Ask your lawmakers to support establishing an effective medical cannabis program and to stop criminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis!

While cannabis policy reform is sweeping the Midwest, Indiana remains one of only 14 states with no effective medical cannabis law and one of only 19 that still imposes jail time for simple possession of cannabis.

However, as more and more states move forward, it’s only a matter of time before Indiana improves its laws. The legislature has convened for its 2022 legislative session, and several cannabis policy reform bills have been introduced, including bills to legalize medical cannabis and decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis. 

Additionally, a bill that would begin setting up a regulatory framework for legal cannabis has also been introduced. While Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) has not been supportive of adult-use legalization, he did recently say that he’s on board with having lawmakers pass legislation to get the state ready for legal marijuana if federal prohibition is lifted. Meanwhile, the Indiana Democratic party is pushing for broader reform, calling on state lawmakers to end prohibition and legalize cannabis for adults. 

Polling has shown that the majority of Indiana voters support legalizing cannabis both for adult-use and medicinal purposes. Still, the legislature must act in order to bring this long overdue policy change to the Hoosier State.

Make sure your lawmakers know this issue matters to voters; ask them to support cannabis policy reform:

Medical: Ask your state legislators to support a compassionate, comprehensive medical cannabis program.

Decriminalization: Let your lawmakers know it’s time to stop arresting marijuana consumers. Ask them to support changing the penalty for possession from possible jail time to a civil fine.

Legalization: Urge your lawmakers to end cannabis prohibition in Indiana and legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis for adults. 

After you reach out to your lawmakers, be sure to share this message with your friends and family in Indiana and encourage them to do the same!

Ask your legislators to support the voter referral to end cannabis prohibition!

The Iowa Legislature returned to work today, kicking off its 2022 legislative session. Sadly, the Hawkeye State’s elected leaders remain far behind the times when it comes to cannabis policy — Iowa hasn’t even decriminalized simple possession of cannabis, although voters support full legalization.

After years of legislative inaction, three state senators have proposed a new approach — referring the question of legalization to voters themselves. Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D), Sen. Janet Petersen (D), and Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D) have put forth a proposal to amend the Iowa Constitution that would provide, “the possession, growth, cultivation, processing, manufacture, preparation, packaging, transferal, consumption, and retail sale and purchase of cannabis, or products created from or including cannabis, by persons 21 years of age or older, shall be lawful.”

The proposal would first need to pass the Iowa Senate and House in two consecutive legislative sessions. (The governor does not have veto power over legislative referrals.) Then, it would need to be approved by voters. Outrageously, Senate Judiciary Chair Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) says he won’t even give the proposal a committee vote.

Iowa lacks a citizen initiative process, so the only way to change state law is for the legislature itself to pass a law, or for the legislature to refer the question to voters.

Let your legislators know voters deserve a say in cannabis policy. Ask them to work to pass the voter referendum.

You can also ask them to pass decriminalization in the meantime. Iowa is one of only 19 states that still arrests and jails its residents for simple possession of cannabis.

Please reach out to your legislators today and spread the word to other Iowans. It’s unconscionable that in this day and age, Iowans are still being deprived of their freedom for possessing a plant that is safer than alcohol. The overwhelmingly majority of voters agree — it’s past time for their elected representatives to listen.

MPP has played a leading role in enacting 10 of the 18 state legalization laws, along with numerous decriminalization and medical cannabis laws. In 2021, a record number of states legalized legislatively, and we laid groundwork for future victories in other states. This year, the movement achieved victories in ... 

New York

In March 2021, New York put an end to cannabis prohibition. Adults over 21 may possess up to three ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrate. New York’s change in cannabis laws also includes provisions for automatic expungement and community reinvestment.

Virginia

On April 7, 2021, Virginia became the first state in the South to legalize cannabis for adults. The new law went into effect on July 1 and allows adults to legally possess and share up to one ounce of cannabis and cultivate up to four cannabis plants at their primary residence. Legal cannabis sales are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2024, but the legislature could speed up — or stall — implementation. 

