A Dallas Judge’s Ruling Allows City to Move Forward with Marijuana Decriminalization
In a significant victory for proponents of marijuana decriminalization, a judge has ruled that the city of Dallas can continue to implement its proposition to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. The ruling comes after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton attempted to block the proposal, claiming that municipalities cannot refuse to enforce state drug laws.
Proposition R, which was approved by Dallas voters in November with over 66% support, decriminalizes the possession of up to four ounces of marijuana and prohibits law enforcement from using the smell of marijuana as probable cause for a search. The proposition made Dallas the largest city in Texas to decriminalize marijuana.
Paxton’s lawsuit against the city was denied, following a similar pattern of denials in previous lawsuits against other Texas cities, including Austin and San Marcos. Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua, who supported Proposition R, praised the ruling, stating that it will allow law enforcement to focus on more serious issues and end the disproportionate criminalization of black and brown residents in the city.
The case is set to go to trial on August 11.
