In a controversial move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is blocking the ordinances of five cities decriminalizing low-level marijuana possession. Voters in Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton approved the policies in 2022. The attorney general said the ordinances are in violation of state law and cannot be enforced.
DALLAS — Jerry Joyner has seen a lot of changes in the cannabis industry since he got involved with the plant decades ago. With the legalization of marijuana gaining momentum across the country, Joyner's experience provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the industry.
Currently, 74% of Americans live in a state where marijuana is legal for either recreational or medical use. This widespread acceptance reflects a shifting attitude towards the benefits of cannabis and its potential for medical treatment.
Advocates call it compassion. Prohibitionists fear it's a gateway to recreational use. But the year is 2024, and an undisputed lion's share of the population supports some form of marijuana legalization. The debate continues as more states grapple with the issue.
Lawmakers in Lubbock, Texas have officially approved a resolution to put a local marijuana decriminalization initiative on the ballot next. This move signals a growing acceptance of the need for reform in drug policy and a recognition of the changing attitudes towards marijuana use.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the outcome of an attempt to legal marijuana in Indiana. The complexities of marijuana legislation highlight the challenges faced by states as they navigate the changing landscape of drug policy.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Denton and four other cities over their policies to decriminalize marijuana. The legal battle underscores the ongoing conflict between state and local governments over drug policy and enforcement.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit on Jan. 31 against the city of Austin for its lenient marijuana possession ordinance. The legal action represents a significant challenge to the authority of local governments to set their own drug policies.
