Grow Life 420

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

Governor Lujan Grisham of New Mexico signed legislation into law on Monday to legalize marijuana for all adults in the state, as well as separate legislation to automatically expunge records for offenses made legal under the new law. New Mexico is the fourth state to enact marijuana legalization this year, and the 18th state in the country to do so.

Republican Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation into law this week to amend the state’s zero-tolerance per se driving law.

The Mississippi Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a legal challenge that seeks to nullify a November vote legalizing the production and dispensing of medical cannabis to qualified patients.

Michigan’s Attorney General posted information online about a new expungement program where people can apply to get their past misdemeanor marijuana convictions cleared.

City council members in both Maplewood and St. Louis County, Missouri voted to approve marijuana decriminalization proposals.

Following are new legislative developments from the past week, and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state, and the NORML blog for regular updates.

Don’t forget to sign up for the NORML email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

This week, Brian Schatz (D-HI), along with Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), introduced The Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act (S. 1183 / HR 2588), bipartisan legislation to expand and facilitate medical cannabis access to military veterans suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, and other serious medical conditions.

Tell your lawmakers to support the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act

Alabama

Legislation is pending to establish a medical marijuana access program for qualified patients with a physician’s recommendation to access medical marijuana from licensed retail outlets.

Senate Bill 46 would not allow patients to smoke herbal marijuana, consume baked goods, or vape, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges patches, nebulizers and inhalers.

Update: SB 46 was approved by the House Health Committee on 4/15/21, and is now eligible for a House floor vote after passing the Senate earlier this year.

AL resident? Send a message to committee members in support of medical cannabis access

California

Legislation is pending to expand the medical use of marijuana for dogs, cats and other pets in California.

Assembly Bill 384 would require new guidelines for veterinarians to follow when recommending medical cannabis treatment to any animal (excluding livestock).

Update: AB 384 was approved by the Committee on Business and Professions on 4/13/21, and now heads to the Appropriations Committee.

CA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical access for pets

Colorado

Legislation is pending that would increase the amount of marijuana adults can legally possess as well as expand expungement eligibility for past marijuana convictions.

Under current state law, possession of between one and two ounces of marijuana is a petty offense punishable by a $100 fine.

House Bill 1090 would eliminate the penalty for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana.

The measure would also require the court to seal a conviction record, without opportunity for the district attorney to object, for a marijuana possession offense that is otherwise not sealed, if the person has not been convicted of a subsequent criminal offense since.

Update: HB 1090 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/22/21.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of increased possession limits

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 56, which seeks to expand cannabis-based medicine access for registered patients in public schools.

The bill requires school boards to implement policies allowing for the storage, possession, and administration of cannabis-based medicine by school personnel. It also allows school personnel to volunteer to possess, administer, or assist in administration of cannabis-based medicine and protects those who do from retaliation.

Update: SB 56 was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on 4/13/21.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Florida

Senate Bill 468 / House Bill 189 would allow individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses involving the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana to petition the court to get their record expunged.

Separately, Senate Bill 470 / House Bill 191 would exempt a marijuana offense that has been expunged from public records, ensuring that the expunged conviction remains confidential.

Update: SB 468 and SB 470 were heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on 4/15/21, and will be considered again on 4/19. SB 469 received unanimous approval from the committee.

FL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of expungement

Hawaii

House Bill 477 would increase the allowable number of production and retail dispensary locations.

Update: HB 477 was approved by the Senate on 4/13/21, and then the House disagreed with Senate changes. The bill will now head to a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions.

HI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Minnesota

House Majority Leader Winkler’s House File 600 would legalize and regulate marijuana, allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to ten pounds of marijuana in a private residence, up to 1.5 ounces in public, and grow up to eight plants (up to four mature) for personal use.

Update: HF 600 was approved by both the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, and the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committees this week, the fifth and sixth legislative committees to approve the bill. The bill will head to the House State Government Finance and Elections Committee next, before an anticipated vote on the House floor next month.

MN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

New Hampshire

House Bill 89 would add “moderate to severe insomnia” and “autism spectrum disorder” as qualifying conditions for eligibility for medical cannabis treatment.

House Bill 605 would add “opioid use disorder” to the definition of qualifying medical condition. The measure also would allow out-of-state residents qualified in other jurisdictions to purchase therapeutic cannabis at New Hampshire dispensaries.

Update: HB 89 and HB 605 are scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on 4/21/21.

NH resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Oregon

Legislation is pending to regulate cannabis delivery services.

House Bill 2519 would allow licensed dispensaries to home deliver adult use cannabis to consumers 21 and older “within city or county in which marijuana retailer is located and to consumers in cities or counties that have adopted ordinances allowing for delivery of marijuana items from adjacent cities or counties.”

Update: HB 2519 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Labor and Business Committee on 4/20/21.

OR resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of delivery services

Rhode Island

H5021 would prohibit employers from refusing to hire, discharging or otherwise discriminating against any individual because of their medical use of marijuana.

Update: H5021 was heard in the House State Government & Elections Committee on 4/12/21. Committee members recommended that the measure be “held for further study.”

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of employment protections

House Bill 5190 would allow veterinarians to recommend medical cannabis treatment to animals with a debilitating medical condition.

Update: H5190 was heard in the House State Government & Elections Committee on 4/12/21. Committee members recommended that the measure be “held for further study.”

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Tennessee

Legislation is pending to decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana in Tennessee.

House Bill 413/Senate Bill 1439 would remove criminal and civil penalties for the possession or casual exchange of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults.

Update: HB 413 was scheduled for consideration in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 4/14/21, but was deferred for the fourth time until 4/21.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

HB 490/SB 118 would establish a medical cannabis commission to study laws and legislation regarding the medical use of cannabis and report findings and recommendations for future legislation on how to best establish an effective, patient-focused medical cannabis program in this state.

This legislation is specifically problematic because it mandates that “licenses for such a program shall not be issued, or authorized to be issued, until marijuana is removed from Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act.”

Update: SB 118 was recommended for passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/14/21, and was transmitted to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in opposition to study commissions

SB 667/HB 880 would allow certain qualifying patients, with a physician’s approval, to use and possess medical cannabis extracts obtained legally elsewhere.

House Bill 666/Senate Bill 1493 would allow disabled veterans with quadriplegia to possess and use liquid extract cannabis if certain criteria are met.

