Voters passed an assortment of cannabis initiatives in November’s election; however, activists are still pushing for more authorization. They believe 2021 will be decorated with a plethora of reforms in state legislatures.
The state-tier authorization initiative has shown that there’s immense, bipartisan support for the reform. Legislators are largely acknowledging the voter’s desire for policy change as shown in various elections. There are also signs that 2021 could be experiencing great developments on the matter in multiple states across America.
Here’s a list of the states that may legislatively advance the policy change this year:
Connecticut
Although there have been several attempts to decriminalize marijuana in Connecticut, none have advanced beyond the legislature. However, during November the House’s incoming speaker said that he believes there is 50-50 probability that the bill will be accented this year.
New Mexico
Although New Mexico’s marijuana legislation initiative has never been approved despite multiple attempts, it’s high-ranking lawmakers and governor are optimistic that approval may be achieved this year.
Rhode Island
Dominick Ruggerio, Senate President, recently disclosed that he asked Senator Joshua Miller and Majority leader McCaffrey Michael to prepare details for cannabis reform for this year’s legislative session.
Alabama
Last year, Alabama’s Senate accented legislation to decriminalize medical cannabis within the state, however thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it never went further.
A study committee filed a report to lawmakers during 2019 December and advised that medical marijuana be authorized within the state.
Kentucky
Based on a survey conducted in February 2020, a strong majority of Kentucky voters second decriminalizing medical cannabis.
Governor Beshear Andy also supports medical legalization. He asserted during his campaign that the policy change may help in mitigating the opioid melee.
South Carolina
During 2020 December, House and Senate Republicans submitted companion legislation to authorize medical cannabis.
The senator championing for the initiative, Tom Davis, said that he feels there’s a high chance of achieving something in the January session. He added that the reform has been vetted fully after five years of input and testimony by a glut of stakeholders.
