A Texas appeals court ruled to overturn Austin’s locally adopted cannabis decriminalization ordinance, according to a report from KUT News.
The ordinance, approved by Austin voters in 2022, instructed law enforcement to cease investigating and prosecuting low-level marijuana possession offenses. However, the measure came under legal fire in 2024 when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against several Texas cities—including Austin—that enacted similar reforms.
While the lawsuit was initially dismissed by a Travis County judge, Thursday’s decision from the appeals court has reversed that ruling, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.
Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes expressed disappointment over the court’s decision, calling it a “huge letdown.” She emphasized that local enforcement will now be forced to divert attention from violent crimes to minor marijuana cases.
“Once again, the State is stepping on local decisions that reflect the values Austin residents actually care about,” Fuentes said.
Ground Game Texas, the advocacy group behind Austin’s decriminalization ballot initiative, criticized the ruling, reaffirming that “the people of Austin and San Marcos spoke with one voice.”
Despite the legal hurdles, a growing number of Texans continue to support cannabis reform. A recent poll of likely voters showed over 60% in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis statewide.
As the case moves forward, Austin officials say they will evaluate their next steps in response to the appeals court’s decision.
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