Considering Cannabis

Renewed Discussion To Legalize Marijuana in Maryland

Maryland lawmakers are renewing steps toward legalizing cannabis. At least they are having robust conversations about it. To listen to the meeting and learn more about the bill, click audio bar below.

UPDATED

On Jan. 26, the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition held a virtual press conference in support of Del. Jazz Lewis’ (D) comprehensive legalization bill, HB 32, The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, Inclusion, Restoration, and Rehabilitation Act of 2021. 

HB 32 focuses on racial and social justice, ends cannabis prohibition in the state of Maryland, and replaces it with a system to tax and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and older.

It would also, legalize personal possession and home cultivation of cannabis for adults, automatically expunge past cannabis offenses, establish a social equity program to ensure inclusion in the industry from disproportionately impacted communities, and reinvest a portion of tax revenue to endowments to Maryland’s four HBCUs and communities hardest hit by the war on drugs.

“As a physician, I’m kind of taught to look at [medical] evidence to support opinions, and in regard to adult use of cannabis the evidence is indisputable. Appropriately cultivated and regulated cannabis is safer than the average alcohol use, said orthopedic surgeon, Republican mayor of Hancock, MD, and spokesperson for Doctors for Cannabis Regulation Dr. Ralph Salvagno, MD.”

In relation to the data on the number of young people negatively impacted, whether jailed or on probation, by the current laws on the books regarding cannabis, Del. Lewis says “We don't have specific numbers however, we do know that youth of color are disproportionately impacted by the current cannabis laws. This has fueled our reasoning to introduce this legislation. To reduce the number of "fishing" expeditions from police that target youth of color for possession of cannabis.”

With 29 participants who attended the Zoom press conference including speakers, press, and representatives of various workforce departments, the common goal is to legalize cannabis to help with the unjust criminalization of minorities.

There are high hopes that the votes will be supported by legislation.

Del. Lewis said, “We believe that if we can get the bill to a vote, then it has a strong chance of passing this year.”