List of 2019 United States cannabis reform proposals

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List of 2019 United States cannabis reform proposals
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Map of US state cannabis laws.svg
Legality of cannabis in the United States (2023)
Status
  Legal for recreational use
  Legal for medical use
  Illegal

In 2019, twenty seven U.S. states proposed cannabis reform legislation for medical marijuana and non-medical adult use. [1] State-level legalization remains at odds with cannabis' status as a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act at the Federal level.

Contents

Major publications predicted several state legislatures would propose legislation in 2019, or voters would do so directly via initiative. These included Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Illinois. [2] [3] [4] Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative (filed in 2018) may appear on the 2019 ballot. [5]

Legislation and initiatives passed in 2019

Legislation and initiatives introduced in 2019

State

StateTitleDetail
ArkansasHB 1972Arkansas HB 1972, proposed decriminalization [19]
AlabamaSB98Alabama SB98, proposed decriminalization (approved by Senate Judiciary Committee [20] )
ArizonaProposition 207 Arizona Proposition 207, Smart and Safe Arizona Act: a legalization initiative on the 2020 ballot [21] [22]
ConnecticutHouse Bill 7371Connecticut House Bill 7371, proposed legalization and regulation, and SB 1085, legalizing possession, and expunging past convictions (approved by finance, general law, and judiciary committees) [23] [24] [25]
DelawareHB 110Delaware HB 110 legalization (approved by House Revenue & Finance Committee June 5 [26] )
Florida
  • Florida initiatives for 2020
    • Regulate Marijuana in a Manner Similar to Alcohol, sponsored by Sensible Florida, is a proposed constitutional amendment. [27] [28] [29] The state supreme court took up a review of whether the initiative was compliant with legal requirements in September. [30]
    • The Florida Marijuana Legalization and Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Sales Initiative, sponsored by Make It Legal Florida, is also a constitutional amendment that would allow non-medical sales through the retail points authorized by Florida Amendment 2 in 2016. [27] [28] [31] It gathered 100,000 signatures in 20 days. [32]
Hawaii Hawaii SB 686, proposed legalization
IdahoIdaho hemp and medical cannabis initiative (filed) [33] [34]
  • Idaho medical cannabis initiative filed with Secretary of State July 3 [35]
  • Louisiana House Bill 509, proposed legalization and regulation [11]
MissouriHB 1095Missouri HB 1095, proposed decriminalization [36]
New HampshireHouse Bill 481New Hampshire House Bill 481, proposed legalization (passed House of Representatives April 4 [37] )
New Jersey New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act, proposed legalization and regulation, to become 2020 voter referendum
  • New Jersey A-5325, proposed decriminalization (passed appropriations committee on May 20 [38] )
New MexicoHouse Bill 356 New Mexico House Bill 356, proposed legalization and regulation (failed)
  • New Mexico Governor's working group proposal (October 16, for January 2020 session) – legalization and expungement [39]
New YorkNew York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (S1527/A1617), legalization and regulation [40]
PennsylvaniaH.B. 1899Pennsylvania H.B. 1899, adult use legalization and sales through state liquor stores; introduced October 1, 2019 [41]
  • Pennsylvania H.B. 350, adult use and expungement [42]
South Dakota
  • South Dakota constitutional amendment petition, proposed legalization and regulation (cleared by Secretary of State September 11, 2019, [43] over 50,000 voter signatures submitted on November 4 [44] )
  • South Dakota Initiated Measure 26, approved for 2020 ballot on December 19, 2019
TexasHouse Bill 63Texas House Bill 63, proposed decriminalization (passed Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on March 25, [45] passed in House of Representatives April 29 [46] )
VirginiaHouse Bill 2371Virginia House Bill 2371 proposed legalization; it was defeated in the Courts of Justice committee. [47]

Federal

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legal history of cannabis in the United States</span>

In the United States, increased restrictions and labeling of cannabis as a poison began in many states from 1906 onward, and outright prohibitions began in the 1920s. By the mid-1930s cannabis was regulated as a drug in every state, including 35 states that adopted the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act. The first national regulation was the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction</span>

In the United States, cannabis is legal in 38 of 50 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, determined to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, prohibiting its use for any purpose. Despite this prohibition, federal law is generally not enforced against the possession, cultivation, or intrastate distribution of cannabis in states where such activity has been legalized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of cannabis laws in the United States</span> Historical list in chronological order of U.S. cannabis law

The legal history of cannabis in the United States began with state-level prohibition in the early 20th century, with the first major federal limitations occurring in 1937. Starting with Oregon in 1973, individual states began to liberalize cannabis laws through decriminalization. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis, sparking a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in North Dakota</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of North Dakota

Cannabis in North Dakota is legal for medical use but illegal for recreational use. Since 2019 however, possession under a 1/2 ounce has been decriminalized in the sense that there is no threat of jail time, though a criminal infraction fine up to $1,000 still applies. The cultivation of hemp is currently legal in North Dakota. In November 2018, the state's voters voted on recreational marijuana legalization, along with Michigan; the measure was rejected 59% to 41%. Two groups attempted to put marijuana legalization measures on the June 2020 Primary and the November 2020 elections, but were prevented from doing so by the COVID-19 pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Texas</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in Texas, U.S.

