Unfortunately, HB 305, a bill to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older, fell just two votes short of the needed supermajority (25 votes) to clear the House yesterday. The final vote count was 23 yes, 14 no, and 4 not voting.  

Today, the House of Delegates approved a pair of bills that would allow voters to decide whether to legalize cannabis for adults’ use in November 2022. This historic vote marks the first time either chamber in Maryland’s legislature has voted on a bill that would legalize cannabis.

As the cannabis legalization effort begins to pick up in the House, we’re hosting virtual lobby days next Wednesday and Thursday for constituents to meet with their lawmakers and let them know this issue is important to them.

Delegate Luke Clippinger, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has filed HB 837, which will serve as companion legislation to HB 1, a bill that would refer the question of cannabis legalization to Maryland voters on the November 2022 ballot.

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the various contributions Black Americans have made throughout history. The Marijuana Policy Project proudly acknowledges the endless achievements of Black Americans as we continue our mission of advancing policies to reform our country’s views of cannabis and ending cannabis prohibition.

Exciting news! Rep. Ed Osienski (D) has just introduced HB 305, a bill that would make cannabis legal for adults 21 and older, replacing prohibition with a system of regulation that focuses on public health and equity.

Last year, Virginia made history by becoming the first state in the South to legalize cannabis for adults. While adults can now legally possess and cultivate cannabis in the state, other aspects of the law — such as details for establishing a regulated cannabis market — don’t kick in until 2024. And, nearly all of the cannabis sales provisions are subject to further approval by the incoming legislature and governor.

Just last week Connecticut became the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adult use. Today, the law officially goes into effect.

Last week, the 2021 legislative session ended without a vote in the House of Representatives on S.B.1118, which would have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. However, legislative leaders plan to reconvene later this week to take up the issue along with implementing the state budget.

Yesterday, the 2021 legislative session ended without a vote in the House of Representatives on S.B.1118, which would have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. However, legislative leaders plan to reconvene sometime later this month to take up the issue along with implementing the state budget.