Two bills, HB 230 and SB 269, are advancing through the New Mexico legislature to clarify employment protections for medical cannabis patients. These bills would ensure that qualified patients cannot be fired or denied employment solely for testing positive for cannabis or its metabolites, while still allowing employers to enforce workplace safety policies.

If you live in New Mexico, let your lawmakers know: Medical cannabis patients should not have to choose between their health and their jobs.

It is already illegal under New Mexico law for employers to take adverse actions against employees for state-legal medical cannabis activities (with an exception if it is mandated by the feds). HB 230, introduced by Representative Reena Szczepanski, and Senator Linda López's SB 269 would ban random drug testing of registered patients for cannabis and clarify that a positive test result alone cannot be used to prove impairment. Instead, testing would only be allowed when there is reasonable suspicion of impairment at work, after a workplace accident involving another person, or following an incident that causes property damage.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Workforce Solutions would be required to develop guidelines for determining cannabis impairment based on physical symptoms, psychomotor performance, and cognitive function.

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Exciting news! Adult-use cannabis sales begin today in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexicans 21 and older are now able to begin making retail purchases of cannabis.

Last year, New Mexico became the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fifth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative. Today’s launch of adult-use sales comes exactly 366 days after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Cannabis Regulation Act into law.

The law officially went into effect on June 29, 2021. Adults can legally possess up to two ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to six mature plants. You can read a summary of the law, which was HB 2, here.

According to Victor Reyes, Deputy Director of the state’s Cannabis Control Division, the agency has already issued nearly 100 licenses for cannabis producers, manufacturers, and retailers. Reyes did admit that, due to backlog, there is a potential that some retailers will still not be ready to sell come April 1.

For more information on the adult-use cannabis program in New Mexico, check out the Cannabis Control Division’s website.

Stay tuned for future updates as the program continues to roll out, and thank you to everyone who made this historic day possible!

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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. 

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It’s been an historic year for cannabis policy reform – with four states legalizing in 2021 alone and the total number of adult-use legalization states now reaching 19!

Three of the new state legalization laws have recently gone into effect: New Mexico’s on June 29, and Connecticut and Virginia’s on July 1. In addition, South Dakota's new medical cannabis law also takes effect on July 1. Read on to learn more about these new laws.

New Mexico

In April, New Mexico became the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. On June 29, the new legalization law officially went into effect.

Adults (21+) may now legally possess up to two ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to six mature plants. Cannabis sales will begin no later than April 2022. You can check out our full summary of the law here.

Connecticut

In June, Connecticut became the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adults. On July 1, the new law officially went into effect.

Adults (21+) may now legally possess up to one and a half ounces of cannabis on their person and up to five ounces in their home, a locked container in their residence, a locked glove box, or their vehicle’s trunk. Additionally, the odor or smell of cannabis can no longer be used as a basis to stop or search. Lastly, the law sets aside fifty percent of the licenses for equity applicants and dedicates upwards to 60 percent of the revenue to equity efforts. Legal sales are anticipated to begin by May 2022. Adults will be allowed to securely cultivate cannabis at home starting July 1, 2023. You can check out a full summary of the law here and a condensed summary here.

Virginia

Virginia became the 17th state to legalize cannabis for adult use in April, making history as the first state in the South to legalize cannabis for adults. On July 1, the new law officially went into effect.

Adults (21+) may now legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis and cultivate up to four cannabis plants at their primary residence. Legal sales will begin no earlier than July 2024. You can check out our full summary of the law here.

South Dakota

The new medical cannabis law in South Dakota also took effect July 1. Medical cannabis patients who comply with specific requirements will not be arrested for possession of up to three ounces of cannabis. The state has until November 18 of this year to begin issuing medical cannabis patient ID cards. The deadline for promulgating rules for businesses is October 29, 2021. The South Dakota Department of Health is responsible for implementing the policy. You can read the law here: SDCL 34-20G.

We are also waiting for the South Dakota Supreme Court to issue a ruling on Governor Noem’s lawsuit to repeal Amendment A, the marijuana legalization ballot initiative approved by 54% of South Dakota voters in 2020. We do not know when a ruling will be issued. Read more about the lawsuit here.

We also want to remind folks that driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal in all states, and we encourage everyone to please consume responsibly!

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Back in April, New Mexico became the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. Today, the new legalization law officially goes into effect.

Adults may now legally possess up to two ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to six mature plants. Cannabis sales will begin no later than April 2022. You can check out our full summary of the law here.

New Mexico was one of four states to legalize cannabis legislatively this year, with the total of adult-use legalization states now reaching 19.

Thank you to the lawmakers and advocates who worked tirelessly to end cannabis prohibition in the Land of Enchantment. It has truly been a historical year for cannabis policy reform!

