Companion Bills to Legalize Cannabis Filed in Maryland with Over 40 Legislative Sponsors

Companion Bills to Legalize Cannabis Filed in Maryland with Over 40 Legislative Sponsors

Companions bill to legalize recreational cannabis have been filed in Maryland’s House and Senate with over 40 legislative sponsors.

The Marijuana Control and Revenue Act of 2015 (House Bill 911 and Senate Bill 531) would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for those 21 and older, as well as the private cultivation of up to six cannabis plants. The proposal would also legalize state-licensed cannabis retail outlets, with the Maryland Comptroller tasked with establishing specific rules and regulations.

“The Marijuana Control and Revenue Act is the next step on the road to saner drug policy in Maryland,” says Sara Love, public policy director for the ACLU of Maryland. “For too long, tens of thousands of Marylanders, disproportionately black Marylanders, have faced life-altering criminal penalties simply for possessing a substance most voters believe should be legalized. Now, our state has the opportunity to move beyond the tragic costs of the counterproductive ‘war on drugs’ and toward increased revenue that can be used to support policies that strengthen communities.”

House Bill 911 has been scheduled for a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 24th at 1:00 pm.  Senate Bill 531 has been scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Wednesday, March 4, at 1:00 pm.

Last year, lawmakers in Maryland approved legislation which decriminalized the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis.

– TheJointBlog