Cannabis in Texas is illegal for recreational use. Possession of up to two ounces is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in prison and a fine of up to $2000. Several of the state's major municipalities have enacted reforms to apply lesser penalties or limit enforcement, however.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Arizona</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in Arizona, U.S.

Cannabis in Arizona is legal for recreational use. A 2020 initiative to legalize recreational use passed with 60% of the vote. Possession and cultivation of recreational cannabis became legal on November 30, 2020, with the first state-licensed sales occurring on January 22, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Mississippi</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of Mississippi

Cannabis in Mississippi is legal for medical use and illegal for non-medical use. Possession of small amounts was decriminalized in 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Illinois</span> Legality, use and culture of medical and recreational cannabis in Illinois

Cannabis is legal in Illinois for both medical and recreational use. Illinois became the eleventh state in the US to legalize recreational marijuana effective January 1, 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Hawaii</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of Hawaii

Cannabis in Hawaii is illegal for recreational use, but decriminalized for possession of three grams or less. Medical use was legalized through legislation passed in 2000, making Hawaii the first state to legalize medical use through state legislature rather than through ballot initiative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in New Mexico</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in New Mexico, U.S.

Cannabis in New Mexico is legal for recreational use as of June 29, 2021. A bill to legalize recreational use – House Bill 2, the Cannabis Regulation Act – was signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 12, 2021. The first licensed sales of recreational cannabis began on April 1, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Maryland</span> Legality, use and culture of medical and recreational cannabis in Maryland

Cannabis in Maryland is legal for medical use and recreational use. Possession of up to 1.5 ounces and cultivation of up to 2 plants is legal for adults 21 years of age and older. In 2013, a state law was enacted to establish a state-regulated medical cannabis program. The program, known as the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) became operational on December 1, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Florida</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in Florida, U.S.

Cannabis in Florida is illegal for recreational use. Possession of up to 20 grams is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1000, and the suspension of one's driver's license. Several cities and counties have enacted reforms to apply lesser penalties, however.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Ohio</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of Ohio

Cannabis in Ohio is legal for recreational use. Issue 2, a ballot measure to legalize recreational use, passed by a 57–43 margin on November 7, 2023. Possession and personal cultivation of cannabis became legal on December 7, 2023, with the first licensed sales yet to occur under the law. Prior to legalization, Ohio decriminalized possession of up 100 grams in 1975, with several of the state's major cities later enacting further reforms.

The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act is an act legalizing and regulating the production, consumption, and sale of cannabis in Illinois. It was approved by both houses by May 31, 2019 and came into effect January 1, 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act</span> Proposed U.S. federal legislation to decriminalize cannabis

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, also known as the MORE Act, is a proposed piece of U.S. federal legislation that would deschedule cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and enact various criminal and social justice reforms related to cannabis, including the expungement of prior convictions.

