This Wednesday night, the Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition is holding a virtual town hall to discuss the intersections of cannabis legalization, racial justice, and social equity. Mark your calendars, and we hope you will join us!

The Judiciary Committee recently announced that the public hearing for S.B. 888 – An Act Responsibly and Equitably Regulating Adult-Use Cannabis – is scheduled for Friday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, February 15, the House Health and Human Services Committee advanced (7-4) Rep. Javier Martinez’ HB 12, which would legalize cannabis for adult use. The bill now heads to additional committees for consideration.

Since the beginning of the legislative session in January, there have been several cannabis-related bills introduced. Just this week, the Hawaii Legislature advanced two separate measures that would expand decriminalization and legalize cannabis. S.B. 758 would increase the possession threshold to one ounce from three grams. The Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee unanimously advanced S.B. 758 in a 5-0 vote.

Last week, Gov. Lamont released his 2021 adult-use legalization bill. As you may recall, last year Gov. Lamont drafted a legalization bill but the effort was upended when the legislative session was suspended due to the onset of the coronavirus. Gov. Lamont’s 2021 proposal — S.B. 888 — would legalize possession of up to one and a half ounces for persons over 21, with legal sales beginning on May 2, 2022.

Very exciting news: Today, the Virginia Legislature voted to advance legislation that would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older in the commonwealth!

Virginia’s cannabis legalization bills — HB 2312 and SB 1406 — passed their final committees yesterday. The House and Senate are expected to vote on these bills by tomorrow, which is their deadline for advancing the legislation.

Delegate Jazz Lewis’ legalization bill, HB 32, has been scheduled for a committee hearing on Tuesday, February 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Virginia’s cannabis legalization bills — HB 2312 and SB 1406 — have passed two committees each, but there is still much work to be done, and the outcome remains uncertain. Both bills must be considered by a third committee, Finance/ Appropriations. Then, at least one of these bills needs to pass the House or Senate by this Friday’s “crossover deadline” to have a chance of passing both chambers before the session concludes on February 11.

The Maryland General Assembly kicked off its 2021 legislative session today! This could be the year that Maryland ends cannabis prohibition and joins the 15 states and D.C that have legalized cannabis for adults.