Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the city of Dallas after voters there approved a measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. The lawsuit, which was filed in the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas, argues that the city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession is in violation of state law.
The measure, which was approved by Dallas voters in November, allows police officers to issue citations for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana instead of making arrests. Supporters of the measure argue that it will help reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes. However, Paxton contends that the measure goes against Texas law, which still classifies possession of marijuana as a criminal offense.
In a statement, Paxton said, “The city of Dallas is not above the law. State law has not changed, and it is still illegal to possess marijuana in Texas.” He also accused the city of acting outside of its authority by attempting to decriminalize marijuana.
The lawsuit comes as a blow to advocates of drug policy reform in Texas, who have been pushing for changes to the state’s marijuana laws. Texas has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country, with possession of even small amounts punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine.
It remains to be seen how the lawsuit will play out in court, but it is clear that the battle over marijuana decriminalization in Texas is far from over. Supporters of the measure in Dallas have vowed to fight the lawsuit and continue their efforts to reform the state’s marijuana laws.
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