Republican Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Federally Legalize Cannabis

Statement from Steve Hawkins, MPP’s executive director, on the latest federal cannabis reform bill, the Common Sense Cannabis Reform for Veterans, Small Businesses, and Medical Professionals Act

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, Reps. David Joyce (R-OH) and Don Young (R-AK) introduced the Common Sense Cannabis Reform for Veterans, Small Businesses, and Medical Professionals Act, a bill that would federally legalize cannabis.

In response to this news, Steve Hawkins, the executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project, released the following statement:

“With an overwhelming majority of Americans supporting the end of cannabis prohibition, it’s clear that our country has a mandate to create a legal industry that supports both medical and adult-use. It’s a bipartisan issue and The Common Sense Cannabis Reform for Veterans, Small Businesses, and Medical Professionals Act introduced today by Reps. David Joyce (R-OH) and Don Young (R-AK) is a promising step forward.

“MPP is hopeful that subsequent negotiations and versions of this bill will include robust social justice and equity provisions to address the devastation caused by prohibition and the failed War on Drugs. Federal legalization must be drafted and regulated to provide social and economic justice for the millions of lives upended by discrimination and unequal enforcement. By including those most harmed, we can build an equitable, well-regulated, and inclusive cannabis industry from the ground up.”

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Montgomery, AL — Today, the Alabama House of Representatives voted in favor (68-34-1) of the Compassion Act (SB 46), a bill that would allow registered patients with qualifying conditions to safely access and use medical cannabis. This marks the first time the Alabama House has considered a medical cannabis bill. A full summary of SB 46 is available here.

While SB 46 was previously passed by the full Senate, the bill was amended in the House. The bill will need to return to the Senate for final consideration before it can be sent to the governor’s desk. 

Thirty-six states, including Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, allow medical cannabis, and polling has shown that Alabama voters overwhelmingly support it. Furthermore, an April 2021 survey of Alabama doctors found that 70% of respondents support allowing medical cannabis. 

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

“Passing the Compassion Act will allow seriously ill patients to finally get the relief they deserve. Alabama is one of only 14 states in the country that continues to criminalize the medical use of cannabis, and while this bill is more restrictive than is ideal, it is a dramatic improvement from the status quo and would improve the lives of thousands of Alabamians. We urge the Senate to swiftly concur with the modified bill, and Gov. Ivey to sign it into law.”

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Washington, D.C. — The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation’s leading cannabis policy organization, announced Wednesday that it has appointed Tahir Johnson to serve as the organization’s Director of Social Equity and Inclusion.

“We are thrilled by the vision Tahir has for our work in the DEI space. Tahir’s extensive experience will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to advance social equity reforms while we continue our mission to end cannabis prohibition,” said Steve Hawkins, MPP’s executive director.

Tahir’s work will focus on organizing community stakeholders to ensure that social equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of policy considerations as we work to repeal cannabis prohibition at the state and federal levels. He will also be developing a number of programs to prepare communities of color for economic opportunities in cannabis, including working with HBCUs to create a pipeline for internships and careers in the cannabis industry.

“I'm excited to join the team at MPP to support our movement as the leading organization working to end cannabis prohibition in the United States. As we continue to develop social equity best practices, it is my priority to ensure that communities that have been harmed by prohibition also stand to benefit from legalization through economic empowerment and restorative justice,” said Johnson.

Tahir also serves as the Director of Social Equity and Inclusion for the United States Cannabis Council where he advances its mission of achieving equity and justice for those impacted by cannabis prohibition. Prior to joining MPP, he was the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at the National Cannabis Industry Association. A skilled networker, Tahir also has extensive hands-on industry experience in the retail sector as a medical cannabis patient counselor and has applied for cannabis business licenses in both Maryland and New Jersey. Before he pursued his passion for supporting the cannabis community, he worked as a financial advisor and served on the diversity council of Morgan Stanley.

Tahir attended Howard University, where he majored in marketing. He also holds a Marijuana Master Certificate from the Cannabis Training University and a certification in Indoor Horticulture from Oaksterdam University. 

