2021 is poised to be a big year for cannabis law reform on both the state and federal levels. As the 117th Congress begins their work, a House Representative has already filed the first federal cannabis law reform bill. Furthermore, New York's governor has released his cannabis legalization proposal and Connecticut lawmakers are advancing a legalization bill in their state -- check out the latest!
NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
First Federal Cannabis Bill Of New Congress Filed
Rep. Greg Steube has filed the first cannabis reform bill of the new congress. The bill aims to re-assign cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, drastically expanding opportunities for regulated research on cannabis. Advocates are hopeful that not only this bill will advance, but also that the MORE Act will be picked up again and voted on by the new congress as well. The MORE Act is a more comprehensive bill that would completely remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and promote social equity. The future of both bills look more hopfeul this year as Democrats have gained control of both chambers of legislature. (Marijuana Moment)
STATEWIDE CHATTER
Colorado
Colorado broke its previous annual sales record set in 2019, surpassing $2 billion in cannabis sales for 2020. Many dispensary operators credit the success to the industry’s ability to stay open during the pandemic as essential businesses. We can expect these trends to continue even as the pandemic slows, as tourists will begin to buy in the market again. Colorado is always welcoming additional retail stores, and the state's market is one of the strongest and longest-standing to date. (CPR News)
Illinois
Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a new lottery process for 75 additional adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses for those who applied during the first round of applications but were unsuccessful. This would bring the total number of social equity dispensary licenses allowed in the state to 150. The second lottery process will be open to any previous applicant that received at least 75 percent of the total points awarded. Those re-applying will be able to use their existing dispensary application and would not need to pay additional application fees. (Chicago Tribune)
Michigan
On January 19, the city of Detroit began accepting applications from local residents to qualify as “legacy” applicants for the upcoming cannabis business application process set to begin on April 1. The goal is to ensure at least 50% of all licenses issued are granted to local Detroit residents, although applications will be open to non-residents as well. Applications submitted by “legacy” applicants will be reviewed first, beginning on May 1, while applications submitted by non-residents will be reviewed beginning August 1. There are 75 adult-use retail licenses and 75 medical cannabis provisioning center licenses available. (Detroit News)
New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has released the full text of his cannabis legalization proposal as part of his budget request for 2021. Separate licenses are outlined for retailing, cultivating, and processing cannabis. While delivery and on-site consumption licenses were left out, the bill does allow regulators to create additional license types after it is passed into law. This proposal will likely serve as a starting point for negotiations with legislators. Many believe legalization will finally come to fruition this year since the state needs an economic boost and its neighboring state of New Jersey already approved a legalization referendum in November 2020. (Marijuana Moment)
South Dakota
A group of 15 Republican lawmakers have formed a “Cannabis Caucus” to address marijuana issues this legislative session after the state legalized both medical and adult-use cannabis in November 2020. Regulations for the medical cannabis market must be approved by October 29, 2021 and regulations governing the adult-use market must be approved by April 1, 2022. A bill has also been filed to grant the Department of Revenue $4 million to kick-start the cannabis regulatory program until cannabis tax revenue starts coming in. (Marijuana Moment)
Virginia
A Senate committee voted to advance a bill to legalize cannabis in the state, bringing the proposal one step closer to a full floor vote. The bill would create a system of regulated cannabis sales and businesses and allow adults 21 years and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis. Adults may also grow up to four plants in their home for personal use, two of which could be mature. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority would set application license fees and dates. (Marijuana Moment)
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