Marylanders have long supported moving forward with cannabis legalization, with more than two-thirds of residents in support, according to a 2021 Goucher poll.
Though HB837 is a good start, we urge leadership and rank and file members to consider the following recommendations to strengthen the equity provisions within the bills.
Maryland should learn from New Jersey’s experience, as it is the only other state that has taken the constitutional amendment route to legalize cannabis.
In the three months between Election Day, when two-thirds of voters approved legalization, and when Gov.
This delay would mean thousands of Marylanders — disproportionately Black Marylanders — would continue to be subjected to police interactions, citations and arrests for cannabis for eight months after voters adopt legalization.
The House package should also allow adults to cultivate a small number of plants for their personal use, a provision that is included in most legalization laws.
As proposed, HB837 not only prohibits home cultivation, but it goes even further by penalizing this practice with up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Additionally, securely cultivating cannabis at home is the only way for some people who can benefit from cannabis medicinally to access it.
Finally, the House companion bill would leave it up to the legislature to establish a regulatory system for an adult-use market in 2023.