Richmond, VA — Today, both chambers of Virginia’s legislature approved legislation that would legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales for adults 21 and over. 

If a final legalization bill is signed into law, Virginia would join Illinois and Vermont as the third state to adopt a legalization policy by passing a bill through its state legislature. Thirteen additional states have legalized by voter initiative.

“Virginia appears poised to join 15 other states that have adopted sensible laws that legalize and regulate marijuana for adults,” said Steve Hawkins, MPP executive director. “MPP is proud to have played an important role in all three states where the House and Senate have voted to legalize cannabis, in Vermont, Illinois, and now, Virginia.”

The House of Delegates voted in favor (55-42, with 2 abstentions) of HB 2312, while the Senate voted in favor (23-15) of SB 1406. Lawmakers are expected to form a bicameral conference committee in order to merge the two versions of the legalization bills into a final proposal. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on Thursday, February 11. Gov. Ralph Northam has previously voiced his support for cannabis legalization.

To date, 15 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over, including four politically diverse states that passed marijuana legalization ballot initiatives on Election Day 2020: Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota. According to a November 2020 Gallup poll, 68% of Americans support marijuana legalization. 

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Former Colorado State Representative Sal Pace Assumes Role

Washington, D.C. — The nation’s largest marijuana policy organization, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), is pleased to announce the election of Sal Pace to serve as Chair to the Board of Directors. 

"We're very excited to have Sal as our new chair,” said MPP Executive Director Steve Hawkins. “Sal is a recognized leader in the cannabis reform arena having used his platform as an elected official to advance common sense reforms. With tremendous passion and an in-depth knowledge of cannabis policy issues, he is an excellent choice to lead our board." 

Sal Pace has held elected office as a county commissioner in Pueblo County, Colorado, and as a Colorado State Representative during which time he served as House Minority Leader. Pace is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most knowledgeable former elected officials on the subject of marijuana policy.

"Sal Pace has brought a pioneering effort both in the Colorado cannabis program and his leadership nationally. I count Sal as a valuable and essential ally in my work for cannabis reform," said U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), co-chair and founder of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

During his time in the General Assembly, Pace played a leading role in developing Colorado’s medical marijuana model, earning him recognition as the “face of regulation” from local news media. He served on several policy and legislative interim committees focused on cannabis, and he founded a national organization of local elected officials, Leaders For Reform, in response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ rescission of the Cole memo.

"Ending marijuana prohibition in the U.S. is the most effective way to address social justice issues,” said Pace. “Even with all of MPP's successes to date changing laws across the country, 600,000 people are still arrested annually, and 40,000 are behind bars because of marijuana charges. As MPP chair, we aren't just focused on legalization, we're also concerned with doing it right, which means equity and diversity in opportunity and correcting the negative impacts from the failed war on drugs."

As a county commissioner, Mr. Pace led efforts to create the Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University-Pueblo and to establish the first college scholarship program funded by cannabis tax revenue. Prior to running for office, he served as a Congressional and campaign staffer. Pace serves on the boards of the Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado’s Front Range Rail Commission, and the Colorado Independent Venues Association. He is also an advisory board member for HeadCount's Cannabis Voter Project.

Pace replaces Arcview co-founder Troy Dayton as board chair, who stepped down from the MPP board this year. 

"It's been a huge honor to serve on MPP's board for the last seven years and to be involved with the organization as a volunteer, grantee, and employee since its founding in 1995,” said Dayton. “I've learned so much from my fellow board members as we navigated various crises, losses, and victories together over the years. I feel like I pitched seven innings and now it's time to bring in the closing pitcher for the big win. Sal Pace has what it takes to help our amazing board and staff—led by star Executive Director Steve Hawkins—put the final nails in the coffin of cannabis prohibition. May it be so."

"I have huge shoes to fill replacing Troy,” Pace added. “When the history of ending prohibition is written, Troy will be recognized as an instrumental leader."

MPP has been a leading advocate for federal marijuana policy reform on Capitol Hill since the organization was founded in 1995, and it has spearheaded most of the major state-level reforms that have occurred over the past two decades.

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Recording of the press conference is available here.

Annapolis, MD — Today, the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition held a virtual press conference in support of Del. Jazz Lewis’ (D) comprehensive legalization bill, HB 32 — The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, Inclusion, Restoration, and Rehabilitation Act of 2021. A recording of the press conference is available here.

HB 32 would legalize personal possession and home cultivation of cannabis for adults, automatically expunge past cannabis offenses, establish a social equity program to ensure inclusion in the industry from disproportionately impacted communities, and reinvest a significant portion of tax revenue to endowments to Maryland’s four HBCUs and communities hardest hit by the war on drugs.

"This legislation will mark a turning point in Maryland history and signify a new way Maryland handles social equity and restorative justice. And hopefully, it will help frame racial equity for other states contemplating legalization,” said Del. Jazz Lewis, sponsor of HB 32.

