HB 1648 now heads to the Senate for consideration

Concord, NH — On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a bill (236-112) that would legalize possession and limited cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire — similar to Vermont’s legalization law. HB 1648 now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

Sponsored by Rep. Carol McGuire (R-Epsom) and a bipartisan group of seven cosponsors, HB 1648 would allow adults 21 and over to possess up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis, five grams of hashish, and up to 300 mg of cannabis-infused products (currently a violation punishable by a civil fine). It would also permit cultivation of up to six plants (including up to three mature ones) at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. A summary of HB 1648 is available here.

The “Live Free or Die” State is currently surrounded by jurisdictions where cannabis is legal for adult use. If HB 1648 passes, New Hampshire will join the 11 states (and Washington, D.C.) that have replaced the failed policy of prohibition with sensible and responsible legalization laws.

Public opinion has shifted strongly in favor of legalizing cannabis. Two consecutive polls published by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found that 68% of Granite Staters support legalization, demonstrating that legalization is more popular than any elected official in the state. 

Statement from Matt Simon, New England political director at the Marijuana Policy Project: 

“Granite Staters overwhelmingly support making cannabis legal for adults’ use, and it’s encouraging to see that a strong majority of the House agrees. Now it’s time for Governor Chris Sununu and the Senate to recognize that New Hampshire should not be an island of prohibition. Cannabis is objectively less harmful than alcohol, and there is no good reason for the state to continue punishing adults who choose the safer substance.”  

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Faith leaders from across the state joined together at the Capitol to urge lawmakers to end prohibition

Hartford, CT — Today, a coalition of clergy gathered at the State Capitol for a news conference in support of legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older. 

Efforts to end cannabis prohibition in 2020 are picking up steam in Connecticut. In the first week of 2020’s legislative session, Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney (D) and House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz (D) introduced a cannabis legalization bill that is backed by Gov. Ned Lamont. A summary of the bill can be found here. Meanwhile, a January 2020 GQR poll found that a strong majority (65%) of Connecticut residents support legalizing cannabis.

Participants included Rev. Tommie Jackson of Rehoboth Fellowship Church (Stamford); Rev. Alexander Sharp of Clergy for a New Drug Policy; Rev. Stephen W. Camp of Faith Congregational Church (Hartford); Rev. Simon Castillo of Good Shepherd Christian Church (Bridgeport); Rev. Zoey Dominguez of Rehoboth Fellowship Church (Stamford); Rev. Dr. Lindsay E. Curtis of Grace Baptist Church (Norwalk); Rev. Lawrence Hunter of Grace Baptist (Waterbury); Bishop William Marshall, pastor of City of Life Worship and Deliverance Center (Bridgeport and Waterbury); Bishop Robert L. Middleton, Jr., senior pastor of New Beginnings Ministries, Inc. (Hamden); Rev. Edwin Pérez of United Church on the Green/Apostolic Fellowship International Revival Ministries (New Haven); and Rev. Charlie L. Stallworth of East End Baptist Tabernacle Church (Bridgeport).

In addition, the gospel choir "Brothers in Christ" of Cross Street AME Zion Church in Middletown also performed.

Statement from Rev. Alexander Sharp, executive director of Clergy for a New Drug Policy:
“Prohibition does not work. Legalization will regulate the market and bring sorely needed revenue to the state budget, reduce needless arrests, especially for people of color, and provide jobs in communities ravaged by the failed war on drugs.”

Statement from Bishop Robert L. Middleton, senior pastor of New Beginnings Ministry, Inc.:
“Connecticut can’t afford to wait any longer before addressing this urgent issue. It’s time to right the many wrongs associated with the prohibition of marijuana, and Connecticut can and should be a leader in this process. I urge our legislators to pass legislation to regulate and tax cannabis for adults and end the harmful and failed policy of prohibition in our state.” 
 
Statement from Rev. Charlie Stallworth of East End Baptist Church in Bridgeport:
“Much like alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, our efforts to deal with cannabis using law enforcement and the criminal justice system have been a total failure. Regulation will free up resources so that police can focus on more serious crimes and will also help improve police/ community relationships. And, instead of continuing to fuel organized crime, the money spent on cannabis in our state can and should be used to help revitalize communities that have been disproportionately harmed by enforcement of laws against cannabis.”

