As your constituent, I write to encourage you to legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis for adults in 2022. There are now 18 states (+ D.C.) that have moved forward with legalization, and Maryland is lagging behind. As the House looks to refer the question of legalization to voters in 2022, it is critical that the legislature also passes legislation in 2022 to ensure legalization in achieved without delay, is equitable, and seeks to repair the past harms of prohibition. The longer Maryland waits to move forward with legalization, the longer it will subject its residents to the harms of prohibition and miss out on much needed economic growth. Will you support ending cannabis prohibition in 2022?

As your constituent, I am writing to ask that you support legalizing cannabis in 2022 without delay and ensure legalization is rooted in equity and restorative justice. It is encouraging to see the House file HB 1, which would refer the question of legalization to voters in 2022, and its companion, HB 837, which seeks to implement some details on adult-use cannabis legalization. However, as currently written, the legislation would not legalize cannabis possession until July 2023, eight months later. This delay will mean thousands of Marylanders will continue to be subjected to arrests, citations, and other unnecessary police interactions for simple cannabis possession. The bills also do not allow home cultivation of cannabis, which is included in most states that have legalized. Home cultivation of even a few plants would remain a criminal penalty carrying up to three years’ imprisonment. Additionally, a referendum alone will not implement an adult-use cannabis program that is equitable. Implementing legislation that sets up the regulatory framework, tax structure, and provisions to ensure those who have been most impacted by prohibition benefit from the legal industry must also be taken up in this session. Can I count on you to support legalizing cannabis in 2022?

Every year, despite the decriminalization of very small amounts of cannabis, thousands of Marylanders are arrested for simple cannabis possession, resulting in a criminal record that affects access to employment, housing, financial aid, and other public benefits. Eighteen other states, including neighboring Virginia, have legalized cannabis for adults, using a more reasonable personal-use possession limit than Maryland’s decriminalization law. Maryland is lagging behind. A bill to refer the question to voters, HB 1, and its companion, HB 837, are headed to the House floor. However, as currently written, the legislation would not legalize cannabis possession until July 2023, eight months later. As your constituent, I write to encourage you to work to ensure cannabis legalization is implemented in 2022 without delay and includes personal home cultivation. Will you support legalizing cannabis in 2022 without delay?