Denton, Texas City Council Repeals Voter-Approved Cannabis Decriminalization Rule – Ganjapreneur | Where to buy Skittles Moonrock online

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The Denton, Texas City Council last week voted to repeal the voter-approved low-level cannabis decriminalization ordinance, the Denton Record-Chronicle reports. The ordinance was passed in 2022 and aimed to prevent arrests and citations for low-level possession, in cases involving a felony narcotics crime or a violent felony. The ordinance also intended to keep the city from using funds to pay for THC testing.

The vote comes amid political pressure from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sued the city – along with Austin, Dallas, and San Marcos, where voters have approved similar reforms. Paxton claims the ordinances violate the state constitution and Local Government Code, which requires municipalities to enforce state drug laws.

City Council Member Brian Beck, one of three who voted against repealing the ordinance, told the Record-Chronicle that repealing the ordinance was like “jumping the ship before the ship is sinking,” noting that courts have indicated that cities should not repeal such reforms.

Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, despite his vote to repeal, indicated he has directed the city attorney to give Denton police officers discretion on cannabis and can issue a Class C citation for drug paraphernalia instead of a possession charge. The courts and prosecutors also offer deferred sentencing and expungement of criminal records.

Hudspeth pointed out that state lawmakers are also considering a bill that would freeze tax revenues and state grants to municipalities that pass ordinances that contradict state law.

The repeal passed the council 4-3.

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