Grow Life 420

Since the last post about various efforts for statewide reform measures for the 2022 ballot, there have been . Here’s an overview with the latest updates:

ARKANSAS

Legalization

Activists are working to qualify a ballot measure to legalize and regulate adult use marijuana in the state. The proposal would allow adults to legally purchase up to four ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 marijuana plants at home. Proponents must gather 89,151 signatures by July 2022.

IDAHO

Depenalization

Idaho activists received the green light from the secretary of state’s office to begin collecting signatures for a proposed depenalization ballot initiative. If qualified, the measure would allow the adult possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana on private property. The measure would not establish a regulated retail marketplace.

Medical marijuana

Another group of activists was also cleared to begin collecting signatures in hopes of qualifying a separate medical marijuana measure for the 2022 ballot. The proposal would allow qualifying patients to access up to four ounces of medical marijuana with a physician’s recommendation, as well as permit the home cultivation of up to six plants for therapeutic use.

Activists have until May 2022 to collect nearly 65,000 signatures for each initiative.

MISSOURI

Legalization

Similar to the campaign to legalize medical marijuana in the state in 2018, Missouri residents could see several competing marijuana legalization measures on the state’s 2022 ballot. Fair Access Missouri, one of the groups working to qualify marijuana reform ballot measures, has submitted several initiatives, at least one of which would legalize adult use marijuana in the state.

New Approach Missouri, the proponents behind the successful medical marijuana initiative in 2018, also plan to qualify an adult use legalization measure for the 2022 ballot.

A new adult use legalization ballot measure has been submitted by a third group of proponents, Legal Missouri 2022. 171,592 signatures are need to qualify each initiative by May 2022.

NEBRASKA

Medical marijuana

After a 2020 medical marijuana measure was stripped from the ballot, advocates with Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana are once again working to legalize medical marijuana access in the state. In order to avoid violating the single-subject rule that derailed the 2020 effort, activists now plan to place two separate, complementary initiatives on the ballot for 2022. Nebraska lawmakers considered legislation to legalize medical marijuana access in 2021, but the bill was ultimately defeated.

The campaign team has officially submitted language for the two measures to the secretary of state’s office, and expect approval by the end of the month. For each measure, advocates will need to collect 126,838 signatures by July 2022.

NORTH DAKOTA

Legalization

A group of North Dakota activists are collecting signatures for a proposed adult use marijuana legalization initiative in 2022. The measure would allow adults to legally possess and purchase marijuana from retail outlets, as well as grow a limited number of marijuana plants at home for personal use.

A separate group, made up of proponents behind a failed 2018 legalization ballot measure, will likely be working to qualify an adult use initiative as well. Proponents must collect nearly 27,000 signatures by January 2022.

OHIO

Legalization

Proponents behind the effort, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CTRMLA), have submitted an initial slew of signatures in hopes of qualifying a statewide ballot measure that would push lawmakers to enact adult use marijuana legalization in Ohio. Once advocates collect 132,887 signatures by December 2021, lawmakers will have four months to enact the reform. If lawmakers fail to act, then 132,887 additional signatures will be required by July 2022 to put the measure on the ballot before voters during the 2022 election.

The proposed measure would allow adults to legally purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants at home. Most recently, the adult use legalization measure was formally approved for signature collecting after the Ohio Ballot Board determined that the language meets the single subject rule.

OKLAHOMA

Legalization

A group of activists in the state is working to qualify a ballot measure to legalize and regulate adult use marijuana. The measure would allow adults to legally purchase marijuana from already existing dispensaries, as well as allow adults to grow up to 12 plants for personal use.

Medical

The same group of activists is also working on a separate ballot initiative to amend the state’s currently operating medical marijuana program. The proposed measure would transform the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority into the Oklahoma Cannabis Commission, an agency that would be responsible for regulating all legal marijuana products in the state. The measure would also fund research programs, mental health services, and law enforcement training.

