Originally, activists looked to Louisiana as they worked on a recreational cannabis legalization bill, HB 699. If approved, Louisiana would become the first state in the deep south to legalize recreational cannabis. Only recently did other surrounding states, like Texas and Alabama, begin to legalize and expand their medical cannabis programs. Unfortunately, HB 699 stalled in the House and died as the legislative session came to a close on June 10th. But even though recreational cannabis died, reform is coming to Louisiana in different ways. Two other measures passed both chambers and became signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards (D) this month. Those bills are HB 652 and HB 391.
HB 652
The first bill Governor Edwards signed was HB 652 on June 14th. This measure decriminalized cannabis possession. Adults can possess up to 14 grams of cannabis and only be fined $100 with no threat of jail time. Adults found with more than 14 grams will face a larger fine and possible jail time.
“This is not a decision I took lightly,” Governor Edwards said in a press release. “In addition to carefully reviewing the bill, I also believe deeply that the state of Louisiana should no longer incarcerate people for minor legal infractions, especially those that are legal in many states, that can ruin lives and destroy families, as well as cost taxpayers greatly…Taking this action is another step forward for Louisiana’s criminal justice reform efforts.”
Decriminalization laws begin on August 1, 2021.
HB 391
The more recent measure signed into law by Governor Edwards was HB 391. This bill legalized the recommendation and use of raw/crude medical cannabis flower. This is a huge change for medical cannabis in the state. Currently, medical cannabis patients can only consume vaporized cannabis through a metered dose inhaler. They don’t have access to full medical flower. Beginning January 1, 2022, medical patients will have access to medical cannabis flower to help with their medical needs.
This bill shows another step forward when it comes to cannabis reform. Even though Governor Edwards signed this bill into law, he has previously been hesitant to approve broad legalization measures, like recreational cannabis. He is one of the few democratic governors to oppose recreational cannabis legalization. He joins Hawaii Governor David Ige and Delaware Governor John Carney. But while HB 699 circulated through the House, Governor Edwards became interested in the legislation. This is something he hadn’t been interested in before.
Future
Even more recently, Governor Edwards said legalization will come to Louisiana at some point soon. But he doesn’t believe it will be while he is in office. “It’s on the march, and that certainly might happen here in Louisiana,” Governor Edwards said last week. However “I would be surprised if there’s a consensus in the legislature to do that while I’m governor”. The governor remains term-limited and can’t run again in 2023.
Change continues to come to Louisiana in different ways than originally expected. Recreational cannabis legalization may still come to Louisiana in the next couple of years. A majority of voters in the state continue to support legalization efforts.
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