Is the legalization of cannabis on the horizon in Maryland? Top lawmakers present draft marijuana referendum law

By Jelena Martinovic

After months of studying the pros and cons of legalizing recreational cannabis, Maryland lawmaker Luke Clippinger (D) pre-tabled a bill to put marijuana legalization on the state’s 2022 ballot, Forbes reported.

The move came months after a 10-person cannabis referendum and legalization working group was formed, chaired by Clippinger. The bipartisan legislative group was appointed by House Speaker Adrienne Jones to investigate issues related to the legalization of adult cannabis in the state.

Photo by Ivan-balvan / Getty Images

Meanwhile, Clippinger’s House Bill 1 seeks to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that will be introduced at the beginning of the 2022 session on January 12th. In addition, the bill was referred to the judicial committee chaired by Clippinger.

If at least three-fifths of the votes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives are approved, the new draft law will put this question in the November 2022 ballot: “Are you in favor of legalizing adult cannabis in the? State of Maryland? “

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Once voters pass the law, cannabis possession by adults 21 and over will be legal from July 2023. Legislators would also be responsible for establishing rules that allow the “use, distribution, possession, regulation and taxation of cannabis within the state”.

Although proponents of cannabis legalization have expressed their support for the law, they urged lawmakers to allow home cultivation and add provisions to promote social justice in the cannabis industry.

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“While we are grateful that legislature leaders are prioritizing cannabis legalization in 2022, we are disappointed that the House of Representatives pre-referendum would continue the devastating war on cannabis for months after voters legalized cannabis,” Policy Project said marijuana moment. “We urge lawmakers to revise the proposal to legalize ownership and home growing when it comes into effect.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.