Bill introduced to help implement legalization of marijuana in Maryland

MARYLAND (FOX 5 DC) - A bill has been introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates that would help implement a path to adult recreational marijuana should Marylanders vote to legalize cannabis in the 2022 General Election.

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The legislation establishes an implementation plan based on the findings of the House Cannabis Referendum Workgroup that was established by Speaker Jones and chaired by Chairman Clippinger, the bill’s sponsor. 

The legislation addresses the most pressing criminal justice and public health issues facing legalization while simultaneously building the necessary foundation for social equity in the recreational cannabis industry, according to house officials.

"Marylanders deserve to have their voices heard at the ballot box on the question of legalization, but we cannot move forward without an implementation plan that addresses our immediate priorities, said Chairman Clippinger. "With this legislation, we will be prepared with comprehensive policy that creates the best, most equitable path to legal recreational cannabis should voters say yes."

READ MORE: Marijuana smokers may be more impaired while driving than they think, study suggests

If passed, this legislation would:

- Allow Marylanders to possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis without penalty. Possession over 1.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis would be reduced to a civil offense rather than a misdemeanor.

- Automatically expunge the conviction of anyone previously found guilty of simple possession of marijuana if it was the only charge in the case, and anyone currently held in a state prison or local jail for a cannabis conviction to be resentenced to end their term of incarceration. 

- Conduct a study to collect data on patterns of use, incidents of impaired driving, and the impact cannabis use has on public health.

- Establish the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council to study and make annual recommendations regarding the youth-impacts, addiction and misuse, infant development, advertising, labeling, and quality control of legalized cannabis.

- Conduct a disparity study that will inform the creation of a more equitable regulatory system and identify barriers to entering the industry.

- Create a small, minority–owned, and women–owned Cannabis Business Assistance Fund that will assist those disproportionately impacted by marijuana laws and support business incubators, educational programs at HBCUs and more.