The Denton City Council voted 4-3 to repeal an ordinance that decriminalized low-level possession of cannabis, a move that has sparked outrage among local residents. This ordinance, known as Proposition B, was initially passed in November 2022, receiving support from over 70% of Denton voters, with more than 32,000 ballots cast. Its repeal on May 20, 2023, has led many in the community to feel marginalized, as they believe their voices have been disregarded.
Deb Armintor, co-chair of the advocacy group Decriminalize Denton and a former city council member, expressed her discontent, stating, “I’m just devastated and angry and betrayed… our votes don’t matter.” Residents gathered outside Denton City Hall on the evening of the vote to protest, emphasizing their commitment to the ordinance and their belief that the council’s decision does not reflect the will of the people.
Proposition B aimed to limit the enforcement of low-level marijuana possession, effectively preventing citations and arrests for such offenses. Prior to the repeal, the city had not enforced this ordinance, which raised questions about its initial implementation. At-large City Council Member Brandon Chase McGee opposed the repeal, arguing that local authorities should act independently of federal and state pressures. He stated, “Local government authorities are the last guardrails of democracy. We should never be prone to reactions of fear from any other government body.”
In contrast, At-large City Council Member Jill Jester noted the authority of state law and acknowledged that the council’s decision was influenced by ongoing litigation and pressure from the state government. Denton has been embroiled in a legal battle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has sued Denton and five other cities for adopting similar decriminalization ordinances. The city has already spent approximately $200,000 on this litigation and faces an additional $500,000 for further legal processes.
During the council meeting, Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, who voted for the repeal, questioned the wisdom of spending more taxpayer money on a law that was not being enforced, stating, “Do I want to spend another $500,000 for something we’re not enforcing to hope that state law changes? I don’t.”
In the wider context of Texas cannabis laws, the Texas House recently voted on legislation that would ban consumable hemp and THC products. If passed, Senate Bill 3 would impose fines of up to $500 for possession of any amount of THC, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. This bill is expected to have a significant impact on the Texas hemp industry, which employs over 50,000 people and is projected to contribute $10 billion to the state’s economy by 2025.
Local businesses, such as Delta 8 Denton, are feeling the pressure. Javier Ayala, an e-commerce manager at the shop, noted an increase in customer inquiries regarding hemp products following the repeal of Proposition B. Delta 8 Denton has encouraged community members to advocate against SB 3 by writing letters to Governor Abbott, offering incentives for participation.
As the city navigates these complex legal and regulatory challenges, members of Decriminalize Denton are considering a recall of council members who voted for the repeal. The outcome of this ongoing struggle reflects broader tensions between local and state governments regarding cannabis policy in Texas.
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