MCCC’s Legislative Affairs Committee held a meeting on October 14, 2021, where they were joined by Maryland Delegate Kathleen Dumais. Delegate Dumais represents District 15 in Montgomery County and is the Vice-Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee. Delegate Dumais, a member of the House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup, provided a briefing on the expected efforts by the Maryland General Assembly to legalize the use of recreational cannabis. This topic is one of the issues that will dominate the news cycle during the upcoming 2022 Legislative Session. The House Workgroup is addressing a myriad of issues related to the recreational use of cannabis, including regulatory licensing and oversight for the production, sale, and processing of cannabis, changes to existing criminal statute and traffic laws, fair racial representation in business ownership, and the expansion of addiction treatment services.
The State of Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2012. Two years later, a decriminalization law took effect that replaced criminal penalties for possession of fewer than 10 grams with a civil fine. Since then, bills to legalize recreational cannabis use have been unsuccessful. Recreational cannabis is legal in approximately 18 states and the District of Columbia.
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It's inspiring to see legislative efforts underway to address the legalization of recreational cannabis in Maryland. Delegate Kathleen Dumais's briefing sheds light on the complexities involved in this important issue, from regulatory licensing to racial representation in business ownership. The fact that Maryland has already legalized medical marijuana and implemented decriminalization laws shows progress towards a more equitable and compassionate approach to cannabis policy. Despite past setbacks, it's encouraging to see policymakers actively working to expand access to recreational cannabis while addressing social justice concerns and promoting addiction treatment services. This article has helped me better understand the ongoing legislative efforts and the potential impact they could have on Maryland communities. Great job on providing such comprehensive information!
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6/20/2024 05:21:05 am
This article on Maryland's legislative efforts to legalize recreational cannabis is enlightening and encouraging. It sheds light on the complexities involved in making such a significant change to state law, from regulatory challenges to considerations of social equity and addiction treatment. Learning about Delegate Kathleen Dumais' role in the House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup gives me hope that Maryland is taking a thoughtful approach to this issue. The history of medical marijuana legalization and subsequent decriminalization provides important context for understanding the current push for full legalization. This article has deepened my understanding of how legislative processes work and the impact they can have on public policy.
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