New Mexico

New Mexico also legalized adult-use cannabis in April 2021. Adults may possess up to two ounces and cultivate up to six mature plants. The new law went into effect in June 2021, and cannabis sales are set to begin no later than April 2022.

Connecticut

MPP is proud to have played a leading role in the effort to legalize cannabis in Connecticut. As of July 2021, adults over 21 are allowed to possess up to one and a half ounces of cannabis on their person and up to five ounces in a locked trunk or secure location in their home. Legal sales are expected to begin by late 2022. Adults will be allowed to cultivate cannabis at home as of July 2023.

The Connecticut legislation also included the expungement of lower-level cannabis records and dedicates a large amount of excise tax revenues into a Social Equity and Innovation Fund that will be used to promote a diverse cannabis industry and reinvest in communities that have been hit the hardest.

South Dakota

During the 2021 South Dakota legislative session, MPP — along with a coalition of groups — played a critical role in successfully defending the state's 2020 voter-enacted medical cannabis law. Gov. Kristi Noem, House Speaker Spencer Gosch, and their legislative allies attempted to severely delay implementation of the law via Speaker Gosch's House Bill 1100. In the end, the South Dakota Legislature did not pass any version of HB 1100, and as a result, the medical cannabis law approved by voters was not changed at all. This major victory for South Dakota medical cannabis patients and advocates was the result of many months of hard work.

Louisiana

As of August 1, 2021, the penalty for possessing up to 14 grams (or .49 ounces) of cannabis became a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100. For those who are unable to afford the fine, the court must use its discretion for an alternate penalty that includes community service and installment payments. Possession of up to 14 grams of cannabis is now enforced by a summons but not an arrest.

Louisiana’s most recent cannabis legislation does not reduce penalties for possessing more than 14 grams or for possession with intent to distribute or sell any amount. Until passage of the bill decriminalizing up to 14 grams, Louisiana was the incarceration capital of the U.S. Still, MPP believes that the state’s penalties for amounts over 14 grams are far too harsh.

Meet MPP's New President and CEO

Toi Hutchinson has officially joined MPP as our new President and CEO. A former Illinois state senator, she most recently served as senior advisor to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on cannabis legalization implementation.

“Toi’s unique resume is perfectly suited to lead MPP as we finish our reform work state-by-state across the country,” said MPP Board Chairman Sal Pace.

Toi earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences (English) from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois College of Law. She is a member of the Chicago Federation of Women, the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership, Links International, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

MPP welcomes Toi Hutchinson!

MPP's New Southeast Legislative Manager

Joining MPP in December 2021, Kevin Caldwell leads the organization’s lobbying efforts in Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Kevin is the founder of CommonSenseNOLA, a grassroots cannabis reform organization. He served as a board member of Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana from 2014 to 2020. Kevin has advocated on the municipal and statewide levels for medical cannabis and removing criminal penalties for cannabis possession, as well as other criminal justice reforms.

MPP's New Communications Director

In late November, MPP welcomed Denise Tolliver to serve as the organization’s new director of communications.

Before joining MPP, Tolliver worked as a reporter and anchor for television and radio and served as Communications Director and Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill and for the D.C. Council. While employed on the Hill, she was sought after by Judy Smith of “Scandal” fame to assist with the mayoral crisis in Detroit. Upon finishing the crisis position with the mayor, she then stayed in Detroit to perform crisis assistance with the new Detroit City Council President. After her last crisis assignment was completed, she returned to the Hill where she worked for Rep. John Lewis and Rep. Marcia Fudge, who now serves as the Housing and Urban Development Secretary. 

Ask your state senator to support legalization!

This morning, New Hampshire’s GOP-controlled House of Representatives voted to legalize possession and home cultivation of cannabis ­— advancing HB 629 in a lopsided 241-113 vote. Unfortunately, it rejected a more comprehensive legalization bill that included sales — HB 237 — in a 163-170 vote last night.

