For the second year in a row, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed bills to legalize adult-use cannabis sales, along with other cannabis policy reforms.

Thankfully, this is Youngkin's last year in office. In November, Virginians will have an opportunity to elect a new governor — hopefully one who listens to voters on cannabis policy.

In 2021, the legislature and then-Gov. Ralph Northam (D) ended cannabis prohibition, legalizing adults' simple possession and home cultivation, but requiring reenactment for legal sales. Gov. Youngkin was elected in November 2021 and he has stood in the way of progress ever since.

Gov. Youngkin outrageously vetoed the following bills:

• SB 970 and HB 2485 — twin bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis sales
• HB 2613 — which would have prevented families from being torn apart due to a parent responsibly using cannabis
• HB 2555 — which would have provided for cannabis resentencing

He also demanded amendments to bills related to sealing past convictions (HB 2723 and SB 1466) and revisions to Virginia's medical cannabis program (HB 1989). For more background, check out this Marijuana Moment article.

Gov. Youngkin's term ends in January 2026, and he is not eligible for a consecutive term. If you live in Virginia and you're eligible, make sure you're registered to vote and that you don't miss the opportunity. The last gubernatorial election set back legal cannabis access by four years.

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Let your lawmakers know you want them to expedite the implementation of retail sales!

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.

Let your lawmakers know that you want them to expedite cannabis sales and preserve equitable legalization in Virginia!

The sooner Virginia implements legal sales, the sooner it can provide residents with safe, regulated access to cannabis and begin to repair the decades of harm cannabis prohibition has caused through strong equity provisions.

Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin (R) has not been specific on equity provisions in the legislation he’d want to change, but stated, “All of that will be on the table. Again, I don’t look to overturn the bill, but I think we need to make sure that it works.”

To address the disproportionate harm caused to communities of color by decades of prohibition, it is imperative that Virginia’s legalization law maintains strong social equity provisions. You can check out MPP’s summary of Virginia’s legalization law here.

We also remain concerned about a provision in the law that criminalizes bringing small amounts of cannabis into Virginia for personal use. This provision requires re-enactment this year, and we will continue to push for it to be removed.

The legislature has just convened for its 2022 session. Now is a great time to reach out to your lawmakers and let them know you want them to stand strong on an equitable cannabis industry and expedite cannabis sales in the Commonwealth. Please share this message with your friends and family in Virginia and encourage them to do the same!

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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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Check out the voter guide from our friends at VA NORML!

The last day to vote in the 2021 Virginia General Election is Tuesday, November 2. Virginia has accomplished sweeping cannabis policy reform over the last few years—including legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older.

While some provisions of the new legalization law, including possession and home cultivation of cannabis, went into effect July 1 of this year, other aspects—such as details of establishing a regulated cannabis market—don’t kick in until 2024.

This year’s election is critical in determining the fate of legalization. Nearly all of the cannabis sales provisions are subject to further approval by the legislature and governor.

Our allies at Virginia NORML have published a voter guide that details where candidates stand on cannabis policy reform. Be sure to check out the voter guide and make a plan to vote!

State legislative races are often close contests that can be decided by just a few votes. Don’t miss out on a chance to decide who will represent you in Richmond and vote on Virginia’s cannabis policy.

Polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here you can check your voter registration and find your polling location. The last day to vote early in person is Saturday, October 30. You can find more information on voting in Virginia here.

Be sure to share this information with your friends and family in Virginia!

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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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Virginia became the 17th state to legalize cannabis for adult use in April. Today, the new law officially goes into effect!

Starting today, adults can legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis and cultivate up to four cannabis plants at their primary residence. Note, however, that it remains a crime to bring any amount of cannabis into the state of Virginia. Legal sales will begin no earlier than July 2024. You can check out our full summary of the law here.

Virginia is one of four states to legalize cannabis legislatively this year, with the total number of adult-use legalization states now reaching 19. It is also made history as the first state in the South to legalize cannabis for adults.

Thank you to the lawmakers and advocates who worked tirelessly to end cannabis prohibition in Virginia. 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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