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Lawmakers voted (321-101) in favor of cannabis banking legislation

Washington, D.C. — Today, lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (H.R. 1996) in a floor vote of 321-101. This legislation would prevent federal regulators from punishing financial institutions that provide services to state-legal cannabis businesses. Currently, most banks are unwilling to work with the cannabis industry because they fear federal prosecution.

The SAFE Banking Act previously cleared the House in 2019. The language of the bill was also included in two rounds of COVID-19 relief packages that were approved by the House. A version of this legislation has been introduced in the Senate (S. 910) and currently has 32 cosponsors.

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

“This vote marks a meaningful first step in establishing a more equitable cannabis industry and improves the likelihood that other cannabis legislation will advance at the federal level.

“Restricting cannabis businesses from accessing financial services creates an unnecessary burden for the industry and limits economic growth. If enacted into law, the SAFE Banking Act would strengthen efforts to increase the diversity of the cannabis industry by providing resources for those with limited access to capital and increasing the chances of success for state-level social equity initiatives. Further, it would protect the 321,000 employees directly affected by the cannabis industry’s lack of access to financial services.” 

Steve Hawkins is both the Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project and the Interim President of the U.S. Cannabis Council. 
 

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New Mexico is now the 18th state to legalize cannabis

Santa Fe, NM — Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed the Cannabis Regulation Act (HB 2) into law, making New Mexico the 18th state to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over. 

HB 2 legalizes personal possession of up to two ounces of cannabis and home cultivation of six mature plants for adults 21 and over. Additionally, HB 2 includes measures to encourage those who were disproportionately impacted by prohibition to enter the new industry. A companion bill — SB 2 — will provide for automatic expungement. Legal sales will begin no later than April 1, 2022. A summary of HB 2 is available here. 

New Mexico is now the fifth state to adopt a legalization policy by passing a bill through its state legislature, joining Illinois, Vermont, New York, and Virginia. Thirteen additional states have legalized by voter initiative. Notably, more than 43% of Americans now live in a jurisdiction with legal cannabis.

“We commend New Mexico lawmakers and advocates for ending cannabis prohibition. This move will end the injustice of criminalizing New Mexicans for a substance that is safer than alcohol. States across the country are rolling back prohibition and finding that legalizing and regulating cannabis works. This victory in New Mexico, along with the recent legalization victories in New York and Virginia, will help tip the scale towards federal cannabis reform,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project. 

New Mexico’s success comes on the heels of a win in Virginia, where just last Wednesday, the legislature gave final approval to Gov. Ralph Northam's requested amendments — to speed up legal possession and home cultivation to July 2021 (versus 2024) — to a legislatively passed legalization bill. On March 31, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed cannabis legalization into law. Additionally, MPP is advocating for legalization bills that have solid prospects in the Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island state legislatures.

“In less than a month, the number of states that have legalized cannabis through the legislative process has more than doubled —  from two to five. While we are encouraged by this progress, we urgently call on the other 32 state legislatures to listen to their constituents and legalize cannabis. With supermajority support for legalization, it is outrageous that more than 1,000 Americans are arrested for cannabis every day,” said Matt Simon, senior legislative analyst at the Marijuana Policy Project. 

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Virginia is now the 17th state to legalize cannabis

Richmond, VA — Today, Virginia lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that will legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales for adults 21 and over. Virginia is now the 17th state to legalize cannabis for adult use and the fourth state to adopt a legalization policy by passing a bill through its state legislature. Thirteen additional states have legalized by voter initiative. 

“Virginia legislators are proving that it is possible to work swiftly to pass legislation that will not only legalize cannabis, but also address the disproportionate harm caused by decades of prohibition,” said Steve Hawkins, MPP’s executive director. “Virginia is the just the latest state to end cannabis prohibition and replace it with sensible legalization and regulation for adults 21 and over. MPP is proud to have played an important role in three of the four states where legislatures have voted to legalize cannabis — Vermont, Illinois, and now, Virginia.”

In addition to legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and over, the law will establish a Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund that will be used to support persons, families, and communities that have been disproportionately affected by enforcement of cannabis laws. Legal possession and personal cultivation will begin on July 1, 2021.