Update: SB 667 was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/13/21, and will head to the Senate floor next. HB 880 is scheduled for consideration in the House Health Committee on 4/21/21. HB 666 is scheduled for consideration in the House Criminal Justice Committee on 4/21/21.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of limited medical cannabis use

That’s all for this week, check back next Friday for more!

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

On Tuesday, a majority of the Virginia legislature concurred with Gov. Northam’s recommended changes to the adult use legalization bill on his desk. This means that beginning July 1, 2021, adults in Virginia will be permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household without penalty, rather than on January 1, 2024 — the enactment date initially approved by lawmakers last month. The timeline by which state regulators have to enact provisions licensing commercial cannabis production and sales remains July 1, 2024.

Separately, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to sign an adult use legalization bill into law early next week.

At the local level, A legislative committee of the Philadelphia, PA city council approved a bill to ban pre-employment drug testing for marijuana.

Following are new legislative developments from the past week, and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state, and the NORML blog for regular updates.

Don’t forget to sign up for the NORML email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

President Biden was crystal clear on the campaign trail when he stated: “I think we should decriminalize marijuana, period. And I think everyone – anyone who has a record – should be let out of jail, their records expunged, be completely zeroed out.” Now, as President, he has the power to do just that.

Tell President Biden to follow through on his commitment to expunge marijuana records

Alabama

Legislation is pending to establish a medical marijuana access program for qualified patients with a physician’s recommendation to access medical marijuana from licensed retail outlets.

Senate Bill 46 would not allow patients to smoke herbal marijuana or vape, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges patches, nebulizers and inhalers.

Update: Senate-approved SB 46 was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on 4/7/21.

AL resident? Send a message to committee members in support of medical cannabis access

California

Legislation is pending to expand the medical use of marijuana for dogs, cats and other pets in California.

Assembly Bill 384 would require new guidelines for veterinarians to follow when recommending medical cannabis treatment to any animal (excluding livestock).

Update: AB 384 was re-referred to the Committee on Business and Professions, where it will be heard on 4/13/21.

CA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical access for pets

Connecticut

At the request of Governor Lamont, Senate Bill 888 is pending to legalize adult use marijuana, which would allow adults to legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana. The possession of any amount greater than 1.5 ounces would be punishable by a fine.

Update: SB 888 was approved by the Committee on Judiciary. The measure was amended to include additional social equity provisions, automatic expungement, and to no longer criminalize limited personal cultivation.

CT resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Kansas

The Kansas Medical Marijuana Regulation Act is pending to allow qualifying patients to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of medical cannabis. This measure would prohibit smoking and vaping.

Update: The Kansas Medical Marijuana Regulation Act was removed from consideration on the House floor and re-referred to the House Federal and State Affairs Committee (which already approved the bill earlier this session).

KS resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis

Louisiana

Multiple pieces of legislation have been introduced to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana in Louisiana.

House Bill 524 would remove criminal penalties for low-level marijuana possession statewide. The measure would also allow localities (parishes) within Louisiana to regulate marijuana retail sales only if voters approve it via a proposed ballot measure during the 2022 election. If approved by lawmakers and then by voters, it would allow an individual to purchase and possess up to one ounce and cultivate up to six cannabis plants for personal use.

House Bill 637 would legalize and regulate adult use cannabis sales with a focus on a social equity licensing structure that would reduce barriers of entry for communities most harmed by prohibition.

House Bill 568 seeks to establish an excise tax on cannabis, and sets up a structure for the allocation of such revenues to education, mental health, police, and transportation programs.

LA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Legislation has been introduced, House Bill 652, which seeks to reduce penalties for the low-level possession of marijuana.

If passed, the bill would reduce the penalty for the possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana from up to 15 days in jail and a maximum $300 fine, to a $50 fine only.

LA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Legislation has been introduced, House Bill 391, which would repeal the prohibition on physicians recommending medical marijuana for “inhalation” and in “raw or crude” form.

It also allows dispensaries to dispense two and a half ounces of marijuana per 14 day period.

LA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Maryland

Senate Bill 190 is pending which would prohibit a person from being denied the right to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm solely on the basis that the person is authorized to use medical cannabis.

Update: SB 190 was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on 4/8/21.

MD resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of 2nd amendment protections

North Carolina

Legislation has been introduced to legalize and regulate the use, possession, and retail sale of marijuana for adults in North Carolina.

Senate Bill 646 would allow adults to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of concentrates, and to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use.

The measure would also facilitate the automatic expungement of past convictions for any offenses made legal under this bill. It also would create an Office of Social Equity to promote participation by those from “communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition and enforcement in order to positively impact those communities.”

NC resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Senate Bill 483 has been introduced, which would also make up to one and one half ounces of marijuana an infraction instead of a misdemeanor, as well as automatically expunge past convictions for misdemeanor marijuana offenses.

NC resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

Legislation has been introduced to regulate medical cannabis for patients in North Carolina.

Senate Bill 711 has the best chance for passage, as it is supported by both Republicans and Democrats. This bill would allow qualifying patients, with a physician’s recommendation, to access a 30-day supply of medical cannabis at a time via licensed retail outlets.

Senate Bill 669 would also allow registered patients, with a physician’s recommendation, to access medical cannabis via licensed retail outlets. This bill would allow physicians to recommend medical cannabis to any patient whom they believe would benefit from its therapeutic use. It also includes protections for patients with regard to employment, education, parental rights, housing, and those needing organ transplants.

NC resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis

Oklahoma

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2272, which seeks to limit the number of medical cannabis dispensaries permitted to operate in the state of Oklahoma.

The bill would end the distribution of additional licenses to new businesses this fall, and allow currently operating businesses to have their licenses revoked if they don’t meet certain criteria.

Update: HB 2272 was approved by the Appropriations Committee on 4/7/21.

OK resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in opposition to dispensary caps

House Bill 2022 would create a “nonresident medical marijuana patient license” for out-of-state patients who are at least 18 years old, have their application signed by an Oklahoma physician, and pay the $200 fee. This license would be valid for two years.

Update: HB 2022 was heard in the Senate Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee on 4/8/21.

OK resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of reciprocity

Rhode Island

H5021 would prohibit employers from refusing to hire, discharging or otherwise discriminating against any individual because of their medical use of marijuana.

Update: H5021 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House State Government & Elections Committee on 4/12/21.

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of employment protections

House Bill 5190 would allow veterinarians to recommend medical cannabis treatment to animals with a debilitating medical condition.

