A judge in Texas has ruled that Dallas can continue implementing a voter-approved measure decriminalizing cannabis, rejecting an effort by the state’s attorney general to halt the policy while a lawsuit against it moves forward.
Judge Dale Tillery denied Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction. Paxton sought to block the city from moving forward with the reform, which prevents law enforcement from enforcing marijuana-related criminal penalties. The judge’s brief ruling stated that after reviewing the case’s arguments and evidence, the request for an injunction was denied.
The ruling does not dismiss Paxton’s lawsuit, but it allows the city’s decriminalization policy to remain active as legal proceedings continue. Dallas officials placed the decriminalization measure on the ballot last year after activists gathered enough signatures to qualify it for a vote. The law, passed with strong voter support last year, prevents arrests and citations for possession of up to four ounces of cannabis.
Following the decision, Adam Bazaldua, a Dallas City councilmember, expressed his support, emphasizing that the law was backed by more than two-thirds of voters. He criticized the attorney general’s attempt to overturn the decision, arguing that minority communities had historically faced disproportionate enforcement of marijuana laws.
He stated that voters made a rational choice to redirect law enforcement resources toward more pressing issues and applauded the court’s decision to let the law stand.
Ground Game Texas executive director Catina Voellinger praised the ruling as a win for democracy. She argued that the attorney general should not have the power to override the will of the people. According to Voellinger, the measure was designed to align with state laws, and blocking its enforcement would have harmed the community by allowing unnecessary criminalization to continue.
The decision comes a month after the city’s Police Department announced that officers would stop citing or arresting individuals for possession of small amounts of cannabis per the approved measure.
Paxton had quickly moved to challenge the law in court following the November elections, seeking to overturn it. His lawsuit is part of a broader effort to use the legal system to invalidate similar marijuana reforms in multiple Texas cities.
In previous cases, Paxton attempted to block decriminalization measures in San Marcos, Austin, Killeen, Denton, and Elgin. However, judges have dismissed lawsuits in San Marcos and Austin while Elgin officials settled, noting that decriminalization had not been enforced there despite voter approval.
Cannabis industry firms like Verano Holdings Corp. (Cboe CA: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) will be following how this case in Texas evolves later in the year to see whether local ballot measures to decriminalize marijuana possession can spur change at the state level over time.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