Statement from Rev. Tommie Jackson of Rehoboth Fellowship Church in Stamford:
“Our group represents more than 100 congregations across the state. There is a real need, and it is critically important to regulate cannabis in Connecticut during this legislative session. Connecticut needs to send a strong message that the public safety and public health of its residents is a top priority. Regulation will reduce prison sentences, fund much-needed services, and direct revenue to those communities most negatively impacted by the war on cannabis. It’s time to pass it.”

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As the House of Representatives prepares to vote on S. 54, a new poll shows overwhelming public support

Montpelier, VT — A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project found that an overwhelming 76% of Vermont residents support allowing adults 21 and over to purchase cannabis from regulated, tax-paying small businesses. These results are significant as they come days before the Vermont House is expected to vote on S. 54, a bill that would legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales in the state. The complete results are available here.

The poll was conducted on February 14-15 and surveyed 890 residents from across the state. Notably, the results show that legalizing and regulating cannabis sales is supported across all demographic groups, including Republicans (58%) and residents 65 and older (69%). Vermont’s most educated residents are overwhelmingly in favor (84%), and only a small minority of Vermonters (19%) remain opposed.

The poll also confirmed Vermonters’ strong support for the state’s existing laws relative to medical cannabis and adult-use possession and cultivation. Eighty-seven percent (87%) support continuing to allow medical cannabis, 78% support continuing to allow possession by adults, and 76% support continuing to allow home cultivation.

Statement from Matt Simon, New England political director at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“Cannabis is legal for adults in Vermont, so it should come as no surprise that three out of four Vermonters believe there should be a safe, legal way to obtain it. Legalizing and regulating cannabis sales will protect consumers, and it will create jobs and economic opportunities for small businesses. It makes no sense for Vermonters to continue buying from the illicit market, or from retail stores in Massachusetts, when small businesses in Vermont are capable of producing high-quality craft cannabis. House members should consider this overwhelming public support when they cast their votes on S. 54.”

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HB 136 will now proceed to the House floor for a vote

Frankfort, KY — On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee voted in favor (17-1) of a bill that would legalize medical cannabis for patients with debilitating medical conditions in Kentucky. HB 136 will now head to the House of Representatives for a full vote. 

The sponsor of HB 136, Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Louisville), filed similar legislation in 2019 that was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in a 16-1 vote, but the House adjourned without taking action. Fifty-one of the state’s 100 representatives are listed as sponsors of HB 136.

A 2019 Kentucky Health Issues Poll showed that nine out of 10 Kentucky residents support legalizing cannabis for medical use. If enacted into law, Kentucky will join the 33 states (and Washington, D.C.) that have passed medical cannabis laws. 

Gov. Andy Beshear was elected in November after supporting medical cannabis legislation on the campaign trail.

Statement from Matt Simon, legislative analyst at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“Kentuckians have been waiting far too long for safe, legal access to cannabis for medical use. Patients and doctors in other states have learned through experience that cannabis is beneficial as an alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs. Passing HB 136 is a moral imperative for Kentuckians who are suffering with debilitating medical conditions. Patients are very grateful to Rep. Nemes for his leadership and to the committee for moving this important bill forward.”

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The bill will now proceed to the House for consideration

Concord, N.H. — On Thursday, the New Hampshire Senate passed a bill in a voice vote that would allow patients and caregivers to grow a limited supply of cannabis. SB 420 will now proceed to the House of Representatives, which has passed similar legislation in the past with strong majority support. 

SB 420 would allow possession of three mature plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings for each patient. Under current law, home cultivation is classified as a felony. There are now more than 8,000 Granite Staters that are enrolled in the state’s therapeutic cannabis program. This bill is critically important because many patients are unable to afford dispensary products, which are not covered by health insurance. For some patients, home cultivation is simply the best, most affordable option. 

Last year, the New Hampshire House and Senate passed a similar bill that would have allowed patients and caregivers to grow a limited supply of cannabis. Sadly, Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed the bill. The House voted to override his veto, but the Senate fell three votes short of doing so.

Statement from Matt Simon, New England political director at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“This bill presents Gov. Sununu with a great opportunity to continue his evolution on cannabis policy. Patients all over New Hampshire are benefitting from cannabis as an alternative to opioids, but many are unable to afford the expensive products that are available at dispensaries. Home cultivation is a cost-effective option that is available to patients and adults in all neighboring jurisdictions, and there is no good reason it should remain a crime for patients in the ‘Live Free or Die’ state.”

