Connect with us

Legal

Louisiana Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Killed by GOP

Republican lawmakers would not provide an explanation on why they voted against the bill

mm

Published

on

A bill to decriminalize marijuana in Louisiana died in committee Tuesday before ever reaching the House floor for debate this legislative session, according to a story by the Associated Press.

The House Criminal Justice Committee voted 9-4 along party lines to involuntarily defer the bill — effectively killing the legislation. GOP lawmakers would not provide an explanation during the meeting on why they voted against the bill.

Democratic state Rep. Candace Newell called the action by the committee “disrespectful,” saying that typically a lawmaker is given the “courtesy” of voluntarily deferring their own bill.

“I was not naive enough to think that the bill would make it out of (committee) … but I was expecting a little bit more of an educated conversation to happen,” Newell told the AP.

Newell says that her bill to decriminalize the possession and distribution of marijuana would provide opportunity for economic gains in the state. According to the AP, The legislation would have been contingent upon the Legislature “providing for a statutory regulatory system for the legal sale and distribution of marijuana” and establishing a sales tax.

“We should not still be criminalizing people when in other states their economy is flourishing,” Newell said.

Advertisement

Twenty-two states have already legalized recreational marijuana, with the latest being Delaware.

Louisiana legalized medical marijuana in 2015 and expanded in 2020, with the program allowing medical marijuana use with a doctor’s written recommendation for any debilitating condition.

In 2021 Governor John Bel Edwards decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana statewide. Under that bill, possession of less than 14 grams of cannabis is punishable by a $100 fine and no threat of jail time for the first and every subsequent offense. However, possession of more than 14 grams and illegal distribution still carry tough penalties

Advertisement

SPONSORED VIDEO

Going Global - Pioneering Cannabis Hospitality: A Conversation with Arend Richard

In this enlightening interview, Arend Richard, a seasoned entrepreneur from the cannabis industry, shares his journey from starting a YouTube channel to educate on cannabis use, to co-founding WeedTube, and developing a unique cannabis hospitality business. Born and raised in Colorado, Aaron discusses the evolution of his business ventures and his current project—creating a welcoming, educational environment for both seasoned and first-time cannabis users. He delves into the challenges of establishing a cannabis-friendly social space, including regulatory hurdles and community engagement, and highlights his vision for a new kind of social interaction centered around cannabis.

Promoted Headlines

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Facebook

LATEST COMMENTS

Most Popular