Update: H5190 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House State Government & Elections Committee on 4/12/21.

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Tennessee

Legislation is pending to decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana in Tennessee.

House Bill 413/Senate Bill 1439 would remove criminal and civil penalties for the possession or casual exchange of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults.

Update: HB 413 was scheduled for consideration in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 4/6/21, but was deferred until 4/14.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

Texas

Several bills are pending to reduce criminal penalties for certain marijuana possession offenses.

House Bill 441 would eliminate arrests and prevent loss of a drivers license and a criminal record for up to two ounces of marijuana possession.

House Bill 2593 would reduce the penalty for the possession of up to two ounces of THC concentrate.

Update: A number of bills were heard in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on 4/6/21. HB 441 and HB 2593 were approved by the committee.

TX resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

HB 1535 which would add Cancer, Chronic Pain, and PTSD for Veterans while allowing the Department of State Health Services to add new qualifying conditions through their administrative rule-making process. HB 1535 would also raise the THC cap to 5% and create “Institutional Review Boards” which will facilitate research and track the impact of medical cannabis on patients participating in the program.

Update: HB 1535 was unanimously approved by the House Public Health Committee on 4/7/21.

TX resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

This was a HUGE week for marijuana. New York became the 16th state to legalize marijuana for all adults. Virginia and New Mexico are likely to join this growing list shortly, as Govs. Northam and Lujan Grisham are both expected to sign legalization measures into law imminently.

Additionally, Governor Ralph Northam signed House Bill 1862 into law, which provides employment protections for state-registered medical cannabis patients.

Following are new legislative developments from the past week, and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state, and the NORML blog for regular updates.

Don’t forget to sign up for the NORML email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

President Biden was crystal clear on the campaign trail when he stated: “I think we should decriminalize marijuana, period. And I think everyone – anyone who has a record – should be let out of jail, their records expunged, be completely zeroed out.” Now, as President, he has the power to do just that.

Tell President Biden to follow through on his commitment to expunge marijuana records

Alabama

Legislation is pending to establish a medical marijuana access program for qualified patients with a physician’s recommendation to access medical marijuana from licensed retail outlets.

Senate Bill 46 would not allow patients to smoke herbal marijuana or vape, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges patches, nebulizers and inhalers.

Update: Senate-approved SB 46 was scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on 3/31/21, and once again consideration was delayed another week to 4/7.

AL resident? Send a message to committee members in support of medical cannabis access

California

Legislation is pending to expand the medical use of marijuana for dogs, cats and other pets in California.

Assembly Bill 384 would require new guidelines for veterinarians to follow when recommending medical cannabis treatment to any animal (excluding livestock).

Update: AB 384 was approved by the Committee on Business and Professions on 3/31/21.

CA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical access for pets

Colorado

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 56, which seeks to expand cannabis-based medicine access for registered patients in public schools.

The bill requires school boards to implement policies allowing for the storage, possession, and administration of cannabis-based medicine by school personnel. It also allows school personnel to volunteer to possess, administer, or assist in administration of cannabis-based medicine and protects those who do from retaliation.

Update: SB 56 was heard in the House Education Committee on 4/1/21.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Delaware

Legislation is pending to expand the pool of providers that are eligible to recommend medical cannabis to their patients.

Senate Bill 60 would allow physicians assistants and nurse practitioners to issue medical cannabis recommendations to qualifying patients.

Update: SB 60 was approved by the House Health & Human Development Committee on 3/31/21.

DE resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Florida

Senate Bill 468 would allow individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses involving the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana to petition the court to get their record expunged.

Senate Bill 470 would exempt a marijuana offense that has been expunged from public records, ensuring that the expunged conviction remains confidential.

Update: SB 468 and SB 470 were approved by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on 3/30/21, and now head to the Appropriations Committee.

FL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of expungement

Indiana

Legislation is pending, to amend certain marijuana penalties for juvenile offenders.

Senate Bill 368 would make possession by a minor of marijuana and paraphernalia used with marijuana a juvenile status offense, rather than a criminal offense.

Update: SB 368 was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on 3/31/21.

IN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of juvenile decriminalization

Kansas

House Bill 2184: The Kansas Medical Marijuana Regulation Act is also pending to allow qualifying patients to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of medical cannabis. This measure would prohibit smoking and vaping.

Update: HB 2184 was approved by the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs on 3/29/21.

KS resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Montana

Currently under state law, those under 21 can face up to 8 hours of drug education or counseling and a $100 fine for up to one ounce of marijuana possession.

House Bill 517 would remove these penalties for those between 18-20, and remove the fine for those under 18 caught in possession of any amount of marijuana.

Update: HB 517 was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/1/21.

MT resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Nebraska

Legislation is pending to allow qualifying patients with certain debilitating conditions to use and safely access medical cannabis.

If passed, LB 474 would allow registered patients to purchase and possess up to two and a half ounces of medical cannabis via licensed providers, with a doctor’s recommendation.

Update: LB 474 was approved by the Judiciary Committee on 3/31/21. The bill will head to the floor next.

NE resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Nevada

Legislation is pending, Assembly Bill 400, to remove existing ‘per se’ criminal limits for individuals who drive with certain detectable levels of THC in their body — regardless of whether he/she is behaviorally impaired.

Update: AB 400 was heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on 3/29/21.

NV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of removing arbitrary per se limits

Assembly Bill 341 would allow for the licensure of businesses as “cannabis consumption lounges” that would permit cannabis to be consumed on-site.

Update: AB 341 was heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on 3/29/21.

NV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of social consumption sites

Oklahoma

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2272, which seeks to limit the number of medical cannabis dispensaries permitted to operate in the state of Oklahoma.

The bill would end the distribution of additional licenses to new businesses this fall, and allow currently operating businesses to have their licenses revoked if they don’t meet certain criteria.

Update: HB 2272 was approved by the Senate Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee on 3/30/21.

OK resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in opposition to dispensary caps

Rhode Island

Legislation is pending to legalize and regulate marijuana for adults in Rhode Island.

S568, which is sponsored by the Senate president and majority leader, would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use.

Update: S568 was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/1/21.

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

S397 would:

• Prohibit a cardholder’s positive drug test for marijuana components or metabolites from constituting evidence that the person is under the influence of marijuana;
• Allows a person whose rights under this act have been violated to commence a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief; and
• Strengthens protections prohibiting discrimination by schools, landlords, or employers because of lawful medical cannabis use.

