AUSTIN, Texas — A ballot petition to decriminalize marijuana possession within the city of Bastrop looks poised to make the November ballot.
On July 23, the city of Bastrop's secretary finalized the verification process for the "Bastrop Freedom Act," allowing it to appear on the November ballot pending city council approval. The Bastrop City Council is slated to meet on Aug. 13 and is expected to allow the initiative to appear on the ballot.
The ballot initiative, which would decriminalize marijuana possession of four ounces or less in Bastrop city limits, is similar to decriminalization propositions elsewhere throughout the state.
The proposition is one of four championed by Ground Game Texas, a nonprofit group that advocates for marihuana decriminalization. Propositions in Dallas and Lockhart are also slated to be on the November ballot.
“I’m thrilled to see that the petition signatures have been approved, and I’m deeply grateful to all the community members and city staff for their efforts in this process," said Desiree Venable, an advocate and Democratic nominee for Texas House for District 17. "The decriminalization of marijuana is a crucial step toward the criminal justice reform we desperately need and I’m happy to be part of this progress.”
In addition to Bastrop and Lockhart this year, Austin, Elgin and San Marcos have also fought for marijuana decimalization in previous years.
Back in spring 2022, Ground Game Texas worked with the state's capital city to limit marijuana criminalization for possession of limited amounts. Since then, Austin, Elgin and San Marcos have all faced lawsuits attempting to dismiss the new policies, but all of those suits have been dismissed.
Despite this, the use of recreational marijuana is still illegal in Texas.