HB 629 now heads to the Senate. The legislature will also consider six new proposals to legalize cannabis or to refer legalization to voters.

Although the Senate has repeatedly killed legalization bills in past years, it is getting increasingly difficult to ignore the overwhelming — and growing — popular support. In May, a University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll found 75% support for legalization — with only 16% opposed!

But it’s vital that elected officials hear that their constituents care about this issue. Ask your legislators to make 2022 the year New Hampshire legalizes cannabis. Then, spread the news and invite your friends to stand up for sensible cannabis policies!

Let your New Hampshire lawmakers know it’s time to legalize!

New Hampshire’s legislature convened its 2022 legislative session today, starting another year where the “Live Free or Die” State is an island of prohibition, surrounded by states and a country where cannabis is legal.

The state House of Representatives may vote on two different legalization bills tomorrow (Thursday) that were retained in committee! Let your state legislators know it’s time to get with the times.

In addition, six new proposals have been introduced to legalize cannabis or to refer legalization to voters — including one sponsored by the chair of the House committee that stalled legalization in 2021. (Chair Daryl Abbas’ bill would require cannabis to be sold through state-run stores, which isn’t feasible due to federal prohibition.) The voter referrals require 60% in each the House and Senate, plus two-thirds of the popular vote on Election Day — but they can’t be vetoed by Gov. Chris Sununu (R), who remains staunchly opposed.

In May, a University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll found off-the-charts support for legalization, at 75%. Elected officials need to hear that the overwhelming majority of their voters are tired of the failed, destructive policy of prohibition.

Ask your legislators to make 2022 the year New Hampshire legalizes cannabis. Then, spread the word.

Good news! Just yesterday, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection announced that it would begin accepting applications for adult-use licenses early next month. The first application period for each license type will open for a period of 90 days on the following dates:

• Disproportionately Impacted Area Cultivator: February 3, 2022 (non-lottery)
• Retailer: February 3, 2022
• Micro-cultivator: February 10, 2022
• Delivery Service: February 17, 2022
• Hybrid Retailer: February 24, 2022
• Food and Beverage: March 3, 2022
• Product Manufacturer: March 10, 2022  
• Product Packager: March 17, 2022 
• Transporter: March 24, 2022

The Department also announced the number of licenses it plans to issue in the first application round, which are listed below:

• Retailer: 6 general licenses, 6 social equity licenses
• Micro-cultivator: 2 general licenses, 2 social equity licenses
• Delivery Service: 5 general licenses, 5 social equity licenses
• Hybrid Retailer: 2 general licenses, 2 social equity licenses
• Food and Beverage: 5 general licenses, 5 social equity licenses
• Product Packager: 3 general licenses, 3 social equity licenses
• Product Manufacturer: 3 general licenses, 3 social equity licenses
• Transporter: 2 general licenses, 2 social equity licenses

DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull said, “The initial number of available licenses is not a cap, but a starting point for opening the adult-use cannabis market in an effective, measured and thoughtful way.”

Although we're excited that Connecticut is moving forward with licensing adult-use businesses, we are concerned about the small number of initial licenses.

Low numbers of initial licenses limit competition, reduce opportunities for small- and minority-owned businesses, and privilege larger corporations at the expense of other applicants. Also, by stifling legal cannabis business with low license numbers, illegal operators will continue — exposing consumers to untested products and putting both sellers and buyers at risk of violence. The paltry number of licenses will also result in hundreds to thousands of applicants wasting time and hard-earned money applying, with the vast majority being denied.

Applications will be available here. Interested applicants can view a description of each license type to determine which is appropriate for their business.

As the adult-use market continues to roll out in Connecticut, we’ll continue to keep you updated on all the progress.

Ask your lawmakers to legalize cannabis in 2022 without delay!

We’re just one week out from the Maryland General Assembly kicking off its 2022 legislative session, and cannabis legalization will be a major priority for the legislature this year.