For each of the initiatives, proponents will need 177,958 valid signatures by August 2022.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Legalization

The proponents behind Amendment A, the 2020 ballot measure which was overturned by a state court, have submitted four separate adult use legalization initiatives, but will only pursue them if the state Supreme Court upholds the decision of the lower court nullifying Amendment A. Each of the four different approaches would legalize possession of up to four ounces of marijuana by adults, as well as the home cultivation of up to three marijuana plants. Some of the proposed measures would legalize commercial retail sales, others would not. The differences between the four approaches are outlined here.

If and when the measures are approved by state officials, proponents will need to gather at least 33,921 signatures for a constitutional measure and 16,961 for a statutory one by November 2021.

WYOMING

Decriminalization

Reform proponents in Wyoming, including Wyoming NORML, were approved to start signature gathering for a proposal to remove the threat of jail time for adults who possess up to four ounces of marijuana, instead imposing a fine of $50 for first and second offenders, and $75 for subsequent offenders. Those caught growing marijuana at home would face a maximum $200 fine.

Medical marijuana

Advocates in the state were also approved to begin collecting signatures for a medical marijuana ballot initiative, which would permit qualifying patients to access up to up to four ounces of medical marijuana flower and up to 20 grams of medical marijuana-derived products per 30-day period. Patients would also be allowed to cultivate up to eight mature plants at home for therapeutic use.

After the state Attorney General issued ballot summaries for both measures, the state presented petition sheets for signatures on both initiatives last week. Activists have kicked off signature gathering efforts in at least seven cities across Wyoming. For each of the medical and decriminalization initiatives, activists need to collect 41,776 by February 2022.

Watch NORML’s latest “Tuesday Talk” on Facebook to hear more about these initiative efforts.

Related

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

This week, lawmakers in three states advanced medical marijuana legislation: Kansas, Tennessee, and Alabama. The latter two are headed to Governors’ desks.

Senators in New Hampshire defeated a bill that would have allowed medical cannabis patients to grow a limited number of plants at home.

Wisconsin lawmakers stripped marijuana legalization provisions from Governor Evers’ budget proposal.

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

The bipartisan Marijuana Data Collection Act (MDCA), introduced by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) and U.S. Reps. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) and Don Young (R-AK) calls upon the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to collect and synthesize relevant data and to generate a formal report to Congress quantifying the impact of statewide marijuana legalization on matters specific to public health, safety, the economy, and criminal justice, among other issues.

Tell your lawmakers to support the Marijuana Data Collection Act now

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 prohibits patients from accessing medical cannabis in forms such as smoking herbal marijuana, vaping, and baked goods, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges, patches.

Update: SB 46 was approved by lawmakers on 5/6/21, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

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

Kansas

Senate Bill 158: 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: SB 158 was approved by the House on 5/6/21, and now heads to the Senate.

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

Louisiana

Multiple pieces of legislation are pending to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana in Louisiana.

Rep. Newell’s 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 into the industry for communities most harmed by prohibition.

Separately, House Bill 243 would remove penalties for marijuana possession and distribution, but only if lawmakers approve separate legislation to regulate production and retail sales.

House Bill 699 would also legalize and regulate marijuana, allowing adults to legally possess up to two pounds of marijuana, and cultivate up to six plants for personal use.

Update: HB 699 is scheduled for consideration on the House floor on 5/10/21. HB 637 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Criminal Justice on 5/12/21.

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

Legislation is pending which seeks to reduce penalties for the low-level possession of marijuana.

House Bill 652 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.

Update: HB 652 was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Criminal Justice on 5/4/21, and is scheduled for debate on the House floor on 5/11/21.

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

Legislation is pending, 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.

Update: HB 391 was approved by the House on 5/3/21, and now heads to the Senate.

LA 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 its eleventh and twelfth committee this week, the House Tax Committee on 5/4/21 and the Ways and Means Committee on 5/6 before an anticipated vote on the House floor later this month.