Update: S397 was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/1/21.

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Senate Bill 252 would allow veterinarians to recommend medical cannabis treatment to animals with a debilitating medical condition.

Update: S252 was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/1/21.

RI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical access for pets

South Carolina

S. 150: The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act would allow qualifying patients to use, purchase, and possess medical cannabis with a physician’s supervision.

Update: S. 150 was approved by the Senate Medical Affairs Committee on 3/31/21.

SC resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Tennessee

SB 667/HB 880 would request a study on the licensure and regulation of cannabis for medical use by departments of health and medical professional licensing boards in states contiguous to Tennessee and report findings to the general assembly’s health committees by December 15, 2021.

Update: SB 667 was approved by the Senate Health And Welfare Committee on 3/31/21. HB 880 was scheduled for a public hearing in the House Health Subcommittee on 3/30/21, but it was deferred until 4/6.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Legislation is pending to decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana in Tennessee.

House Bill 413/Senate Bill 1439 would remove criminal and civil penalties for the possession or casual exchange of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults.

Update: HB 413 was scheduled for consideration in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 3/21/21, but was deferred until 4/6.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

House Bill 1330 / Senate Bill 1359 would prohibit a public or private employer from discriminating against an applicant or employee in hiring, termination, or a term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize an applicant or employee based on a drug test that indicates the use of marijuana by the applicant or employee.

House Bill 489 would prohibit government agencies from taking adverse actions against certain individuals based on positive urine tests for THC at the level of 35 nanograms per milliliter or less.

Update: HB 1330 was scheduled for a public hearing in the House Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on 3/31/21, but was deferred until 4/7. SB 1339 was scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on 3/30/21, but it was deferred until 4/6. HB 489 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health Subcommittee on 4/6/21.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of employment protections

Texas

House Bill 1086 is pending, which would amend penalty weights as well as reduce penalties for cannabis possession.

Update: HB 1086 was approved by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on 3/29/21.

Several additional bills are pending to reduce criminal penalties for certain marijuana possession offenses.

Update: A number of these bills are scheduled for a hearing in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on 4/6/21.

TX resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

HB 1535 which would add Cancer, Chronic Pain, and PTSD for Veterans while allowing the Department of State Health Services to add new qualifying conditions through their administrative rule-making process. HB 1535 would also raise the THC cap to 5% and create “Institutional Review Boards” which will facilitate research and track the impact of medical cannabis on patients participating in the program.

Update: SB 1535 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Public Health Committee on 4/7/21.

TX resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

West Virginia

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 231, which seeks to expand patient access to medical marijuana in West Virginia. If passed, the bill would:

• Increase the allowable number of dispensaries in the state
• Expand the list of qualifying medical conditions
• Add flower and edibles as acceptable methods of delivery
• Establish Compassion Certificates, permitting patients and caregivers to grow small amounts of cannabis for therapeutic use (12 mature and 12 seedlings)
• Establish reciprocity so out-of-state patients can access medicine while visiting West Virginia

Update: SB 231 was approved by the Senate on 3/31/21, and now heads to the House.

WV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

That’s all for this week, check back next Friday for more!

This whirlwind of a week is one for the cannabis history books. For those of you keeping score at home:

• On Tuesday, New York lawmakers passed legislation legalizing the adult-use marijuana market, and permitting for the personal use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis. Hours later, the Governor signed the bill into law – with the provisions legalizing personal marijuana possession taking immediate effect.
• On Wednesday, Virginia’s Governor called for lawmakers to amend legislation in order to expedite the timeline for when Virginians can legally possess and grow marijuana from January 1, 2024 to July 1, 2021. Legislators will vote on the amendments next week.
• Later that same day, members of the New Mexico House and Senate advanced legislation to the Governor legalizing the adult-use marijuana market and expunging the criminal records of those convicted of low-level cannabis offenses. The Governor praised their efforts and vowed to sign the bills into law imminently.

In short, in a matter of hours, we have seen cannabis freedom be extended to tens of millions more Americans! 

Even our staunchest political opponents are conceding the writing on the wall, recently tweeting, “I don’t care if one state legalizes. Or all fifty.” That’s because they, like most everyone else, understand that the rising tide of legalization is only gaining momentum.

Since November, seven states have moved to legalize adult-use marijuana possession and sales and one chamber of Congress passed a bill to end federal prohibition. More than 40 percent of Americans now live in a jurisdiction where cannabis is legal for those ages 21 and older.

Our political opponents are acutely aware that they have lost their war on marijuana and their public pronouncements are becoming more desperate and unhinged. For instance, Nebraska’s Governor Pete Ricketts recently alleged, “If you legalize marijuana, you’re going to kill your kids.” And, most recently, political television commentator Greg Kelly outlandishly claimed that he blacked out after smoking marijuana and woke in four days later on another continent!

Fortunately, the American public – and growing percentage of politicians – can see through these lies. In the coming weeks, we expect to see even more states move into the “win” column, followed by even more outrageous proclamations and reefer madness rhetoric from our opponents.

Nevertheless, our strength moving forward continues to depend upon you. 

Our movement is your movement. We are not funded by “Big Corporations.” These latest victories, like those before them, came about as a result of longstanding grassroots efforts – often led by local advocates just like you. That is why we want to ‘thank you’ for your past support and ask that you continue to provide NORML with the resources it needs to continue to push forward.

For over 50 years, Americans have carried the NORML banner, moving public opinion from 12% in support of legalization to now a supermajority of the public. 

Together we have made it this far and together, we will ensure that all 50 states legalize marijuana and federal prohibition becomes a relic of the past. 

If you are in a position to do so, please make a contribution of whatever you can to ensure that we are in the best position possible to capitalize on this momentum and finish the fight. 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed The Marijuana Revenue and Taxation Act (MRTA) into law, which legalizes and regulates an adult-use commercial marijuana market in New York State, and also permits those over the age of 21 to cultivate personal-use quantities of cannabis in their own homes.

The provisions specific to the personal possession of marijuana took effect upon signing.

“I just signed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement. “The bill creates automatic expungement of previous marijuana convictions that would now be legal. This is a historic day. I thank the Leader and Speaker and the tireless advocacy of so many.”

NORML’s Executive Director Erik Altieri stated, “This signals an end to the racially discriminatory policies that have long made the Empire State the marijuana arrest capital of the United States, if not the world. This stops police from annually arresting tens-of-thousands of New Yorkers for low-level marijuana offenses, the majority of whom are overwhelmingly young, poor, and people of color.”

NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano added, “The passage of this legislation will not only have serious economic and social justice ramifications for its nearly 20 million residents, but it no doubt will have ripple effects across the nation and arguably also within the halls of Congress — providing further pressure on federal lawmakers to amend federal law in a manner that eliminates the existing inconsistencies between state and federal cannabis policies.” 

Six percent of US House members represent New York State, and seven percent of all Congressional House Committee and Subcommittee Chairs are from New York.

Empire State NORML Deputy Director Troy Smit said: “It’s taken a great amount of work and perseverance by activists, patients, and consumers, to go from being the cannabis arrest capital of the world, to lead the world with a legalized market dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This might not be the perfect piece of legislation, but today, cannabis consumers can hold their heads high and smell the flowers.”

The Act established a process for the licensed production and retail sale of marijuana to adults. Regulators would license delivery services and on-site consumption facilities. Retail sales will be taxed at nine percent, plus up to a four percent local tax, as well as an additional tax based upon THC content. Localities that do not wish to have cannabis retailers in their neighborhoods can opt out, but they will not receive tax revenues if they choose to do so. The Act also provides expungement relief for millions of residents with past cannabis convictions on their records. 

Forty percent of tax revenue will be directed toward communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Provisions in the MRTA seek to award half of all business licenses to social equity applicants.

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

At the federal level, the SAFE Banking Act was reintroduced this week by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT), along with 27 other members of the Upper Chamber. The House companion was already reintroduced last week.

Adult use marijuana legalization legislation died in four states this week: Hawaii, Maryland, Wyoming, and North Dakota.

Senate lawmakers in Tennessee defeated a bill that would have provided medical cannabis access to qualifying patients.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation into law amending the state’s medical cannabis access law to allow for the production and dispensing of botanical cannabis products. An operational improvements bill was also signed by Governor Northam, to ensure patients in hospice and other residential facilities are able to access medical cannabis, and makes permanent improved telehealth allowances adopted during the public health crisis. Meanwhile, Gov. Northam is considering moving the effective date of marijuana legalization legislation up to this summer, instead of 2024.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation into law to facilitate social equity in the state’s marijuana industry.

Following are new legislative developments from the past week, and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state, and the NORML blog for regular updates.

Don’t forget to sign up for the NORML email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

President Biden was crystal clear on the campaign trail when he stated: “I think we should decriminalize marijuana, period. And I think everyone – anyone who has a record – should be let out of jail, their records expunged, be completely zeroed out.” Now, as President, he has the power to do just that.

Tell President Biden to follow through on his commitment to expunge marijuana records

Alabama

Legislation is pending to establish a medical marijuana access program for qualified patients with a physician’s recommendation to access medical marijuana from licensed retail outlets.

Senate Bill 46 would not allow patients to smoke herbal marijuana or vape, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges patches, nebulizers and inhalers.

Update: Senate-approved SB 46 was heard by the House Judiciary Committee, and after several delays, committee members are expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday March 31, 2021.

AL resident? Send a message to committee members in support of medical cannabis access

California

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 311, to permit qualified patients the ability to access medical cannabis preparations while in health care facilities.

Update: SB 311 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 3/22/21, and now heads to the Assembly.

CA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Colorado

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 56, which seeks to expand cannabis-based medicine access for registered patients in public schools.

The bill requires school boards to implement policies allowing for the storage, possession, and administration of cannabis-based medicine by school personnel. It also allows school personnel to volunteer to possess, administer, or assist in administration of cannabis-based medicine and protects those who do from retaliation.

Update: SB 56 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Education Committee on 4/1/21.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Connecticut

House Bill 6377 is pending to legalize adult use marijuana. This measure would allow adults to grow up to six marijuana plants, establish an equity-focused task force, a permanent cannabis commission, a long-term cannabis job training program, and more.

Update: HB 6377 was approved by the Labor and Public Employees Committee on 3/25/21.

CT resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Delaware

Legislation to legalize and regulate the use, possession, and retail sale of marijuana for adults in Delaware has been reintroduced.

House Bill 150 would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.

The bill also includes provisions expanding expungement eligibility for those with past marijuana related convictions, as well as a 15 percent point of sale tax. HB 150 would allow for the licensing of 30 retail businesses in the first 16 months, and includes a designated social equity applicant status, in which qualifying applicants would be eligible for technical assistance, reduced fees, loans, and other programs to reduce barriers of entry for the communities most adversely impacted by prohibition.

Update: HB 150 was approved by the House Health and Human Development Committee on 3/24/21.

DE resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Legislation is pending to expand the pool of providers that are eligible to recommend medical cannabis to their patients.

Senate Bill 60 would allow physicians assistants and nurse practitioners to issue medical cannabis recommendations to qualifying patients.

Update: SB 60 was approved by the Senate on 3/23/21, and was transmitted to the House Health & Human Development Committee, where it will be heard on 3/31/21.

DE resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Florida

Senate Bill 468 would allow individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses involving the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana to petition the court to get their record expunged.

Senate Bill 470 would exempt a marijuana offense that has been expunged from public records, ensuring that the expunged conviction remains confidential.

Update: SB 468 and SB 470 are scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on 3/30/21.

FL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of expungement

Illinios

House Bill 3085 would allow for the automatic expungement of any marijuana possession or delivery offenses that occurred on or after January 1, 1970, and would allow those incarcerated for these offenses to be released. This measure would also remove criminal penalties for any amount of marijuana possession.

Update: HB 3085 was approved by the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Committee on 3/23/21.

IL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of automatic expungement

If passed, House Bill 1952 would require courts to expunge cannabis offenses committed before an individual turned 18 if the offense would have also been considered a crime if committed by an adult.

Update: HB 1952 was approved by the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Committee on 3/23/21.

IL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of juvenile expungement

Indiana

Legislation is pending, to amend certain marijuana penalties for juvenile offenders.

Senate Bill 368 would make possession by a minor of marijuana and paraphernalia used with marijuana a juvenile status offense, rather than a criminal offense.

Update: SB 368 was heard in the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on 3/24/21.

IN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of juvenile decriminalization

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 201, to provide a defense to DUI prosecution for a person who operates a vehicle with marijuana or its metabolite in the person’s blood under certain conditions.

Update: SB 201 was approved by the House on 3/23/21, and now heads to the Governor.