Fifteen states and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over. According to a February 2019 Goucher poll, 57% of Marylanders support cannabis legalization. 

Coalition members supporting HB 32 include: Progressive Maryland, National Working Families Party, 1199 SEIU, Maryland NORML, Marijuana Policy Project, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Clergy for a New Drug Policy, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, and Casa de Maryland.

Speakers in attendance included Baltimore Police Det. Debbie Ramsey, Ret., member of Law Enforcement Action Partnership’s Speakers Bureau; Dr. Ralph Salvagno, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, Republican mayor of Hancock, MD, and spokesperson for Doctors for Cannabis Regulation; Ben Jealous, co-director of Progressive Maryland’s campaign for marijuana legalization, former national president of the NAACP, and 2018 Democratic candidate for governor; Steve Hawkins, of Laurel, MD, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project and former executive vice president of the NAACP, executive director of Amnesty International USA, and president of the Coalition for Public Safety; Joel Madden, lead vocalist for the American pop punk band Good Charlotte, co-chair for Progressive Maryland’s marijuana legalization effort, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; Hope Wiseman, CEO of Mary and Main dispensary in N. Capitol Heights, MD; and Alfrieda Hylton, mother of two sons who experienced the trauma of incarceration for cannabis in Maryland.

Statements from speakers and coalition members:

“Legalizing and regulating cannabis is in the best interest of bolstering public health in our communities. Marylanders should no longer be forced to rely on an illicit market that has the potential to expose consumers to molds, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals. Many states, including Massachusetts, Maine, and Michigan, have shown that regulating cannabis works. Numerous studies have found that cannabis is objectively less harmful than alcohol. It is time for our state to provide safe and regulated cannabis to the adult-use population.” - Dr. Ralph Salvagno, MD, mayor of Hancock, MD, and spokesperson for Doctors for Cannabis Regulation

“The war on cannabis and its disparate enforcement has led to devastating costs and decades of harm to people and communities of color. Del. Lewis’ bill would work to reverse this damage by removing one of the most common pretexts for arrests and providing meaningful economic opportunities and community reinvestment for those that have been hit hardest by prohibition.” - Steve Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project

“HB 32 would transform our state’s cannabis policies. Cannabis prohibition has devastated communities of color, bred violence, and poisoned police-community relations. In contrast, HB 32 is founded on reparative and racial justice and would remove a source of tension and build trust between law enforcement and communities. Putting an end to cannabis criminalization is an integral part of police reform and would allow for law enforcement professionals to focus their time and resources on more serious and dangerous crimes.” - Baltimore Police Det. Debbie Ramsey, Ret.

“The cannabis industry has historically been built on the backs of minorities. Now that it is becoming legal in Maryland, we have an opportunity to lead the industry in creating a program that champions social equity and provides access from every angle.” - Hope Wiseman, CEO of Mary and Main Dispensary in N. Capitol Heights, MD

“The tax revenue from legalizing marijuana isn’t only going to help our economy recover from economic losses due to the pandemic, but the truth of the matter is that done right, this legislation is going to save lives. People of color are more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession and are also more likely to experience police brutality. These two issues are intricately linked, and legalizing marijuana is a step in the right direction toward ending the racist war on the drugs.” - Ben Jealous, co-director of Progressive Maryland’s campaign for marijuana legalization and former national president of the NAACP

“As a longtime cannabis advocate, I fully support the end of incarceration for possession of marijuana, allowing home growth, and ensuring the strongest possible equity measures in undoing the traumas of the war on drugs. This bill will help move that effort further in Maryland.” - Martin Mitchell, President of Prince George's County Young Democrats 

“I’m glad to join with Progressive Maryland in support of legalizing and regulating cannabis possession and use. Together we also want to ensure that those who have been historically harmed by cannabis laws are the ones who reap the benefits of this lucrative economy through government support of small cannabis businesses and putting tax revenues into low-income communities and communities of color.” - Joel Madden, lead vocalist for the American pop punk band Good Charlotte, co-chair for Progressive Maryland’s marijuana legalization effort, entrepreneur, and philanthropist

“Marijuana prohibition is a racist policy that has caused real damage to Maryland citizens and their families. HB 32 will help heal the open wounds caused by this misguided policy and must pass this legislative session. Fifty-seven percent of drug related arrests in Maryland are for marijuana; there can be no police or racial justice reform without full marijuana legalization. The harmful legacy of this racist policy is too costly to extend into another year — the General Assembly must act now and prevent another year of harmful, racially discriminatory police discretion.” - Luke Jones, Director of NORML Maryland

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The MORE Act now heads to the U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act in a 228-164 vote. This vote marks the first time in half a century that a chamber of Congress has voted on a bill to end the federal prohibition of marijuana.