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

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 hearing in the Senate Labor and Business Committee on 5/11/21.

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

Tennessee

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 approved by lawmakers on 5/5/21, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

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

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

Montana lawmakers approved legislation this week to amend the state’s voter-approved adult use marijuana legalization law, sending the measure to Republican Governor Greg Gianforte’s desk.

Senators in both Alabama and Arkansas defeated bills this week that would have decriminalized marijuana.

The South Dakota Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in litigation challenging the state’s voter-approved adult use marijuana legalization law. A lower court already ruled the measure is unconstitutional.

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

In a bipartisan vote of 321-101, members of the US House of Representatives this week approved HR 1996, The SAFE Banking Act, which would create a legal safe harbor for financial institutions to engage in business relationships with state-licensed and regulated cannabis companies.

Tell your Senators to support the SAFE Banking Act now

Alabama

Senate-approved 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 prohibits patients from accessing medical cannabis in forms such as smoking herbal marijuana, vaping, and baked goods, but would allow forms including pills, oils, lozenges, patches.

Update: SB 46 could come to the floor of the House for a vote as soon as next week, according to House Speaker McCutcheon.

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

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 heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on 4/28/21.

CA resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis 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 was approved by the Senate on 4/28/21, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

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

Louisiana

Multiple pieces of legislation are pending to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana in Louisiana.

Rep. Newell’s 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 into the industry for communities most harmed by prohibition.

Separately, House Bill 243 would remove penalties for marijuana possession and distribution, but only if lawmakers approve separate legislation to regulate production and retail sales.

House Bill 699 would also legalize and regulate marijuana, allowing adults to legally possess up to two pounds of marijuana, and cultivate up to six plants for personal use.

Update: HB 243 and HB 699 were approved by the House Committee on Criminal Justice on 4/27/21. HB 637 was scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture on 4/29/21, but it was removed from the agenda and recommitted to the House Criminal Justice Committee.

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

Legislation is pending which seeks to reduce penalties for the low-level possession of marijuana.

House Bill 652 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.

Update: HB 652 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Criminal Justice on 5/4/21.

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

Legislation is pending, 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.

Update: HB 391 is scheduled for consideration on the House floor on 5/3/21.

LA 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 the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee on 4/26/21, with an anticipated vote on the House floor next month.

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

Nevada

Legislation is pending, Assembly Bill 158, which seeks to revise penalties imposed on minors caught in possession of marijuana for first-time offenders.

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 Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/29/21.

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

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 605 was unanimously approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on 4/28/21. HB 89 was approved by the Senate on 4/29.

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

Oregon

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 approved by the Senate on 4/26/21, and now heads to the House.

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

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 was heard in the Senate Labor and Business Committee on 4/29/21.

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

Rhode Island

Governor McKee (D) introduced an adult use legalization plan via his state budget proposal. Under this measure, adults would also be permitted to purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana, but would not be allowed to grow it at home.

Update: The Gov’s proposal was heard in the House Finance Committee on 4/29/21.

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

H5452 would allow those with misdemeanor or felony marijuana convictions to get their records expunged at no cost. This bill would also reduce barriers of entry into the medical cannabis industry by establishing a loan program for those who have been disproportionately impacted by prohibition.

Update: H5452 was heard in the House Finance Committee on 4/29/21.

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

H5453 would:

• Allow physicians to recommend medical cannabis to any patient whom they believe would benefit from its therapeutic use;
• Provide discounted medicine to patients who demonstrate financial hardship;
• Remove the requirement of plant tags and increase the possession limit for home grown medical cannabis;
• Allow nurse practitioners to recommend medical cannabis;
• Prohibit government agencies from discriminating against patients for lawful medical cannabis use;
• Remove the prohibition on those with past criminal convictions from participating in the industry; and
• Remove the limit on number of retail outlets and reduce application fees for business licenses

Update: H5453 was heard in the House Finance Committee on 4/29/21.