IN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of DUI defense

Kansas

House Bill 2184: The Kansas Medical Marijuana Regulation Act is also pending to allow qualifying patients to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of medical cannabis. This measure would prohibit smoking and vaping.

Update: HB 2184 is being considered by the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs, with a possible vote next week.

KS resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Minnesota

Introduced by House Majority Leader Winkler, House File 600 would allow adults 21 and over to possess up to ten pounds of marijuana in a private residence, up to 1.5 ounces in public, and grow up to eight plants (up to four mature) for personal use. The bill also includes expungement, on-site consumption, delivery, and social equity provisions.

Update: HF 600 was approved by the House Agriculture Committee on 3/24/21, and now heads to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

MN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Missouri

House Bill 1325 prohibits a family court from barring its participants from participating in the medical cannabis program.

Update: HB 1325 was unanimously approved by the House Emerging Issues Committee on 3/24/21.

MO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of patient protections

Montana

Currently under state law, those under 21 can face up to 8 hours of drug education or counseling and a $100 fine for up to one ounce of marijuana possession.

House Bill 517 would remove these penalties for those between 18-20, and remove the fine for those under 18 caught in possession of any amount of marijuana.

Update: HB 517 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/1/21.

MT resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Nevada

Currently in the state of Nevada, minors caught with up to one ounce of marijuana face a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in the county jail.

This bill would revise the current penalties to eliminate the possibility of jail time or a fine on the first offense. The penalty under this measure for a minor in possession of under one ounce of marijuana, or who falsely represents themselves to be 21 years of age or older to obtain cannabis, would be up to 100 hours of counseling or participation in support groups.

Update: AB 158 was heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on 3/24/21.

NV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of amending underage penalties

Assembly Bill 322 would allow the licensure and regulation of certain events at which the sale and consumption of cannabis or cannabis products is allowed.

Update: AB 322 was heard in the Assembly Revenue Committee on 3/25/21.

NV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of social consumption

New Mexico

House Bill 12 would allow adults to purchase up to two ounces of marijuana at a time and cultivate up to six mature plants for personal use. Those who possess more than two ounces must store it in a locked space. Under this measure, those convicted of an offense involving up to two ounces of marijuana possession would be eligible for automatic expungement after two years, those currently incarcerated for these offenses would be eligible for dismissal.

Update: Last weekend, the New Mexico state House and Senate failed to approve marijuana legalization legislation prior to Saturday’s adjournment of the 2021 legislative session. However, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for a special session during which time lawmakers will reconvene to address the issue. The session may start as soon as March 31.

NM resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of enacting legalization during special session

New York

The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), has been re-introduced this legislative session. The Senate version, S854, was introduced with nearly a third of senate lawmakers as cosponsors. The Assembly companion is also pending, A1248.

The measures would allow adults 21 and older to legally purchase and possess small amounts of marijuana, and cultivate up to six plants for personal use, and also include automatic expungement, and other provisions to promote social equity in the industry and direct revenue toward communities most harmed by the drug war.

Update: Legislative leaders say they are “really, really, really close on marijuana” and have come to an agreement with Governor Cuomo on marijuana legalization provisions. New language is expected to be released in the coming days.

NY resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of marijuana legalization

Oklahoma

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2004, which seeks to expand Oklahoma’s medical marijuana law.

The bill would:

• Allow patient licensees to possess 12 mature marijuana plants, rather than six mature plants and six seedling plants;
• Reclassify the possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana by someone without a patient license as an offense not subject to imprisonment and punishable by a fine and court costs not to exceed $400;
• Provide tax waivers and reduced patient license application fees for certain disabled veterans; and
• Allow out of state patients to access their medicine while visiting Oklahoma.

Update: HB 2004 was heard by the Senate Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee on 3/25/21.

OK resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Oregon

House Bill 2519 would allow licensed dispensaries to home deliver adult use cannabis to consumers 21 and older “within city or county in which marijuana retailer is located and to consumers in cities or counties that have adopted ordinances allowing for delivery of marijuana items from adjacent cities or counties.”

Update: HB 2519 is scheduled for a work session in the House General Government Committee on 3/23/21.

OR resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of delivery services

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 307, to expand veterans’ access to medical marijuana.

The measure waives fees for obtaining a medical marijuana card for veterans who have a total disability rating of at least 50 percent as a result of injury or illness incurred or aggravated during active military service, and who received discharge or release under other than dishonorable conditions.

Update: SB 307 was considered by the Senate Health Care Committee on 3/24/21.

OR resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of veteran access

South Carolina

S. 150: The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act would allow qualifying patients to use, purchase, and possess medical cannabis with a physician’s supervision.

Update: S. 150 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Medical Affairs Committee on 3/31/21.

SC resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Tennessee

SB 667/HB 880 would request a study on the licensure and regulation of cannabis for medical use by departments of health and medical professional licensing boards in states contiguous to Tennessee and report findings to the general assembly’s health committees by December 15, 2021.

Update: SB 667 was scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health And Welfare Committee on 3/24/21, but was deferred until 3/31. HB 880 was scheduled for a public hearing in the House Health Subcommittee on 3/23/21, but it was deferred until 3/30.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Legislation is pending to decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana in Tennessee.

House Bill 413/Senate Bill 1439 would remove criminal and civil penalties for the possession or casual exchange of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults.

Update: HB 413 was scheduled for consideration in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 3/24/21, but was deferred until 3/31.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

House Bill 1330 / Senate Bill 1359 would prohibit a public or private employer from discriminating against an applicant or employee in hiring, termination, or a term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize an applicant or employee based on a drug test that indicates the use of marijuana by the applicant or employee.

Update: HB 1330 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on 3/31/21. SB 1339 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on 3/30/21.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of employment protections

Texas

House Bill 1086 is pending, which would amend penalty weights as well as reduce penalties for cannabis possession.

Update: HB 1086 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on 3/22/21.

TX resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Washington

Senate Bill 5004 would provide a tax exemption on medical marijuana purchased by registered patients from a licensed dispensary.

Update: SB 5004 was scheduled for an executive session in the House Committee on Finance on 3/25/21.

WA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of tax exemptions

West Virginia

Senate Bill 590 would allow edible medical cannabis products to be dispensed to patients.

Update: SB 590 was approved by the Senate on 3/24/21, and now heads to the House.

