With many states seeing increasing tax revenue from marijuana sales, it’s no wonder so many other states are welcoming the idea of legalizing some form of cannabis program. There seem to be three states who have implemented both medicinal and adult-use programs currently leading the cannabis industry. To date, California has generated over $638 million dollars in tax revenue. Colorado has generated over $360 million dollars in tax revenue from marijuana sales. Lastly, Arizona started recreational marijuana sales in January 2021 and has reported a tax revenue of over 153 million dollars. In conclusion, many states are introducing new bills that could legalize marijuana in 2022.
What States Are Hopping On Trend?
Idaho
Marijuana advocates are pushing for two bills to pass during the 2022 session. The bills will legalize marijuana for consumers over the age of 21. If passed, licensed dispensaries and home cultivation of marijuana would be prohibited. The concept is for consumers to travel to bordering states and retrieve cannabis for use at their residence. 65,000 signatures are needed to place the initiative on the ballet in 2022. Once on the ballet, voters will decide if marijuana will remain illegal in Idaho.
Indiana
Indiana law makers will push to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use in the 2022 legislative session. Currently, possession of marijuana in Indiana is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Prior convictions or possession of larger amounts of marijuana can increase jail time to a year or more. Indiana has made many attempts at legalizing marijuana in the past. In 2021, there were 10 bills filed that all failed to pass. Indiana believes legalizing will create jobs and boost the economy.
Kansas
In 2021, the Kansas House passed Senate Bill 158, which would create the Kansas Medical Marijuana Regulation Act and the Kansas Medical Marijuana Regulation Program. While the Senate did not work the bill in 2021, it remains alive for consideration during the 2022 session. In addition to SB158, a similar bill A Kansas Twist, discusses elements of both bills in the context of marijuana laws in other states. A Kansas Twist aims to help rule makers further understand the effects of the provisions on social, economic, and health outcomes. Lastly, the data will assist Kansas policymakers as they make decisions about medical marijuana legislation.
Kentucky
The Kentucky State House passed HB136 in 2020 however, the Senate still needs to pass the bill for it to become legalized. Recently, the legislature’s Interim Joint Committee discussed the proposal as lawmakers consider what to take up in January 2022. The bill would require the creation of a regulatory board to oversee conditions for prescribing medical marijuana, as well regulations for dispensaries across the state.
Nebraska
Nabraskans for Medical Marijuana is a registered ballot committee working to qualify two medical cannabis initiatives for the ballot in 2022. The ballots in conjunction will decriminalize cannabis for qualified patients and establish a regulatory system to oversee the medical marijuana program. The proposal will set the allowed amount of marijuana at up to five ounces, not including the weight of non-cannabis ingredients in infused food, beverages, topicals or other products. It does not contain any provision that would enable patients to grow their own cannabis.
North Carolina
Lawmakers in the Senate of North Carolina will vote on a bill to legalize medical marijuana in 2022. Currently, the bill would allow patients with deliberating conditions to purchase cannabis at specific times during the day. The bill would also limit the amount of licenses and restrict the licenses from operating within a close proximity to schools. In addition, each license holder will be allowed 4 operational dispensaries. The bill will need to pass the Senate and the House to be approved.
South Carolina
South Carolina Compassionate Care Act was introduced to the House on January 12, 2021. The bill allows 2 ounces of cannabis in a 14 day period. In addition, the bill requires the establishment of a designated organization to oversee all aspects of the program. The newly found department would provide “licensure, testing, audits, inspections, registry identification card and electronic patient registry management, seed-to-sale tracking system management, diversion control, and other compliance services” to businesses granted licenses. In conclusion, the House will need to approve the Act for it to become law.
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