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Fort Worth, TX Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Tex. Health & Safety Code 481.121
Two ounces or less
Class B misdemeanor
Max penalty
180 days jail, $2,000 fine
Local ordinance
None; 2023 proposal rejected
Enforcement
Discretionary cite-and-release

Summary

Fort Worth never decriminalized marijuana. Possessing two ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law, and the city council rejected a proposed civil-citation ordinance. Fort Worth police can cite-and-release small amounts at an officer's discretion, but jail arrests still happen.

Except as authorized by this chapter, a person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally possesses a usable quantity of marihuana. ... a Class B misdemeanor if the amount of marihuana possessed is two ounces or less

View official code

Full Breakdown

No Fort Worth ordinance decriminalizes or specially regulates marijuana; possession is prosecuted under Texas Health & Safety Code 481.121. Two ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine; two to four ounces is a Class A misdemeanor. In 2023 Councilman Chris Nettles proposed civil citations for four ounces or less, but the council never adopted it and Mayor Mattie Parker opposed any policy conflicting with state drug law. Fort Worth police participate in Tarrant County's cite-and-release program, so officers can issue a court citation instead of jailing someone for low-level possession, but the choice is discretionary and many stops still end in arrest.

Violations & Fines

Possession of two ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor: up to 180 days in county jail and a fine up to $2,000. Two to four ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, up to one year and $4,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Fort Worth decriminalized marijuana?
No. The city council did not pass the 2023 civil-citation proposal, and Mayor Mattie Parker opposed it. Possession remains a criminal offense under Texas state law.
Will Fort Worth police arrest me for a small amount?
They can. Officers may issue a Tarrant County cite-and-release citation for two ounces or less, but it is discretionary and many low-level stops still end in arrest.
Is public marijuana use legal in Fort Worth?
No. Possessing a usable quantity anywhere in Fort Worth, including in public, is at least a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Health & Safety Code 481.121.

Sources & Official References

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All Fort Worth rules

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Public Marijuana Use in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Tarrant County handle public marijuana use.

Arlington, TX
Light Restrictions