Weed in Arlington: What You Need to Know

Arlington, Texas, sits in a state that still has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country. Unlike many other major cities in the U.S., Arlington does not allow recreational marijuana, and Texas has only a limited medical cannabis program. However, there have been some efforts at the local level to reduce penalties for possession.

If you’re in Arlington and wondering about weed laws, here’s what you need to know.

Is Weed Legal in Arlington?

Recreational Marijuana – Illegal

Texas has not legalized recreational cannabis. In Arlington, being caught with marijuana can lead to serious consequences:

• Possession of up to 2 ounces is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:
  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • A $2,000 fine
  • A permanent criminal record
• Possession of more than 2 ounces comes with harsher penalties, including felony charges.
• Selling weed (even small amounts) is illegal and can result in jail time and heavy fines.

Medical Marijuana – Very Limited

Texas does have a medical marijuana program, but it’s one of the most restrictive in the U.S. Under the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP):

• Only low-THC cannabis (less than 1% THC) is allowed.
• Only certain qualifying conditions (like epilepsy, cancer, and PTSD) make a patient eligible.
• Smoking flower is not permitted—only oils, tinctures, or capsules are allowed.
• Patients must get a prescription from a doctor registered with the state.

While the program exists, many Texas residents feel it’s too restrictive and are pushing for broader medical marijuana laws.

Weed Decriminalization in Arlington

Unlike Dallas and Austin, which have taken steps to decriminalize marijuana, Arlington still enforces state marijuana laws.

However, some efforts have been made to reduce penalties:

• Cite-and-release policies have been discussed but not widely adopted.
• Some police officers may issue a ticket instead of an arrest, but this is not guaranteed.

If you’re caught with weed in Arlington, you’re still at risk of serious legal trouble.

What About Delta-8 THC?

Since marijuana is illegal, many people in Arlington turn to hemp-derived alternatives like Delta-8 THC.

• Delta-8 is legal in Texas, but its status has been debated.
• It’s often sold in CBD shops, vape stores, and online.
• It produces a milder high than regular THC but can still cause impairment.

While Delta-8 is an option, it’s important to stay updated on Texas laws, as regulations could change in the future.

The Future of Weed in Arlington

Texas has been slow to change its marijuana laws, but public opinion is shifting. There’s growing support for medical marijuana expansion and decriminalization, and lawmakers continue to introduce bills aimed at reforming the state’s cannabis policies.

Some potential future changes include:

• Expanding the medical marijuana program to allow stronger THC products and more qualifying conditions.
• Decriminalizing small amounts of weed to prevent jail time for minor possession.
• A possible path to full legalization, though this will likely take several years.

Final Thoughts

Weed remains illegal in Arlington, and Texas has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country. While small steps have been taken toward decriminalization, possession and use can still lead to criminal charges. Until laws change, residents should be careful and aware of the risks associated with marijuana in Arlington.

---