There Are Still States that Could Legalize Some Form of Cannabis this Year
Despite being almost halfway through 2022, there are still some states that could legalize some form of cannabis through the legislature this year. Lawmakers in Rhode Island, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and New Hampshire have been working on recreational cannabis legislation. Meanwhile, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kansas are looking to legalize medical marijuana for residents of their respective states. It seems unlikely that recreational cannabis will be legalized in either Minnesota or New Hampshire this year because of Senate opposition in both states. Industry experts seem to think that things are pretty up in the air for PA, but it is certainly worth keeping an eye on progress in the state. It is expected that Rhode Island will legalize adult-use cannabis, and the state’s governor is supportive of such legislation.
Missouri Adult-Use Legalization Campaign Submits Signatures
A campaign to legalize adult-use cannabis in Missouri has submitted 385,000 signatures supporting their ballot question. Legal Missouri 2022 hopes to have its question placed on the ballot in November. If passed, the measure would legalize adult-use cannabis possession and consumption for those 21 and older in the state and create a regulatory framework for the legal industry. Only 170,000 valid signatures are required to have their measure put on the ballot, but the Secretary of State’s Office must first validate the signatures before the question can be certified and put to the voters.
Efforts to Legalize MMJ in Kansas Falter
The beginning of 2022 held promise for efforts in Kansas to legalize medical marijuana. However, Senate Bill 12 remains in committee. The legislation was a joint effort between the state’s House and Senate. But, with the end of the session on May 23rd drawing closer, it seems unlikely that the bill will see any movement. In an email on Monday, Senate Leadership spokesperson Mike Pirner said, “Given we plan to only be there one day, it’s unlikely that work could be completed on that item.” There are also differences that members of the House and Senate would need to address before bringing the legislation to a full floor vote.
