Austin Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession for Up to 4 Ounces

The Austin City Council voted to stop prosecutions for low-level marijuana offenses. The Texas city is well-known for being progressive.

Anyone in possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana will no longer be prosecuted, the Statesman reported. Citations and detainment may still take place, but as long as the possession amount falls within the limit, the marijuana possession charge alone will not be prosecuted.

Councilmember Greg Casar said, “It’s time to do the right thing. It’s the right thing for criminal justice reform. It’s the right thing from a common sense perspective, and it’s the right thing for racial equity.”

Austin is Texas’ 4th largest city and home for nearly 1 million people.