The first meeting of the House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup was held earlier this month.
With an eye towards equity, the workgroup, created over the summer by House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County), will study issues related to legalization, including:
- Regulatory licensing and oversight for the production, sale and processing of cannabis;
- A procedure for the potential release of people currently incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes;
- Changes to existing criminal statute and traffic laws;
- Expungement for prior cannabis-related convictions;
- Fair racial representation in business ownership;
- The creation of social equity programs to compensate neighborhoods most impacted by the war on drugs; and
- The expansion of addiction treatment services.
Timeline:
- Workgroup created by Speaker Jones on July 16, 2021 to craft the implementation of a legalized cannabis program in Maryland.
- House will pass a measure to put the issue on the ballot for the 2022 General Election.
- If approved by the voters, implementing legislation will be ready for the 2023 legislative session.
Upcoming Briefings:
- Wednesday, October 13 – Briefing on Health Determinants
- Wednesday, October 27 – Briefing on Criminal Justice Impacts
- Tuesday, November 9 – Briefing on Business Implementation and Regulation
- Wednesday, December 1 – Briefing Related to Taxation
Old Line Government Affairs is closely monitoring workgroup meetings and discussions around cannabis and stands ready to help its clients across the many areas that stand to be impacted by upcoming legislation. Contact us to learn how our lobbyists can assist your business or association.
