Bastrop Pushes for Marijuana Decriminalization Vote

Bastrop could soon join other Texas towns in considering marijuana decriminalization, as Desiree Venable, a candidate for the Texas House of Representatives in District 17, is working to bring the issue to voters. Venable is gathering signatures for a measure that would decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses within the city.

Following in the footsteps of nearby towns like San Marcos and Austin, Venable has collected over 200 signatures in just two weeks. Her goal is to reach 600 signatures, exceeding the 400 required to represent 5% of registered voters in Bastrop, to ensure the measure gets on the ballot this fall.

“We’re pretty well on track,” Venable said, expressing confidence in the campaign’s progress. She is running against incumbent Rep. Stan Gerdes, who has not commented on the decriminalization initiative.

While voters in several Texas cities have approved similar measures, state opposition remains. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against five cities where voters supported marijuana decriminalization, arguing that the measures conflict with state law.

David Sergi, a Texas cannabis attorney, acknowledges the significance of decriminalization efforts and supports the movement. "If you get a marijuana conviction, it can have federal implications, student loan implications, and cause a criminal record,” Sergi said. Since the 2018 federal legalization of hemp, Sergi has noticed fewer marijuana convictions, and he advocates for decriminalization as a sensible step, particularly for low-level offenses.

Although Venable’s campaign has gained momentum, the road to decriminalization in Bastrop remains uncertain, as voters will ultimately decide the fate of the measure.