Most recently, a bill — HB 1 — that would refer the question of cannabis legalization to Maryland voters on the November 2022 ballot has been pre-filed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Luke Clippinger. The House has been interested in the pathway of referring the question of legalization to voters, as House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D) announced in July 2021 that the House intends to pass a referendum bill this year.

While it’s encouraging that the House is committed to taking up adult-use cannabis legalization this year, HB 1, as currently written, lacks the major priorities that the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition has been advocating for. Most notably, HB 1 would not legalize cannabis possession until July 2023, does not include personal cultivation of cannabis, and does not specify that legalization must be rooted in equity.

It’s important your lawmakers hear from you. Please reach out to them today and ask that they legalize cannabis this year without delay!

Meanwhile, the Senate prefers to pass legalization outright through legislation. As a referendum alone will not implement an adult-use cannabis program that is equitable, implementing legislation that sets up the regulatory framework, tax structure, automatic expungement process, and provisions to ensure those who have been most impacted by prohibition benefit from the legal industry must also be taken up in 2022.

Please reach out to your lawmakers today and stay tuned for future updates.

Together, we can end cannabis prohibition in the Free State!

Happy New Year! The beginning of 2022 officially marks a major milestone in the decades-long effort to reform Montana’s cannabis policies. As of January 1, adults in Montana can now purchase cannabis from licensed retail stores across the state! 

Thanks to the efforts of New Approach Montana, the 2020 ballot initiative campaign supported and led by MPP, 57% of Montana voters approved two complementary ballot initiatives to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis in the state. As a result, cannabis sales will no longer be relegated to an illicit market. Instead, we have created a legal marketplace that will improve public health and safety, create new jobs, and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for Montana. Today is a day to celebrate what our movement can achieve when we mobilize popular support for sensible reforms.

For now, adults in Montana may purchase cannabis in stores located in so-called “green counties” — where a majority of voters approved Initiative 190. Other counties will require approval via local referendum to allow adult-use cannabis sales. You can view a map of which counties currently allow sales here.

If you plan to stop by a cannabis store, bring your ID to show that you are 21 or older — and when transporting cannabis, keep your package unopened and stored in the glove compartment or trunk of your car. 

Celebrate responsibly, Montana!

Urge the Department of Consumer Protection to create plenty of small business opportunities

Important news! Tomorrow, January 4, the Connecticut Social Equity Council will meet to move forward with their plan to begin accepting applications for adult-use licenses within the next several weeks. Under the Connecticut legalization law, the Department of Consumer of Protection (DCP) is allowed to set limits on the number of licenses that will be issued for each of the nine categories. We are calling on DCP to not set license caps, and if they must set license caps, that they be high.

Low license caps would not only limit competition and privilege larger corporations at the expense of other applicants, but they would also create a situation where Connecticut’s recreational and medical cannabis markets are unable to provide adequate supply and meet the level of demand that exists, thus inflating prices and allowing the illicit market to proliferate. 

Please join us in contacting the Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection and urging Connecticut not to set arbitrary low license caps.

After signatures are verified, the Ohio Legislature will have an opportunity to act 

Yesterday, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol announced that they have submitted 206,943 signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State — over 70,000 more than needed to meet the requirement for the first phase of the ballot initiative qualification process.

After state officials verify that the signature requirements have been met, the Ohio Legislature will have four months to approve the measure as it is currently written. If they do not, the campaign will have an opportunity to collect an additional 132,887 signatures from voters to place the measure on the November 2022 ballot. 

If enacted, the 2022 legalization initiative will:

• Permit adults 21 and older to purchase, possess, and consume up to two and a half ounces of cannabis, including up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrate;
• Allow home cultivation (up to six plants per adult and up to 12 plants per residence);
• Establish a system of responsibly regulated cannabis businesses; and
• Impose a 10% tax on cannabis sales and direct revenue to local communities, substance abuse treatment services, and a social equity and jobs program.

Ohio could become one of the next states to end the failed policy of cannabis prohibition. If you live in the state, please get involved and support the campaign by visiting the campaign's website!