Dallas is sued by Texas AG for legalizing marijuana.

On Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the blue city of Dallas over a ballot measure that legalizes marijuana.

Proposition R, which prohibits the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for marijuana possession or considering the odor of marijuana as probable cause for search or seizure, is allegedly in violation of state law, according to Paxton.

In the lawsuit, the attorney general contends that the ballot measure is preempted by Texas law, which prohibits the possession and distribution of marijuana, and that the Texas Constitution prevents municipalities from enacting an ordinance that conflicts with state legislature-enacted laws.

""The City of Dallas lacks the authority to disregard Texas drug laws or prevent law enforcement from enforcing them," Paxton stated."

Paxton characterized the ballot measure as a "covert effort to infringe upon the Texas Constitution" and vowed to initiate legal action against any municipality that "attempts to restrict law enforcement in this manner."

Dallas police officers will no longer be enforcing marijuana laws against individuals found with less than 4 ounces, as directed by interim Chief Michael Igo.

The progressive nonprofit group Ground Game Texas advocated for the ballot measure, stating it would prevent people from being incarcerated for marijuana possession, minimize racially discriminatory law enforcement, and save substantial amounts of public funds.

Ground Game Texas' executive director, Catina Voellinger, stated that it's unfortunate but not surprising that Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed another baseless lawsuit against marijuana decriminalization, which will likely waste everyone's time and money.

"In Travis and Hays counties, judges have already dismissed identical lawsuits. The Dallas Freedom Act was approved by 67% of voters, demonstrating democracy in action."

Since January 2024, Paxton has filed lawsuits against five Texas cities that decriminalized marijuana possession, claiming these policies encourage crime, drug abuse, and violence.