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Attorney DeVaughn Ward Joins MPP as Efforts to End Prohibition in Connecticut Ramp Up

Hartford, CT — The nation’s largest marijuana policy organization, the Marijuana Policy Project, announced Wednesday it has hired attorney DeVaughn Ward to serve as senior legislative counsel. Ward will play an integral role in legalizing marijuana in Connecticut, where he is a longtime resident. 

As Connecticut’s legislative session convenes today, Ward is prepared to work closely with state legislators, the Connecticut Coalition to Regulate Marijuana, and allies to push for an end to prohibition in 2020. Ward also will serve as the co-director of the coalition, along with Adam Wood.

Ward has been a champion of civil rights throughout his career. He has spent nearly the past decade gaining experience in law and public policy after receiving his J.D. in 2011 at the University of Connecticut School of Law. During his years spent practicing law at his firm based in Hartford, he routinely represented clients who had their constitutional rights violated. In 2019, Ward was recognized as one of the “New Leaders in The Law” by the Connecticut Law Tribune. Outside of his work, he serves as a board member for several non-profit organizations in the greater Hartford area. 

Statement from Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“We believe 2020 can and should be the year Connecticut ends the decades-old policy failure of marijuana prohibition. By bringing on DeVaughn and expanding our Connecticut organizing team, we are redoubling our efforts in the Constitution State to replace marijuana prohibition with thoughtful regulation. 

“DeVaughn’s extensive experience working to protect constitutional rights and build community make him the perfect choice to lead the charge to transform Connecticut’s destructive marijuana laws into policies centered on social equity, public health, and personal liberty.”

Statement from DeVaughn Ward, senior legislative counsel at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“I’m extremely excited to join the Marijuana Policy Project in their advocacy efforts to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adult use. For 25 years, MPP has been at the forefront of the marijuana policy reform movement, and I’m humbled to join their team to push for an end to prohibition here in Connecticut.”  

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The House of Representatives is expected to vote on HB 1648 in early February

CONCORD, N.H. — The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee approved a bill Tuesday (13-7) that would legalize possession and limited cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire. A full House vote on HB 1648 is expected to take place on Thursday, February 6. 

HB 1648 would allow adults 21 and over to possess up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis, five grams of hashish, and up to 300 mg of cannabis-infused products (currently a violation punishable by a civil fine). It would also permit cultivation of up to six plants (including up to three mature ones) at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. A summary of HB 1648 is available here.

The House of Representatives passed a similar bill in 2019, HB 481, that would have legalized cannabis in the state. That bill, which unlike HB 1648 would have created a regulated and taxed market, ultimately died in the Senate after being referred for “interim study” by the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Polls published by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center in 2019 found that an overwhelming amount (68%) of Granite Staters are in favor of legalizing cannabis. Notably, support for legalization is more popular than any elected official in the state. 

Statement from Matt Simon, New England political director at the Marijuana Policy Project: 

“Like most Granite Staters, this committee understands that it’s time for New Hampshire to stop prohibiting cannabis. Adults in the “Live Free or Die” state should not be punished for their choice to use a substance that is objectively less harmful than alcohol. Now that New Hampshire is literally surrounded by jurisdictions where cannabis is legal for adults, our current policies can no longer be justified in any way. It’s time for the House, Senate, and Gov. Chris Sununu to work together and move cannabis policies into the 21st century.”

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South Dakota will be the first state to vote on medical marijuana and adult-use legalization initiatives on the same ballot

PIERRE, S.D. — On Monday afternoon, South Dakota’s Secretary of State officially certified an adult-use legalization initiative for the 2020 ballot. Last month, a separate medical marijuana ballot initiative was also certified. South Dakota will now be the first state in American history to vote on medical marijuana and adult-use legalization initiatives on the same ballot.

The adult-use legalization initiative would legalize marijuana for adults aged 21 and over, establish a system for regulated sales of marijuana, and require the state legislature to enact a hemp cultivation law. 

South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, the campaign leading the constitutional adult-use legalization campaign, submitted over 50,000 signatures for its initiative in November. New Approach South Dakota, the campaign backing the medical marijuana effort, submitted over 30,000 signatures for its statutory initiative to enact a medical marijuana law for patients with debilitating medical conditions. The minimum number of signatures required for a constitutional initiative is 33,921. For a statutory initiative, 16,961 signatures are required.

