In tandem, she also established the House Cannabis Referendum Workgroup to consider the most effective and equitable path to implement a legalized cannabis program in Maryland, should Marylanders vote in favor of the ballot question this November.
Maryland is on the precipice of becoming the 19th state to end its war on cannabis.
As the chair of the House Cannabis Referendum Workgroup, I analyzed various components of cannabis legalization with my colleagues, and together we identified several pillars of a successful legalization program: public health determinants, criminal justice impacts, business implementation and regulation considerations.
I submitted legislation, House Bill 837, that will serve as a companion bill to House Bill 1, our ballot question for November’s election.
With feedback from experts, along with input from my colleagues in the workgroup and in the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, it was determined that Marylanders should be able to possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis without penalty.
In the meantime, we will establish a Cannabis Public Health Advisory Counsel, financed by a Cannabis Public Health Fund, to study and make annual recommendations regarding the youth impacts, addiction and misuse, infant development, advertising, labeling and quality control of legalized cannabis.
Finally, we will not make the same missteps that occurred during the early implementing stages of Maryland’s medical cannabis program — missteps that initially kept diverse business owners, entrepreneurs and investors from participating in the industry.
Once they vote yes, the House of Delegates will continue to augment the policy to create the best, most equitable path to legal recreational cannabis.