WV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of edibles

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

Two pieces of legislation were reintroduced at the federal level this week, one to provide marijuana businesses with access to banking and other financial services (SAFE Banking Act), and a separate bill to provide these businesses with greater access to insurance coverage (CLAIM Act).

At the state level, Governor Spencer Cox (R) of Utah signed two pieces of legislation into law to expand medical cannabis access in the state.

New data provided to NORML upon request by the Pennsylvania State Police shows that state and local law enforcement made 20,200 marijuana-related arrests in the Commonwealth in 2020, that’s about 55 Pennsylvanians arrested every day.

Following are new legislative developments from the past week, and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state, and the NORML blog for regular updates.

Don’t forget to sign up for the NORML email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

Representatives Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), and Warren Davidson (R-OH), along with over 100 additional co-sponsors, have reintroduced The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act in the US House of Representatives, to allow state-licensed marijuana-related businesses to engage freely in relationships with banks and other financial institutions.

Send a message to your lawmakers in support of the SAFE Banking Act

Alabama

Legislation is pending to establish a medical marijuana access program for qualified patients with a physician’s recommendation to access medical marijuana from licensed retail outlets.

Senate Bill 46 would not allow patients to smoke herbal marijuana or vape, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges patches, nebulizers and inhalers.

Update: Senate-approved SB 46 was heard by the House Judiciary Committee, and after several delays, committee members will be voting on the bill on Wednesday March 31, 2021.

AL resident? Send a message to committee members in support of medical cannabis access

Colorado

Legislation is pending that would increase the amount of marijuana adults can legally possess as well as expand expungement eligibility for past marijuana convictions.

Under current state law, possession of between one and two ounces of marijuana is a petty offense punishable by a $100 fine.

House Bill 1090 would eliminate the penalty for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana.

The measure would also require the court to seal a conviction record, without opportunity for the district attorney to object, for a marijuana possession offense that is otherwise not sealed, if the person has not been convicted of a subsequent criminal offense since. The bill also allows a person who was convicted of a class 3 felony marijuana cultivation offense to petition to have their conviction record sealed.

Update: HB 1090 was approved by the House on 3/17/21 by a 45 to 19 vote, and now heads to the Senate.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of expanded possession limits

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 56, which seeks to expand cannabis-based medicine access for registered patients in public schools.

The bill requires school boards to implement policies allowing for the storage, possession, and administration of cannabis-based medicine by school personnel. It also allows school personnel to volunteer to possess, administer, or assist in administration of cannabis-based medicine and protects those who do from retaliation.

Update: SB 56 was approved by the Senate on 3/17/21 by a 33 to 1 vote, and now heads to the House.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access in schools

Legislation is pending, House Bill 1058, which seeks to promote social distancing in the marijuana industry by allowing telehealth and other services.

The bill permits a physician to treat, counsel, and conduct appropriate personal physical examinations, in person or remotely via telephone or video conference, to establish a bona fide physician-patient relationship with a patient seeking a medical marijuana card.

Update: HB 1058 was heard in the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee on 3/18/21.

CO resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of telehealth

Delaware

Legislation to legalize and regulate the use, possession, and retail sale of marijuana for adults in Delaware has been reintroduced.

House Bill 150 would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.

The bill also includes provisions expanding expungement eligibility for those with past marijuana related convictions, as well as a 15 percent point of sale tax. HB 150 would allow for the licensing of 30 retail businesses in the first 16 months, and includes a designated social equity applicant status, in which qualifying applicants would be eligible for technical assistance, reduced fees, loans, and other programs to reduce barriers of entry for the communities most adversely impacted by prohibition.

DE resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Legislation is pending to expand the pool of providers that are eligible to recommend medical cannabis to their patients.

Senate Bill 60 would allow physicians assistants and nurse practitioners to issue medical cannabis recommendations to qualifying patients.

Update: SB 60 was approved by the Senate Health & Social Services Committee on 3/17/21.

DE resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Florida

Legislation is pending to expand eligibility to allow those with certain prior cannabis convictions to get their records cleared.

Senate Bill 468 / House Bill 189 would allow individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses involving the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana to petition the court to get their record expunged.

Separately, Senate Bill 470 / House Bill 191 would exempt a marijuana offense that has been expunged from public records, ensuring that the expunged conviction remains confidential.

Update: SB 468 and SB 470 were approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on 3/15/21.

FL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of expungement

Legislation is pending, HB 1455 / SB 1958, which seeks to impose numerous restrictions on Florida’s existing medical marijuana program, one of them being to arbitrarily limit the potency in medical marijuana products to 10 percent THC for smokable products, and to 60 percent THC for all other product forms.

The measure would also reduce the patient purchase limit from a 70-day supply to a 35-day supply, prohibit a qualified physician from issuing a medical marijuana recommendation to a minor patient (except for low-THC cannabis), and restrict the ability of doctors who specialize in medical cannabis from advertising their services to the public.

Update: HB 1455 was approved by the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on 3/18/21. Meanwhile, a new statewide poll shows that 58 percent of Floridians are opposed to imposing restrictions on THC content in marijuana.

FL resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in opposition to arbitrary potency caps

Georgia

Legislation is pending to expand Georgia’s limited medical cannabidiol (CBD) law.

House Bill 645 would allow patients to access other “products” in addition to oils, and also allows the commission to recommend new delivery methods and license additional businesses.

Update: HB 645 was heard in the Senate Health And Human Services Committee on 3/17/21.

GA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Hawaii

Senate Bill 241 would authorize qualifying patients and qualifying out-of-state patients to transport cannabis between islands of the State for personal medical use.

House Bill 477 would increase the allowable number of production and retail dispensary locations. It will also allow dispensaries to purchase medical cannabis from each other in order to ensure satisfactory patient access.

Update: HB 477 was heard in the Committees on Health and Commerce & Consumer Protection on 3/19/21 at 9am.

HI resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Indiana

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 201, to provide a defense to DUI prosecution for a person who operates a vehicle with marijuana or its metabolite in the person’s blood under certain conditions.

Update: SB 201 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on 3/17/21.

IN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of a DUI defense

Maine

Legislation is pending, LD 216, to seal criminal history record information regarding convictions or adjudications for crimes and civil violations relating to personal adult use of marijuana by making the information confidential.

Update: LD 216 was heard in the Committee on Judiciary on 3/18/21.

ME resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of record sealing

New Hampshire

Legislation is pending, House Bill 350, which permits qualifying patients to cultivate cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

The measure would permit registered patients to grow up to three mature plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings for therapeutic use. The measure also legalizes the personal possession of up to eight ounces of home-grown medical cannabis.