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

Tennessee

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 scheduled for consideration in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on 4/27/21, but was deferred until 5/3.

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

Texas

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 approved by the House of Representatives on 4/29/21. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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

HB 2593 would reduce the penalty for the possession of up to two ounces of THC concentrates from a felony to a Class B misdemeanor, which could still carry jail time.

House Bill 441 would reduce the penalty for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana from a class B misdemeanor, punishable by large fines and potential jail time, to a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine only and no possibility of jail time. HB 441 would also establish a process for expunging past records.

Update: HB 2593 and HB 441 were approved by the House of Representatives this week. Both measures now head to the Senate for further consideration.

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

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

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy approved a significant increase to the number of medical cannabis dispensaries allowed to operate in the state. Applications for new business license are expected to become available this summer.

Members of the Philadelphia, PA city council voted to approve a measure to ban most employers from testing for marijuana as a condition of employment. Mayor Kenney is expected to sign it into law.

The mayor of Birmingham, Alabama announced his intent to issue over 15,000 blanket pardons for those with past misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions.

The Mayor of Denver, Colorado signed a bill into law to permit marijuana delivery services and social consumption sites in the city.

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

In a bipartisan vote of 321-101, members of the US House of Representatives this week approved HR 1996, The SAFE Banking Act, which would create a legal safe harbor for financial institutions to engage in business relationships with state-licensed and regulated cannabis companies.

Tell your Senators to support the SAFE Banking Act now

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 was approved by 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 on 4/13/21. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

CO resident? Send a message to your governor 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 approved by the Senate on 4/21/19, and both bills now head to the House.

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

Louisiana

Multiple pieces of legislation are pending to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana in Louisiana.

Rep. Newell’s 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 into the industry for communities most harmed by prohibition.

Separately, House Bill 243 would remove penalties for marijuana possession and distribution, but only if lawmakers approve separate legislation to regulate production and retail sales.

House Bill 524 would allow localities (parishes) within Louisiana to regulate marijuana retail sales only if a majority of voters in that parish 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.

Update: HB 243 and HB 524 are scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice on 4/27/21. HB 637 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development on 4/29/21.

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

Legislation is pending which seeks to reduce penalties for the low-level possession of marijuana.

House Bill 652 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.

Update: HB 652 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice on 4/27/21.

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

Legislation is pending, 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.

Update: HB 391 was approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee on 4/22/21.

LA 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 two more legislative committees this week, for a total of eight committees that have approved legalization. The bill will head to the House Public Safety Committee next, before an anticipated vote on the House floor next month.

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

Nevada

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

Update: AB 400 was approved by the Assembly on 4/20/21, and now heads to the Senate.

NV resident? Send a message to your lawmakers in support of repealing unscientific per se laws

Legislation is pending to regulate social marijuana use at certain public establishments.

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

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 341 was approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on 4/19/21. AB 322 was approved by the Assembly Revenue Committee on 4/19/21.

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

Legislation is pending, Assembly Bill 158, which seeks to revise penalties imposed on minors caught in possession of marijuana for first-time offenders.

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 approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on 4/19/21, and was then approved by the full Assembly on 4/20. The bill now heads to the Senate.

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

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 were heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on 4/21/21. HB 89 was unanimously approved by the committee.

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

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 on 4/21/21, and will now head back to the House for a concurrence vote to approve or deny the Senate’s amendments.

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

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 was heard in the Senate Labor and Business Committee on 4/20/21.

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

Texas

House Bill 3772 reduces penalties for low-level possession of cannabis flower AND THC concentrates. The bill also allows for expungement of a Class C marijuana or paraphernalia charge if it is dismissed, and removes the 180-day driver’s license suspension for Class C marijuana or paraphernalia convictions.

Update: HB 3772 was heard in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on 4/19/21.

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