The Lone Star State is showing signs of a changing landscape when it comes to marijuana policy. A recent University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll paints a clear picture of the growing support for cannabis reform in Texas. The poll, conducted ahead of the November election, found that 68% of Texans believe the penalty for possession or use of cannabis should be reduced to a simple citation and fine. This sentiment transcends party lines, with 81% of Democrats, 59% of Republicans, and 61% of independents expressing support for such reform.
This surge in support for cannabis decriminalization isn’t a sudden shift. The poll reflects a larger trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years. A separate Texas Lyceum poll revealed that 73% of Texans support either full legalization or decriminalization of marijuana.
The poll’s findings align with the growing movement towards cannabis reform in Texas cities. Bastrop, a town just outside of Austin, recently saw a surge in support for decriminalization, fueled by a Democrat running for a seat in the Texas House. This effort echoes similar initiatives in Dallas, where activists have submitted nearly 50,000 signatures to put decriminalization on the ballot.
The momentum for cannabis reform is undeniable. Despite lawsuits filed by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton against cities that have adopted decriminalization policies, several cities, including San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, Denton, and Austin, have successfully implemented voter-supported decriminalization measures. While Lubbock, a larger city in West Texas, rejected a measure to decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses, this setback was attributed to low voter turnout.
The poll highlights a clear shift in public opinion in Texas. The growing support for decriminalization signals a potential turning point in the state’s marijuana policy, with the possibility of broader reform on the horizon. It’s a trend worth watching as the November elections approach and the future of cannabis policy in Texas hangs in the balance.
