What you need to know about Houston's new marijuana policy Marijuana advocates are cheering but opponents are skeptical

HOUSTONED: What you need to know about Houston's new marijuana policy

Houston and Harris County are poised to decriminalize low-level possession of marijuana in a sweeping move that puts the area at the forefront of efforts in Texas to halt minor drug arrests that clog jails and courts.

Click through for a primer on what is on the horizon for the area... less HOUSTONED: What you need to know about Houston's new marijuana policy

Houston and Harris County are poised to decriminalize low-level possession of marijuana in a sweeping move that puts the area at the ... more Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close What you need to know about Houston's new marijuana policy 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

Marijuana policy in Houston is quickly evolving under a newly-minted district attorney with an eye towards keeping small-time offenders out of jails and free of a burdensome criminal record.

On Thursday, District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the new policy with Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

A MIXED REACTION: Reaction strong from both sides on DA's plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana

The policy, set to begin March 1, means that misdemeanor offenders with less than four ounces of marijuana will not be arrested, ticketed or required to appear in court if they agree to take a four-hour drug education class, officials said.

You can see more facts that you need to know about the plan in the gallery above.

While Houston city officials have expressed agreement with Ogg's new policy, one prominent state bigwig is not on the bus.

Through a spokesman, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blasted Ogg's proposal as akin to Houston becoming a sanctuary city on low-level drug crimes.

PUSH BACK: Patrick blasts Ogg's pot policy, but other lawmakers more supportive

"The lieutenant governor has said repeatedly regarding sanctuary cities that he does not believe that law enforcement has the discretion to choose what laws to enforce and what laws to ignore," said Patrick press secretary Alejandro Garcia. "That is his position regarding DA Ogg's proposal."