The MORE Act is one of the most robust marijuana reform bills ever introduced in the U.S. Congress. If enacted, the MORE Act would end the war on cannabis at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and ending criminal penalties under federal law. 

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

“Today’s vote marks a historic victory for the marijuana policy reform movement. It indicates that federal lawmakers are finally listening to the overwhelming majority of Americans who are in favor of ending prohibition and comes at a critical time as this important measure addresses two key challenges we currently face.

“Serious criminal justice reform cannot begin in our country without ending the war on cannabis. The MORE Act would set federal marijuana policy on a path toward correcting an unfair system and help restore justice to those who have been victimized by prohibition. This legislation would also help address our country’s fiscal and economic challenges by empowering states to implement programs that can stimulate economic growth and generate new tax revenue at a time when both are  desperately needed. We call on the Senate to listen to the American people and pass the MORE Act without delay.

“While the MORE Act includes many important steps toward federal cannabis reform, it falls short of a perfect bill and at least one provision can hopefully be removed before final enactment. An amendment inserted in the final days before today’s vote would empower the federal government to prevent Americans who have been charged with cannabis-related felonies from working in the marijuana industry. This policy could block many of those individuals accused of prior marijuana offenses from participating in the legal market, which will inhibit our ability to create an equitable and fair marijuana industry. The fact that it might apply to people who were never even convicted of a crime makes it particularly unacceptable.

“Not only does this requirement violate both the spirit and intent of this historic legislation, it is strongly at odds with many of the provisions contained in MORE itself, including the expungement of records and efforts to remove barriers from past convictions. While MPP strongly supports the MORE Act, we will continue working with bill sponsors, lawmakers, and allies to remove unfair provisions that perpetuate past harm.”     

In addition to federally decriminalizing and descheduling marijuana, the MORE Act contains strong social equity provisions with an emphasis on restorative justice for communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition. The bill would 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. A summary of the bill’s key provisions can be found here. 

According to the latest Gallup poll, 68% of Americans support marijuana legalization. To date, 15 states have legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over and 36 states have legalized medical marijuana. On Election Day this year, voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota approved marijuana legalization ballot initiatives.

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Legislation to End Federal Marijuana Prohibition is Expected to Receive a Floor Vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House Rules Committee voted to advance the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act. The bill is expected to receive a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, marking the first-ever floor vote in Congress to end federal prohibition.

If enacted 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. A summary of the bill’s key provisions can be found here. 

Statement from Steven Hawkins, executive director at the Marijuana Policy Project:
“Following today’s favorable vote, members of the U.S. House of Representatives on both sides of the aisle now have the opportunity and responsibility to come together and pass this important piece of legislation. The prohibition and criminalization of marijuana has led to decades of injustice and devastating consequences, and it’s clear that a strong majority of Americans do not support the status quo. It is past time for Congress to take real action.”

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Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota Legalize Marijuana 

Voters in Mississippi and South Dakota approve medical marijuana ballot initiatives

Washington, D.C. — Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota have legalized marijuana for adults 21 and older, as voters in each state approved their respective ballot initiatives at the ballot box. South Dakota also passed a medical marijuana initiative and became the first state in American history to enact both policies on the same day. The Marijuana Policy Project was instrumental in the Montana and South Dakota campaigns.

“This historic set of victories will place even greater pressure on Congress to address the glaring and untenable conflicts between state and federal laws when it comes to cannabis legalization,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, which was founded in 1995 and has played a central role in 10 state-level legalization victories over the past eight years.

“From the Badlands to the Jersey Shore, and from the Grand Canyon to Big Sky Country, Americans across the country have embraced the idea that marijuana legalization is the policy decision that best serves the interests of public health, public safety, and, most importantly, justice,” said Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project and one of the leaders of the Montana and South Dakota campaigns.

• Arizona passed its ballot initiative, Proposition 207. 
• New Jersey passed its legislatively referred initiative, Public Question 1. 
• Montana passed complementary initiatives, Constitutional Initiative 118 and Initiative 190. 
• South Dakota passed its legalization initiative, Amendment A, and its medical marijuana initiative, Measure 26. 
• Mississippi passed its medical marijuana initiative, Amendment 65.

“With the passage of these initiatives, one-third of the population now lives in jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis for adult use, and 70% of all states have embraced cannabis for medical use. The federal government is out of step with a clear national trend toward legalization,” said Hawkins. “We can put an end to the social injustices and other harms that result from the criminalization of marijuana. While cannabis legalization is not the cure-all to end the war on drugs, it is a necessary step and would provide an opportunity for many long-oppressed communities to finally have a chance to heal.”

“Regardless of who controls the White House, the House, and the Senate, we should demand landmark federal marijuana reform in 2021,” added Hawkins. “This is not a partisan issue. And with more Republican Senators representing states with medical marijuana and legal marijuana for adults, we’re hopeful that marijuana reform can serve as an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation. It’s also worth noting that the victory in New Jersey has the potential to accelerate reform efforts in neighboring states.”