You can find a summary of the bill here.

Virginia is also one of 36 states with a medical cannabis program, and in May 2020, Virginia decriminalized simple cannabis possession. 

Several other state legislatures are considering legalization this year. Last week, New York became the 16th state to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over, while a legalization bill in New Mexico awaits the governor’s signature. Bills that would legalize cannabis are also being seriously considered in Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

A 2020 Gallup poll found 68% of Americans support legalization, while Civiqs’ polling shows majority or plurality support in every single state.

“It’s encouraging to see that legislators in so many states are embracing regulation as an alternative to failed prohibition policies,” said Matt Simon, MPP’s senior legislative analyst. “Virginia is the first state in the South to legalize cannabis, and we can be certain that others will follow as public support continues to grow.”
 

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Legislature Approves Bill to Legalize Cannabis; Bill Now Heads to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Desk

Santa Fe, NM — Today, legislation that would legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales for adults 21 and over in New Mexico — HB 2 — received final approval from state legislators. The bill now proceeds to the desk of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), who has pledged to sign it into law. 

With the governor’s signature, New Mexico will become the 17th state to legalize cannabis for adult use and the fourth state to adopt a legalization policy by passing a bill through its state legislature, joining Illinois, Vermont, and — earlier today — New York. Thirteen additional states have legalized by voter initiative. 

“New Mexico legislators and advocates deserve a round of applause as they are on the verge of legalizing cannabis for adult use. This year is proving to be nothing short of monumental for the cannabis policy reform movement. State legislatures across the nation are recognizing the urgent need to end cannabis prohibition and are rising to the challenge,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project

Under HB 2, personal possession of up to two ounces of cannabis and home cultivation of six mature plants will be legal for adults 21 and over. Additionally, HB 2 includes measures that would encourage those who were disproportionately impacted by prohibition to enter the new industry. Legal sales would begin no later than April 1, 2022. A companion bill provides for automatic expungement. 

Polling has shown that the majority of New Mexicans support legalizing, taxing, and regulating cannabis for adult use, and a 2020 Gallup poll found 68% of Americans support legalization.

“A majority of New Mexicans have made it clear that they support legalizing and regulating cannabis sales. Legalizing cannabis will generate millions in new tax revenue and end the injustice of penalizing New Mexicans for a substance that is safer than alcohol. Sixteen states — including New Mexico’s neighbors, Arizona and Colorado — have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older, and now New Mexico is following suit,” said Matt Simon, senior legislative analyst at the Marijuana Policy Project.

Several other state legislatures are considering legalization this year. Earlier today, New York became the 16th state to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over, while Virginia lawmakers are on the cusp of enacting a legalization law. Bills that would legalize cannabis are also being seriously considered in Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

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State Legislature Approves The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act; Bill Now Heads to Gov. Cuomo’s Desk

Albany, NY — Today, the New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) received final approval from state legislators. The bill now proceeds to the desk of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who is expected to sign it into law.

Following the governor’s signature, New York will become the 16th state to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over. New York will be just the third state to adopt a legalization policy by passing a bill through its state legislature, joining Illinois and Vermont. Thirteen additional states have legalized by voter initiative. 

“We applaud the New York Legislature and the tireless work of advocates for their commitment to ending cannabis prohibition through a social justice-centered approach. We expect 2021 to be a record-breaking year for legislatures legalizing cannabis. More than two-thirds of Americans believe it’s time to end prohibition and this move represents the latest example of elected officials joining the chorus of support for legalizing and regulating cannabis for adults,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project.

Under the legislation, it will be legal for adults over the age of 21 to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrate, plus adults can grow a maximum of three mature plants and three immature plants once regulations are adopted. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for automatic expungement, community reinvestment, and measures to ensure the industry includes communities that have been disproportionately targeted by cannabis enforcement. A summary of the MRTA is available here.

“This is a huge victory for the Empire State. This bill’s passage is a monumental step forward towards addressing and repairing the harms caused by cannabis criminalization. Far too many New Yorkers, especially in Black and brown communities, have faced the injustice of cannabis-related arrests and convictions. New York lawmakers and advocates deserve to be commended for their work on the MRTA,” said DeVaughn Ward, senior legislative counsel at the Marijuana Policy Project. 