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Exciting news! Moments ago, Gov. Lamont signed S.B. 1201 — “An Act Concerning Equitable and Responsible Regulation of Cannabis” — into law, making Connecticut the 19th state to end cannabis prohibition. Connecticut is the sixth state to legalize via its state legislature and the fourth state to legalize this year, along with New Mexico, New York, and Virginia.

You may recall, earlier this month the House and Senate passed S.B. 1201 in special session on 76-62 and 16-11 votes, respectively. With Gov. Lamont’s signature, cannabis prohibition will effectively end in Connecticut on July 1.

Starting on July 1, adults over the age of 21 will be 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 secured at their home. Legal sales are anticipated to begin by May 2022. Adults will be allowed to securely cultivate cannabis at home starting July 1, 2023.

Additionally, 50% of licenses will be reserved for equity applicants, and up to 75% of the revenue will be dedicated towards equity efforts and community reinvestment. You can check out a full summary of the bill here and a condensed summary here.  

MPP is proud to have played a leading role in this multi-year effort to reform Connecticut’s cannabis laws. However, this accomplishment would not have been possible without all of your calls, emails, texts, and support over the years to get this equity-centered legislation across the finish line. This is our collective victory to share.

Congratulations!

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It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for cannabis policy reform, Kate!

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham just signed two bills that will end cannabis prohibition in the state! The first, HB 2, legalizes cannabis for adults, while companion legislation, SB 2, allows for automatic expungement of past cannabis convictions and pardons for those currently incarcerated for low-level marijuana offenses.

The state legislature passed the two measures during a special session called by the governor, who has been a vocal champion of cannabis policy reform. With Gov. Grisham’s signature, New Mexico is now the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fifth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative.

The Cannabis Regulation Act (HB 2) legalizes, regulates, and taxes cannabis for adults 21 and older, allowing for personal possession of at least two ounces and home cultivation of six plants. You can read a summary of the new law here.

Congratulations to all of the lawmakers and advocates who made this victory possible!

New Mexico’s success comes on the heels of a win in Virginia, where just last Wednesday, the legislature gave final approval to Gov. Ralph Northam's requested amendments — to speed up legal possession and home cultivation to July 2021 (versus 2024) — to a legislatively passed legalization bill. On March 31, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed cannabis legalization into law. And, MPP’s work continues on legalization efforts that are still alive and well in the Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island state legislatures.

We’re up to 18 legalization states — and a record high of 68% of Americans support legal cannabis — so momentum is undeniably on our side. But there’s still work ahead, and each victory is hard-won. Make sure you sign up for our state-specific alerts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter so we can keep you informed about how you can help.

Onward!

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With the legislature's approval of Gov. Northam’s amendments, Virginia becomes the 17th state to legalize adult-use cannabis.
 

Today, the Virginia Legislature gave final approval to Gov. Ralph Northam's amendments to the adult-use legalization bill, making Virginia the17th state—and the first in the South—to legalize cannabis! It is also the fourth state to pass legalization through its state legislature, as opposed to via voter referendum.

Per Gov. Northam's amendments, personal possession and cultivation of cannabis will now become legal for adults on July 1, 2021, and the state will begin laying the groundwork for the regulated market beginning this summer. You can read our summary of the legislation here.

As a 15-year Virginia resident, a 10-year MPP veteran, and a mother of three, I’m proud of the steps our state is taking to end the failed policy of prohibition and replace it with an equitable law allowing responsible adults to use cannabis. Legalization will bring about economic benefits for our state by creating new jobs and generating tax revenues; it will mean better public health and safety outcomes for our communities by limiting youth access and protecting adult consumers by giving them access to regulated products; and, perhaps most importantly, it will have a valuable impact on racial justice by ending the unequal enforcement of marijuana laws, allowing for automatic shielding of convictions, and addressing the disproportionate harm caused to Black and brown communities by decades of prohibition.

Several other states legislatures are seriously considering legalization this year. Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island’s legislatures all have ongoing, viable legalization efforts. Meanwhile, we anticipate New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to sign a legislatively approved legalization bill into law any moment now. 

If you like what you see here, please consider making a donation to MPP today so we can continue fighting for new legalization laws and working to tweak existing ones.

Congratulations, Virginia!

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Yesterday, the New Mexico House and Senate passed a bill to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older during a special session called for that purpose by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. When she signs the bill, New Mexico will become the 17th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fourth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative.

You can read a summary of the final bill, HB 2, here.

Thanks to all who contacted their legislators and urged them to support this important reform!

In addition to legalizing personal possession of at least two ounces of cannabis, HB 2 will also allow home cultivation of six mature plants. A companion bill — SB 2 — would provide for automatic expungement.

Congratulations to all of the lawmakers and advocates who made this victory possible, including our allies at the Drug Policy Alliance.

Please share this excellent news with your family and friends!

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