References

  1. ↑ Reid Wilson (July 22, 2019). "Record number of states considered marijuana legalization in 2019". The Hill .
  2. ↑ Amanda Chicago Lewis (January 2, 2019), "Weed in 2019: What to expect", Rolling Stone
  3. ↑ Kyle Jaeger (January 28, 2019), These 10 states are most likely to pass marijuana legalization bills in 2019, Marijuana Moment – via Boston Globe
  4. ↑ Alexandra Hutzler (January 1, 2019), "Marijuana legalization 2019: which states will consider legal weed in year experts predict will be 'real game-changer'", Newsweek
  5. ↑ "Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2019)". Ballotpedia.
  6. ↑ Melissa Steele (July 3, 2019). "Sentencing, expungement changes signed into law". Cape Gazette . Lewes, Delaware.
  7. ↑ Devan Cole (April 3, 2019). "Georgia on cusp of legalizing medical marijuana". CNN.
  8. ↑ Sanya MANSOOR (April 17, 2019). "Georgia Gov. Kemp signs medical marijuana bill". Associated Press.
  9. ↑ Kristen Consillio (March 7, 2019). "Hawaii state House passes bill decriminalizing possession of marijuana". Star-Advertiser . Honolulu.
  10. ↑ Casey Harlow (March 19, 2019). "Measure to decriminalize cannabis possession moves forward". Hawaii Public Radio.
  11. 1 2 Carly Wolf (April 12, 2019). "Weekly Legislative Roundup". NORML.
  12. ↑ Sophie Cocke (April 26, 2019). "Hawaii close to decriminalizing marijuana possession". Star-Advertiser .
  13. ↑ "Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Marijuana In Illinois". CBS Local. May 31, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Illinois legalizes marijuana and other new state laws in 2020". NPR. January 1, 2020.
  15. ↑ Herreria, Carla (April 4, 2019). "New Mexico Decriminalizes Possession Of Marijuana". HuffPost . Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  16. ↑ Claire Hansen (May 10, 2019). "North Dakota Gov. Burgum Signs Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana". U.S. News & World Report .
  17. ↑ Lauren McGaughy (June 14, 2019). "Texas expands access to medical marijuana". Associated Press – via Dallas Morning News.
  18. ↑ Juan A. Lozano (July 3, 2019). "New Texas Hemp Law Causing Problems With Marijuana Cases". Associated Press – via U.S. News & World Report.
  19. ↑ A.J. Herrington (April 2, 2019). "Arkansas Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana". High Times .
  20. ↑ "Alabama Senate committee passes marijuana decriminalization" (blog). Marijuana Policy Project. April 17, 2019.
  21. ↑ Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2020), Ballotpedia
  22. ↑ Randazzo, Ryan (September 9, 2019). "Arizona marijuana ballot measure will advance with minor changes after review". Arizona Republic.
  23. ↑ "Marijuana legalization: New Jersey takes step back, Connecticut Moves Forward, New York Stays In Neutral". CBS Local New York. March 25, 2019.
  24. ↑ Mike Massaro (May 15, 2019). "Supporters of Recreational Marijuana to Rally at State Capitol". WVIT NBC Connecticut.
  25. ↑ Christopher Keating (May 1, 2019). "Marijuana taxation clears committee, setting the stage for final legalization bill". Hartford Courant.
  26. ↑ Randall Chase (June 5, 2019). "Marijuana legalization bill clears first legislative hurdle". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 6, 2019 – via Washington Post.
  27. 1 2 Ostrowski, Jeff (September 25, 2019). "Florida marijuana: 2 initiatives to legalize pot aim for 2020 ballot". Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
  28. 1 2 Peters, Xander. "Why Marijuana Could Be Legal in Florida as Soon as 2020". Rolling Stone .
  29. ↑ Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2020), Ballotpedia, accessed October 28, 2019
  30. ↑ Florida Supreme Court Docket. Case Number: SC19-1536 ADVISORY OPINION TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL vs. RE: REGULATE MARIJUANA IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO ALCOHOL TO ESTABLISH AGE, LICENSING, AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS, accessed October 28, 2019
  31. ↑ Florida Marijuana Legalization and Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Sales Initiative (2020), Ballotpedia, accessed October 28, 2019
  32. ↑ Swisher, Skyler (October 4, 2019). "Supporters have high hopes for recreational marijuana in Florida as petition drive kicks off". Sun-Sentinel . Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  33. ↑ Cynthia Sewell (March 8, 2019). "Effort underway to get medical marijuana and hemp initiative on Idaho ballot in 2020". Idaho Statesman.
  34. ↑ Quinn Welsch (March 28, 2019). "Idaho's marijuana fight in 2019 will likely be all uphill". Inlander. Spokane.
  35. ↑ Betsy Z. Russell (July 3, 2019). "New version of Idaho medical marijuana initiative clears first hurdle". Idaho Press – via KBOI.
  36. ↑ Jared Austin; Alex Arger (March 1, 2019). "A new bill would make Missouri the 14th state to decriminalize weed". Columbia, Missouri: KOMU-TV.
  37. ↑ A.J. Herrington (April 8, 2019), "New Hampshire House Passes Cannabis Legalization Bill", High Times
  38. ↑ Sam SUTTON (May 20, 2019). "ride through Assembly". Politico .
  39. ↑ Boyd, Dan (October 16, 2019). "Task force releases NM cannabis legalization plan". Albuquerque Journal.
  40. ↑ "Warren M. Anderson Legislative Breakfast Seminar Series: Challenges of Legalization of Marijuana" (PDF). Albany Law School. February 12, 2019.
  41. ↑ "Delaware County lawmaker introduces bill to legalize marijuana, sell at Pa. stores". Philadelphia: WTXF-TV. October 1, 2019.
  42. ↑ Sam Wood (October 15, 2019). "'Gold standard' bill to legalize recreational weed in Pa. introduced in Harrisburg". Philadelphia Inquirer.
  43. ↑ 2020 ballot questions, South Dakota Secretary of State, accessed September 21, 2019
  44. ↑ "SD Groups File Petitions for Medical, Recreational Marijuana". Associated Press.
  45. ↑ Caitlin Donohue (March 26, 2019). "Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Approved by Texas House Committee". High Times.
  46. ↑ Alex Samuels (April 29, 2019). "Texas House passes bill that reduces penalties for Texans caught with small amounts of marijuana". The Texas Tribune.
  47. ↑ Tyree, Elizabeth (March 25, 2019). "Bills to legalize, decriminalize marijuana defeated in Virginia". WSET.
  48. ↑ Top Democrats to Introduce Bill Removing Marijuana from Controlled Substances List, Claire Hansen,  May 9, 2019, US News
  49. ↑ Kyle Jaeger (June 6, 2019). "Bipartisan marijuana banking bill quietly advances in House as floor vote approaches". The Boston Globe .
  50. ↑ Andrew Taylor; Michael Balsamo (June 20, 2019), House would block Feds from interfering with state pot laws, Associated Press
  51. ↑ Angelica LaVito (July 23, 2019), Nadler, Harris to introduce bill decriminalizing pot, expunge marijuana convictions, CNBC
  52. ↑ Rodrigo, Chris Mills (March 7, 2019). "Tulsi Gabbard, Don Young introduce marijuana reform bill". The Hill .
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