Dallas voters approve marijuana decriminalization proposition

67% of Dallas voters support the ‘Dallas Freedom Act’

FILE - (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) (Tony Dejak, Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

DALLAS – Voters in Dallas have passed a proposition that would decriminalize possession of four ounces or less of marijuana.

Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” is a petition-driven ballot proposition created by Ground Game Texas. The proposition gathered 50,000 signatures from residents in the area.

Recommended Videos



Elections results from the Dallas County Elections Office shows nearly 67% of voters were FOR the proposition.

Proposition R bans the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for people with four ounces or less of marijuana, unless part of a larger felony investigation.

Current penalties for possession of marijuana in Texas look like this:

  • Possession of Marijuana Under 2 Ounces: Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine.
  • Possession of Marijuana 2 to 4 Ounces: Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and maximum $4,000 fine.
  • Possession of Marijuana 4 Ounces to 5 Pounds: State jail felony punishable by 6 months to 2 years in a state jail facility and a maximum $10,000 fine.
  • Possession of Marijuana 5 to 50 Pounds: Third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
  • Possession of Marijuana 50 to 2000 pounds: Second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.

Ground Game Texas posted on Facebook, celebrating the passing of the proposition.

“Together, we’ve taken a big step toward justice, freedom, and a better future for our community. This is more than a victory for marijuana decriminalization—it’s a win for the people of Dallas,” said the post.

The passing of this proposition does not mean marijuana is legalized.

Here in San Antonio, a similar proposition was on the May 2023 ballot. Proposition A would have decriminalized marijuana possession and abortion, expanded the city’s expanded cite-and-release program, created a new “justice director” position, and embedded bans on choke holds and no-knock warrants in the city charter.

The proposition failed by a margin of 72% to 28%.


About the Authors
Halee Powers headshot

Halee Powers is a KSAT producer primarily focused on digital newscasts and events.

Garrett Brnger headshot

Garrett Brnger is a reporter with KSAT 12.

Loading...