Several other state legislatures are seriously considering legalization this year. Most notably, a bill that would legalize cannabis in Virginia is awaiting action from Gov. Northam, and New Mexico lawmakers convened a special legislative session in order to negotiate the details of a legalization bill. Cannabis legalization bills are also being considered in Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

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Online Fundraising Event Will Support the Amendment A Legal Defense Fund

https://linktr.ee/freedomwereonit/

Sioux Falls, SD — This coming Saturday, South Dakota marijuana reform advocates will host “Freedom, We’re On It,” an online fundraising event to support the legal defense of Amendment A. 

The event will be livestreamed on multiple platforms. To watch, visit: https://linktr.ee/freedomwereonit/.

“Freedom, We’re On It” will feature performances from Michael Franti, Prezident Brown, Indubious, Kenny Lee Lewis from the Steve Miller Band, Jason Cropper (co-founder of Weezer), many other musicians and bands, speeches from marijuana reform advocates, and a live auction.

“We’re very excited about Saturday’s event, and we truly appreciate all of the artists who are donating their time as well as the small businesses that are donating items for our silent auction,” said Liz Tiger, a longtime marijuana reform advocate in South Dakota and the lead organizer of the event. “We wanted to have some fun while at the same time raising funds for a very important cause — upholding Amendment A and defending the will of the people.”

All donations will go to the Marijuana Policy Project Foundation’s South Dakota Legal Defense Fund. The Marijuana Policy Project Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, which means that all donations are fully tax-deductible. Every dollar raised will be used to cover legal bills related to the defense of Amendment A in the South Dakota courts.

The online silent auction, which is currently running, features donated items valued at over $5,000.

On November 20, 2020, Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom and Superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol Colonel Rick Miller filed two complaints in South Dakota Circuit Court seeking to overturn Amendment A, the marijuana legalization ballot initiative approved by 54% of South Dakota voters on Election Day 2020. Former U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson is leading the defense of Amendment A. The case will be decided by the South Dakota Supreme Court in the coming months.

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Richmond, VA — Today, bills that would legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales for adults 21 and over in Virginia — SB 1406/HB 2312 — received final approval from state legislators. They'll now proceed to the desk of Gov. Ralph Northam, who has previously voiced his support for cannabis legalization. The governor could either sign the legislation or request amendments, which would then be considered by the legislature.

If the legislation is signed into law, Virginia would become the 16th state to legalize cannabis for adult use and the third state to adopt a legalization policy by passing a bill through its state legislature, joining Illinois and Vermont. Thirteen additional states have legalized by voter initiative. 

“Virginia legislators are proving that it is possible to work swiftly to pass legislation that would not only legalize cannabis, but also address the disproportionate harm caused by decades of prohibition,” said Steve Hawkins, MPP’s executive director. “Virginia is on the brink of becoming the 16th state to end cannabis prohibition and replace it with sensible legalization and regulation for adults 21 and over. MPP is proud to have played an important role in all three states where legislatures have voted to legalize cannabis — Vermont, Illinois, and now, Virginia.”

In addition to legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and over, SB 1406/HB 2312 would establish a Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund that would be used to support persons, families, and communities that have been disproportionately affected by enforcement of cannabis laws. Legal possession would begin on January 1, 2024, as would legal sales.

You can find a summary of the bill here.

Virginia is also one of 36 states with a medical cannabis program, and in May 2020, Virginia decriminalized simple cannabis possession. 

At least seven other states legislatures are seriously considering legalization this year. New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Mexico, North Dakota, Maryland, and Delaware’s legislatures all have viable legalization efforts. A 2020 Gallup poll found 68% of Americans support legalization, while Civiqs’ polling shows majority or plurality support in every single state.

“It’s encouraging to see that legislators in so many states are embracing regulation as an alternative to failed prohibition policies,” said Matt Simon, MPP’s senior legislative analyst. “Virginia is the first state in the South to legalize cannabis, and we can be certain that others will follow as public support continues to grow.”

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