Despite significant support among a majority of voters, politicians in South Dakota have failed to reform the state’s broken marijuana laws. South Dakota’s current laws are some of the harshest in the country. Industrial hemp and all forms of CBD oil are illegal with the exception of the FDA-approved medication Epidiolex. Governor Noem previously vetoed a bill to legalize the cultivation of hemp. This past September, she reiterated her opposition by pledging to veto the issue again in 2020. 

Two of the leading national marijuana policy reform organizations, the Marijuana Policy Project and New Approach PAC, are supporting the South Dakota campaigns.

Eleven states have legalized marijuana for adults, and another 22 states have enacted medical marijuana laws.

Statement from Matthew Schweich, deputy director at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“South Dakota will become the first state in American history to vote on medical marijuana and adult-use legalization initiatives on the same ballot. The adult-use legalization initiative will greatly benefit the people of South Dakota by ending the injustice of arresting otherwise law-abiding adults for marijuana offenses. It will focus law enforcement resources on fighting serious crime, generate new tax revenue for the state, and create jobs. At this point, it appears increasingly unlikely that Congress will pass legislation this year to fix our nation's broken federal marijuana laws. Therefore, it is crucial that our movement win as many ballot initiative campaigns as possible this November and increase the pressure on Congress to take action. That is how we will ensure success at the federal level in 2021.” 

Visit the South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws website for more information about the ballot initiatives, including the complete initiative texts.

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State legislature approved voter referral referendum with supermajority support

TRENTON, New Jersey — On Monday, New Jersey lawmakers approved a resolution that will allow voters to decide whether to legalize cannabis for adults’ use in November 2020.

In early November 2019, Senate President Steve Sweeney proposed a voter referral after finding there was not enough support in the Senate for the legislature to directly legalize cannabis. The voter referral resolution passed in both legislative chambers with supermajority support, with the Senate voting 24-16 in favor and the Assembly voting 49-24-1 in favor of the resolution. 

If voters approve the referendum in November, New Jersey would join the 11 states and Washington, D.C. that have approved adult-use cannabis legalization. The decision to allow voters to decide on legalization comes as several other states along the East Coast are building strong momentum to pass adult-use cannabis legislation in 2020, including New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Delaware. Several other states may consider ballot measures next November. 

Statement from Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“While we are disappointed the legislature did not directly legalize marijuana, we are optimistic that 2020 will be the year New Jersey replaces its eight-decade-long experiment with marijuana prohibition with a more thoughtful and humane approach. Marijuana prohibition has derailed thousands of lives in New Jersey, while driving marijuana production and sales to the sometimes dangerous illicit market. Only with adult-use legalization can the state regulate cannabis to protect workers, communities, and consumers.”

Statement from Steve Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“Legalizing, taxing, and regulating marijuana is the cannabis policy New Jersey deserves. It is unacceptable to accept the status quo of prohibition that continues to negatively impact countless lives and communities. I am hopeful that New Jerseyans will vote in favor of adult-use legalization in 2020.”

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The bill is expected to advance out of committee and onto the House floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Today at 10 a.m., the U.S. House Judiciary Committee will hold a vote on a comprehensive cannabis legalization bill, marking the first-ever vote to completely end federal prohibition. You can watch it here.

Sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act is the most robust cannabis reform bill ever introduced in the U.S. Congress. In addition to federally decriminalizing and descheduling cannabis, the MORE Act contains strong social equity provisions with an emphasis on restorative justice for communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition. 

If signed into law, the MORE Act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act; require federal courts to expunge prior cannabis-related convictions and provide for resentencing; provide grants and funding to communities most harmed by the war on cannabis; lift barriers to licensing and employment in the cannabis industry; block federal agencies from denying public benefits or security clearances due to cannabis use; protect immigrants from being denied citizenship over cannabis; and allow VA physicians to recommend medical cannabis to veterans.

Statement from Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project:

“This vote is an encouraging indication that federal lawmakers are listening to the majority of Americans who support cannabis legalization. Prohibition brings devastating and unjustifiable human and economic costs, and it is time for Congress to take action. We are hopeful that the House of Representatives and the Senate will cooperate to pass legislation to finally end the failed policy of prohibition.”

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