil liberties in Dallas,” said Ground Game Field Director Natalie Marquez. “This campaign is for the grandmothers who signed the petition to make sure their grandchildren never have a bad interaction with the law. It’s for veterans who want to combat their PTSD with cannabis, but are afraid of getting into legal trouble. This campaign is dedicated to everyone who has lost years of their lives being locked up for a joint and to ensure that no one else has to endure the same injustice.”
