A battle is brewing in Denton over an ordinance to decriminalize pot approved by voters in November, but apparently is not being enforced.
Denton voters want to know why some people are still being locked up and cited for low level marijuana possession, even though a majority voted to decriminalize it.
A proposition to decriminalize low levels of marijuana possession was approved overwhelmingly in November. But since then, voters say nothing has changed. Reports say at least 53 people have been arrested or cited for marijuana possession since the election.
“It’s the most popular thing that Dentonites have done and un-elected bureaucrats, who none of us can vote for, are telling us that your democracy, your vote, none of that matters,” said Nick Stevens, member of the group Decriminalize Denton to NBC 5.
City officials say they don't have the authority to enforce or ignore the law since they have to follow state and federal regulations regarding marijuana use and possession.
But Dentonites, including former city council member Deb Armintor, say they don't buy it. "There are truths in there, but they are cobbled together in an intentionally misleading way. I call it gaslighting" said Armintor.
City officials are addressing the issue this afternoon at a city council work session. A presentation is planned that will lay out reasons why implementing the ordinance is challenging, according to the city.
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