Heading into Election Day, 11 states had legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over, and 34 states had legalized medical marijuana. Now, there are 15 legalization states and 36 medical marijuana states in the country.

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Complementary initiatives 118 and 190 both pass

Washington, D.C. — Montana voters have approved two complementary ballot initiatives that will legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. Montana becomes the 15th state to legalize marijuana for adults, joining Arizona, New Jersey, and South Dakota in passing legalization on Election Day 2020. 

Statement from Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project and one of the leaders of the campaign:

“This is a great day for Montana. These initiatives will expand access to medical marijuana, generate millions in new tax revenue, and end the injustice of arresting Montanans for personal marijuana possession. Montana joins a growing number of states that have replaced a failed policy of prohibition with a common sense approach to marijuana."

Montana is one of five states that voted on marijuana reform ballot initiatives this November. In Arizona, Montana, and New Jersey, there were ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over. South Dakota voted on initiatives for both medical marijuana and marijuana legalization for adults 21 and over. Mississippi voted on two competing medical marijuana initiatives. All five campaigns have achieved victory.

Heading into Election Day, 11 states had legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over, and 34 states had legalized medical marijuana.
 

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South Dakota becomes first state to legalize medical marijuana and recreational marijuana on the same day

Washington, D.C. — South Dakota voters have approved a constitutional ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and also approved a statutory ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for patients with debilitating health conditions.

“South Dakota has made history by becoming the first state to legalize medical marijuana and legalize marijuana for adults on the same day. Furthermore, it is arguably the most conservative state yet to enact marijuana legalization. This victory has added significance at the federal level with top-ranking Republican Senator John Thune now representing constituents who have clearly stated their support for marijuana reform,” said Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project and one of the leaders of the South Dakota campaign.

The Marijuana Policy Project, which was founded in 1995, has played a central role in the majority of the state-level marijuana legalization victories that have occurred since 2012.

“A few years ago, nobody would have predicted that South Dakota would legalize marijuana before New York,” Schweich added. “But that’s the power of the ballot initiative process.”

Amendment A will legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over and protect medical marijuana access in the state. Measure 26 would establish a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients with serious medical conditions. The initiatives will take effect July, 1, 2021.

South Dakota is one of five states that voted on marijuana reform ballot initiatives this November. In Arizona, New Jersey, and Montana, there were ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over. Mississippi voted on two competing medical marijuana initiatives. The Arizona, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Mississippi campaigns were all successful. Advocates are still awaiting the results in Montana.

Heading into Election Day, 11 states had legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over, and 34 states had legalized medical marijuana.

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Amendment 65, favored by marijuana reform advocates, passes by wide margin

Washington, D.C. — Mississippi voters have approved a constitutional ballot initiative to establish a medical marijuana program for patients with debilitating conditions. Mississippi becomes the 36th state to enact a medical marijuana law.

“It is great to see that the tides of change are continuing to flow across the country and now they have come to Mississippi,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, which was founded in 1995 and has played a central role in eight state-level legalization victories over the past eight years. “As we saw in Utah in 2018, and as we see in Mississippi this year, medical marijuana can pass in any state in the country.”

Mississippi is one of two states, along with South Dakota, that approved medical marijuana ballot initiatives this November. South Dakota also voted on legalizing marijuana for adults 21 and over, along with Arizona, New Jersey, and Montana. The initiatives in New Jersey and Arizona were approved with strong margins by voters earlier tonight. Advocates are awaiting final results in Montana and South Dakota.

Heading into Election Day, 34 states had legalized medical marijuana, and 11 states had legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over.

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Proposition 207 Passes by Strong Margin

Washington, D.C. — Arizona voters have approved a ballot initiative to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adults 21 and over. Arizona is now the 13th state to legalize marijuana for adults. 

“Arizona voters have spoken, and they are ready for marijuana legalization,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, which was founded in 1995 and has played a central role in eight state-level adult-use legalization victories over the past eight years.

“According to the latest Gallup poll, 66% of Americans support marijuana legalization, and this victory further reinforces that stance,” Hawkins added. “We are poised for major marijuana reform federally. Regardless of who controls the White House, the House, or the Senate, Americans are ready for legal marijuana.” 

Arizona is one of five states that voted on marijuana reform ballot initiatives this November. In addition to Arizona, there were ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over in New Jersey and Montana. South Dakota voted on initiatives for both medical marijuana and marijuana legalization for adults 21 and over, while Mississippi voted on two competing medical marijuana initiatives. New Jersey voters approved their legalization ballot initiative tonight, and advocates are awaiting results in the other three states.

Heading into Election Day, 11 states had legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over, and 34 states had legalized medical marijuana.

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