Lubbock

GOP Gov. Abbott Sides With AG Paxton On Texas Weed Decriminalization: Cities Like Lubbock Have No Authority To 'Override' State Law
Residents of Lubbock, West Texas' largest city with 264,000 residents, are slated to vote next week to decriminalize local low-level marijuana offenses, making it yet another city in the Lone Star State, to do so. For a May 4 vote, which has been raising dust for months, Gov. Greg Abbott said it's not a way to make a change. Instead, he proposes reaching out to lawmakers, reported Marijuana Moment. "Local communities such as towns, cities and counties, they don't have the authority to override state law," Abbott, who previously said that marijuana possession alone shouldn't put anyone behind bars, said. "If they want to see a different law passed, they need to work with their legislators. Let's legislate to work to make sure that the state, as a state, will pass some of the law."
Texas City Slated To Decriminalize Weed Despite AG Paxton's Lawsuit Against Five Cities Over Amnesty Policies
The Lubbock Compact, an organization advocating for the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana in Lubbock, Texas, has criticised Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuit against five cities that have decriminalized marijuana possession. The Lubbock Compact argues that the lawsuit contradicts the wishes expressed by voters in those cities. Lubbock, the largest city in West Texas, is also considering decriminalization in an upcoming vote. However, Mayor Tray Payne stated that any such local policies would be unenforceable due to state law. Paxton argued that the cities' actions violated Texas law and promoted drug use that harms local communities, and he is seeking to prohibit local governments from decriminalizing marijuana. The Lubbock Compact hopes that other cities will continue advocating for decriminalization despite opposition from the state government.