Home News Cannabis News Potentially Four More States Could Legalize Marijuana in 2021

Potentially Four More States Could Legalize Marijuana in 2021

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Potentially Four More States Could Legalize Marijuana in 2021

So far this year we have witnessed the cannabis reform movement rake in win after win. With New Mexico, New York, and Virginia all legalizing marijuana earlier this year and more still to come. Legalization bills are still moving forward in several other states across the U.S. so we could see more states legalize marijuana in 2021.

Lawmakers are working across the country to end prohibition by the end of the year. The momentum for legalization continues to grow. With top lawmakers and governors on board and added pressure from states that legalized this year. When more states legalize and enact policy change it will pressure surrounding states to follow suit.

2021 has the opportunity to break records. If two more states pass marijuana legalization bills this session, 2021 would set the record for the highest number of new legalization laws enacted in a single year.

Also, if one more state adopts legalization this session, 2021 will tie 2016 and 2020 as a year with the greatest number of states to legalize cannabis. This could be a historic year.

There are potentially four states that could legalize cannabis this session; Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, and Rhode Island.

Connecticut

Currently, there are two legalization proposals in the Connecticut legislature, one of which is backed by Gov. Ned Lamont (D).

The bill that is backed by the governor made it through the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. But it was amended to address issues of social equity. The other bill from Rep. Robyn Porter (D) was approved through the Labor and Public Employees Committee last month.

Lamont said that if lawmakers do not pass a marijuana reform bill, he expects voters to use a referendum to decide on the issue. A recent poll found that 66 percent of Connecticut adults are in favor of legalization.

House Speaker Matthew Ritter (D) said in a statement last year that if the legislature doesn’t pass a legalization bill, he will move to put a question on the 2022 ballot that would leave it up to voters.

Delaware

The Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee approved HB 150 with a 10-5 vote. HB 150 is a bill to legalize marijuana for adult use in Delaware.

The bill will establish a regulated commercial cannabis system and tax sales at 15 percent. Citizens over 21 can purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis at a time. Home cultivation will remain illegal under the current bill.

The legislation was filed by Rep. Ed Osienski (D). He was also the chief sponsor of a reform bill in 2019 but it did not advance through the full chamber. The most notable difference between the 2019 bill and the current bill, is that it will not allow existing medical cannabis dispensaries to start selling marijuana. They will have to wait until the transitional period between enactment and full implementation is over.

Minnesota

The bill to legalize marijuana in Minnesota has been approved by four house committees. The sponsor of the bill is Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (D). He expects the legislation to move through the remaining committees by the end of April. At this pace, the full chamber will be able to act on the legislation in May.

The legislation will allow adults 21 and over to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana. They will also be able to cultivate up to eight plants, four could be mature.  

Next, the bill will make its way to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. But even if the legislation gets approved throughout the House, it will face an uphill battle in the Senate. Republicans control the Senate and they have signaled that they are more interested in revising the state’s existing medical cannabis program than enacting adult-use legislation.

Winkler said that if the Senate kills the legislation, he hopes that they would allow voters to decide on cannabis in the 2022 ballot.

Rhode Island

Two Senate committees in Rhode Island held a joint hearing for two marijuana legalization proposals, one of which was proposed by the governor.

The Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees heard testimony from administration officials for Gov. Dan McKee’s (D) budget measure. Along with legislative leaders sponsoring the other bill. Among other sponsors, Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey (D)and Health & Human Services Committee Chairman Joshua Miller (D) are leading the other legalization proposal.

The panels did not vote on either proposal, but members discussed legalization as something that will eventually happen in their state. With growing pressure from neighboring states enacting marijuana reform.

Miller said that enacting legalization this year in 2021 is a priority for the Senate and his administration. Both proposals will allow adults over the age of 21 to purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana. However, the governor’s proposal will not allow for homegrown options. Like the lawmakers’ bill will allow for.

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