Recreational cannabis legalization bill HB 699 became pulled from the House floor in Louisiana. So instead, the chamber voted unanimously to study the effects of recreational cannabis legalization. They want to look into what legalization would do for citizens and the state as a whole. The legalization bill became pulled from the floor after a complementary bill became voted down. The voted-down bill would have created a tax structure for legal sales that HB 699 doesn’t currently address. 

Opposition

One of the biggest opponents to HB 699 was Representative Bryan Fontenot (R). His reason for opposition came from the need for research. Many states with legalized recreational cannabis experienced issues starting their programs. Plus, some unforseen concerns occurred. In order to make sure these concerns and issues don’t happen to Louisiana citizens, Representative Fontenot proposed a resolution to study the other states’ programs. 

“You’ve got law enforcement, you’ve got business, and you’ve got mental health. I think this is the right avenue to move forward in the State of Louisiana and get the correct input from those people,” said Representative Fontenot during a recent radio interview.

Resolution

The resolution will create a research committee that would start at least two weeks before the 2022 legislative session. Members would include: legislative leaders, district attorneys, sheriffs, state medical cannabis industry members, LSU, Southern AG, and criminal justice reform activists. Together, they will study the 17 other states who have legalized recreational cannabis use. Reported findings would go to lawmakers to help determine if recreational cannabis use would be a good option for Louisiana. 

There are continually changing opinions among lawmakers. One person is Governor John Bel Edwards (D). The governor previously opposed recreational cannabis legalization. Most recently, however, he expressed his interest in the legalization bill that had been circulating around the House of Representatives. He never expressed his approval, but says he is interested.

Future

However, it appears recreational cannabis legalization will not be happening this session, as it ends Thursday June 10. Any bill with no vote or approval will be dead. Bills must be reintroduced next session, beginning in 2022. Hopefully then a legalization bill will have a better chance of approval. Only time will tell.

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