Update: HB 350 was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on 3/17/21.

NH resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of home cultivation rights

House Bill 605, as originally written, would have added “moderate to severe insomnia” as well as “opioid use disorder” to the definition of qualifying medical condition, allowed out-of-state residents qualified in other jurisdictions to purchase therapeutic cannabis at New Hampshire dispensaries, and allowed patients and caregivers to cultivate up to 3 mature cannabis plants, 3 immature cannabis plants and 12 seedlings in private.

Update: HB 605 was approved by the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs, with amendments. The measure, as amended, removes provisions that would have permitted home cultivation by patients as well as provisions that would have added “moderate to severe insomnia” as a qualifying condition.

NH resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

New Mexico

House Bill 12 would allow adults to purchase up to two ounces of marijuana at a time and cultivate up to six mature plants for personal use. Those who possess more than two ounces must store it in a locked space. Under this measure, those convicted of an offense involving up to two ounces of marijuana possession would be eligible for automatic expungement after two years, those currently incarcerated for these offenses would be eligible for dismissal.

Senate Bill 288 would allow adults to legally possess and purchase up to two ounces of marijuana. This measure includes a two percent excise tax on retail sales, and would also allow licensed on-site consumption lounges.

Update: The Senate Judiciary Committee approved HB 12 on 3/18/21. The measure is being debated on the Senate floor today. If and when the Senate approves HB 12, the measure must go back to the House for concurrence before noon on Saturday 3/20/21.

NM resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

New York

The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), has been re-introduced this legislative session. The Senate version, S854, was introduced with nearly a third of senate lawmakers as cosponsors. The Assembly companion is also pending, A1248.

The measures would allow adults 21 and older to legally purchase and possess small amounts of marijuana, and cultivate up to six plants for personal use, and also include automatic expungement, and other provisions to promote social equity in the industry and direct revenue toward communities most harmed by the drug war.

Update: Legislative leaders say they are ” extremely close” to a deal with Governor Cuomo on marijuana legalization provisions, but have hit “a little bit of an impasse” over certain aspects such as impaired driving, and home cultivation provisions. Meanwhile, a new statewide poll shows that 61 percent of New York State residents believe that recreational sales of marijuana to adults ought to be legal and 52 percent agree that adults ought to be legally able to row personal use amounts of marijuana at home.

NY resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of marijuana legalization

North Dakota

House Bill 1501 would impose a 15% tax on adult use marijuana retail sales if and when adult use marijuana is legalized by lawmakers.

Update: HB 1501 was heard in the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on 3/16/21.

ND resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

Ohio

Legislation is pending to remove all civil and criminal penalties for the possession, use, and personal cultivation of small amounts of marijuana.

House Bill 210 would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 200 grams of marijuana and cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use.

The measure would also allow those convicted of an offense involving the possession of up to 200 grams or 12 marijuana plants to get their record expunged.

Currently under state law, the possession of up to 200 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250.

OH resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of depenalization

Oklahoma

Legislation is pending, House Bill 2004, which seeks to expand Oklahoma’s medical marijuana law.

The bill would:

• Allow patient licensees to possess 12 mature marijuana plants, rather than six mature plants and six seedling plants;
• Reclassify the possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana by someone without a patient license as an offense not subject to imprisonment and punishable by a fine and court costs not to exceed $400;
• Provide tax waivers and reduced patient license application fees for certain disabled veterans; and
• Allow out of state patients to access their medicine while visiting Oklahoma.

Update: HB 2004 was approved by the House on 3/9/21, and was transmitted to the Senate on 3/15.

OK resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Oregon

House Bill 2519 would allow licensed dispensaries to home deliver adult use cannabis to consumers 21 and older “within city or county in which marijuana retailer is located and to consumers in cities or counties that have adopted ordinances allowing for delivery of marijuana items from adjacent cities or counties.”

Update: HB 2519 is scheduled for a work session in the House General Government Committee on 3/23/21.

OR resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of delivery services

Tennessee

House Bill 239/Senate Bill 1209 would allow certain cancer patients to possess and use full extract cannabis oil that is intended to be ingested orally or used topically.

House Bill 666/Senate Bill 1493 would allow disabled veterans with quadriplegia to possess and use liquid extract cannabis if certain criteria met.

Update: HB 239 and HB 666 were approved by the House Health Subcommittee on 3/16/21, sending both to the full committee for consideration on 3/24/21.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

SB 667/HB 880 would request a study on the licensure and regulation of cannabis for medical use by departments of health and medical professional licensing boards in states contiguous to Tennessee and report findings to the general assembly’s health committees by December 15, 2021.

Update: SB 667 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health And Welfare Committee on 3/24/21. HB 880 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Health Subcommittee on 3/23/21.

TN resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Texas

House Bill 1086 is pending, which would amend penalty weights as well as reduce penalties for cannabis possession.

Update: HB 1086 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on 3/22/21.

TX resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of penalty reductions

Washington

Senate Bill 5004 would provide a tax exemption on medical marijuana purchased by registered patients from a licensed dispensary.

Update: SB 5004 was heard in the House Committee on Finance on 3/16/21.

WA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of tax exemptions

West Virginia

Senate Bill 590 would allow edible medical cannabis products to be dispensed to patients.

Update: SB 590 was heard in the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee on 3/18/21.

WV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of edibles

West Virginia

Senate Bill 649 was introduced, which seek to legalize the personal use and possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by adults, and provides for a county option election to allow for the production and sales in that county.

WV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of legalization

House Bill 3205 was introduced, which seeks to scale back employment protections for registered medical cannabis patients, giving more discretion to employers.

Currently under state law, employers are prohibited from discharging, threatening, refusing to hire, or otherwise discriminating or retaliating against an employee for their status as a medical cannabis patient. HB 3205 would remove this protection for patients. The measure would also prohibit employees from taking action against an employer for discrimination or wrongful discharge based on medical cannabis use.

WV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in opposition to rolling back employment protections

Wyoming

Legislation is pending that would provide funding for the Dept. of Health to develop a report with recommendations on how to best regulate medical cannabis access in Wyoming.

House Bill 82 would require recommendations on: medical conditions likely to benefit from therapeutic cannabis use, regulations for recommending physicians, a timeline for implementation, and more.

Update: HB 82 was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on 3/18/21.

WY resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical research