Will Texas Decriminalize Cannabis In November?

With the 2024 election season underway against the backdrop of cannabis reforms gaining momentum across the country, even traditionally conservative states like Texas are starting to see a shift in public opinion. 

Once seen as a hardline state on drug policies, Texas is now experiencing growing bipartisan support for reducing penalties on marijuana possession. Recent polls show that the majority of Texans, regardless of political affiliation, favor decriminalizing cannabis. 

So, what could that mean in an election year already filled with controversy? 

In this article, we’ll explore how local efforts are driving change, the challenges at the state level, and what the future may hold for cannabis laws in the Lone Star State.

The Latest Public Opinion on Cannabis in Texas

According to a recent poll by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project, 68% of Texans support reducing penalties for marijuana possession to a citation and fine, which shows strong bipartisan support. 

This includes 81% of Democrats, 59% of Republicans, and 61% of independents, making it a rare issue that crosses party lines. Compared to other hot-button topics like gun laws, gambling, and abortion, reducing weed restrictions is by far the most popular among voters. With such widespread support, it’s clear that cannabis reform could soon become a key topic for lawmakers, as pressure grows to address the public’s desire for change. 

Local Decriminalization Efforts

In recent years, several Texas cities have taken bold steps toward cannabis reform, even as state officials push back. For instance, cities like Austin, San Marcos, Elgin, and Denton have passed decriminalization measures, making it clear that local governments have responded to public demand. 

These initiatives generally prevent arrests or citations for low-level cannabis possession, marking a significant shift in enforcement. However, these efforts haven’t come without challenges. The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton (R), has filed lawsuits against cities implementing these reforms, and some measures, like in Harker Heights, have been overturned by city councils. However, in a noteworthy development, the suit in Austin was overturned in June 2024.

Nevertheless, despite this resistance, activists continue to fight, collecting signatures and pushing to reinstate these measures. So, with local elections on the horizon, even more cities may adopt decriminalization, exposing the gap between the taxpayers’ wishes and tyrannical state authority.

The History of Legislative Roadblocks at the State Level

In recent years, the Texas House of Representatives has passed bills aimed at decriminalizing marijuana and expunging records for low-level possession offenses. 

However, these efforts have repeatedly stalled in the more conservative Senate, where cannabis reform remains a contentious issue. Governor Greg Abbott has expressed limited support, stating that people shouldn’t be jailed for marijuana possession, but he remains firmly against local decriminalization efforts, arguing that cities shouldn’t override state law. With Texas legislators maintaining a conservative stance, progress may be slow in the future. 

In any case, as public opinion continues to shift in favor of reform, there may be increasing pressure on lawmakers to act, especially as more cities take matters into their own hands and continue to beat prohibition-fueled lawsuits.

What Could the Future Hold for Texas?

In Texas, a few races to watch for sure will be in the cities of Lockport, Dallas, and Bastrop, which will all have weed on the ballot this year. If more cities continue to adopt decriminalization measures, undoubtedly pressure will be put on the state lawmakers to make changes statewide. After all, the latest tallies show that 48 out of 50 states have medicinal weed laws in place, while 25 states have fully legalized the plant for adult recreational use. 

Additionally, upcoming elections may play a crucial role in shaping the direction of cannabis reform, as more progressive pro-cannabis candidates could gain support on this popular issue. 

And let’s not forget that the potential economic benefits of legalizing cannabis, such as increased tax revenue and job creation in this struggling economy, might also sway lawmakers to reconsider their stance. Therefore, even though the path forward is uncertain, the steady rise of local decriminalization efforts suggests that ‘taking one bite out of the proverbial elephant at a time’ could lead to Texas seeing statewide reform sooner rather than later. 

After all, The Texas Lyceum Poll published in May 2024 revealed that around 60% of Texans, including a notable portion of Republicans, are in favor of legalizing marijuana. A separate poll from 2022 showed that almost 72% of voters in Texas at the time supported the decriminalization of cannabis. Additionally, over half of the respondents (55%) expressed support for full legalization, while 17% were against any form of legalization. Simply put, the people are changing their minds en masse. 

Final Thoughts

The momentum for cannabis decriminalization in Texas is undeniable, with strong bipartisan support across the state and growing local initiatives leading the charge. While state-level reform may be slow due to political resistance, the progress made by individual cities demonstrates that change is possible and welcomed by the electorate. 

As a result, public pressure and grassroots efforts will be crucial in paving the way for broader reform, and based on the way things have been going, we’ll likely see continued momentum in the coming years. Consequently, as Texas inches toward cannabis-friendly legislation, anti-prohibition advocates and residents need to stay informed and support local decriminalization efforts at the polls. 

By advocating for reform in their communities, Texans can help shape the future of cannabis policy in the Lone Star State.