Could Texas Legalize Recreational Marijuana? A New Bill Sparks Debate
Texas may soon follow 24 other states in legalizing recreational marijuana if a newly filed bill passes in the next legislative session. Filed by State Rep. Jessica Gonzalez (D-Dallas) in November, the bill seeks to establish a framework for adult use while implementing specific limitations.
What Does the Bill Propose?
The bill would allow adults aged 21 and older to:
- Possess, use, and transport marijuana for personal use, up to 2.5 ounces.
- Store up to 10 ounces of marijuana legally in a secure location.
Cannabis products would be required to feature clear labeling and child-resistant packaging to enhance safety.
If passed, the bill would go into effect on September 1, 2025, following the legislative session that runs from January 5 to June 2, 2025.
However, limitations would remain in place:
- Public smoking of marijuana would still be illegal.
- Smoking in vehicles on public roads would also be prohibited.
Texas and the Road to Legalization
This proposal aligns Texas with the growing national trend. Currently, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, while 38 states permit medical marijuana use. Texas first entered the medical marijuana space in 2015 through its Compassionate Use Program, which remains one of the most restrictive programs in the country.
Barriers to Passage
Despite the progressive nature of the bill, its chances of passing remain slim. Texas leadership has historically pushed back against marijuana reform. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has significant sway over Senate priorities, has already taken steps to restrict marijuana access statewide.
In a recent move, Patrick launched Senate Bill 3, which would ban all consumable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. The bill’s low filing number signals that it will be one of the first debated during the upcoming session.
The Dallas Decriminalization Movement
The push for marijuana reform has been especially prominent in Dallas. In November, the city’s voters passed Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” with a 67% majority. The measure:
- Prevents police from arresting or citing individuals for possessing up to 4 ounces of cannabis, except in felony investigations involving violence or narcotics.
- Prohibits officers from using the smell of cannabis as probable cause for searches.
- Restricts city funds from being used to test cannabis-related substances.
Dallas had previously been one of the largest cities in the U.S. yet to decriminalize cannabis.
State Attorney General Pushback
Despite the public’s support for decriminalization, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched legal battles against cities like Dallas. Shortly after Proposition R passed, Paxton filed a lawsuit targeting the measure. This adds Dallas to a growing list of Texas cities facing state-level resistance over marijuana reform.
What’s Next for Texas Marijuana Legislation?
The bill represents a significant step in the ongoing conversation about marijuana reform in Texas. While it faces an uphill battle in the conservative-dominated legislature, public opinion in cities like Dallas indicates a growing shift toward legalization.
If passed, the bill could signal a major change in Texas’ approach to cannabis, balancing regulated access with clear limitations to address public safety concerns. For now, advocates and opponents alike will watch closely as the legislative session begins in January 2025.
