Staff: Erin R. Hopwood; e-mail: erin.hopwood@mlis.state.md.us
George H. Butler; e-mail: george.butler@mlis.state.md.us
Claire E. Rossmark; e-mail: claire.rossmark@mlis.state.md.us
Stanford D. Ward; e-mail: stan.ward@mlis.state.md.us
c/o Department of Legislative Services
Legislative Services Building, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 946-5500, (301) 970-5500, 1-800-492-7122, ext. 5400 (toll free)
e-mail: erin.hopwood@mlis.state.md.us
In July 2021, the House Speaker convened the Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Work Group.
The Work Group charge was to craft the implementation of a legalized cannabis program in Maryland, should the voters approve the ballot question in November 2022. It was to determine the regulatory, licensing and oversight structure of the production, sale, and possession of legalized cannabis, including the licensing application process, the number of licenses, and equity in ownership of marijuana facilities.
The issue of expungement of previous convictions for cannabis was addressed by the Work Group, which also determined changes to existing criminal laws related to cannabis. In addition, the Work Group identified the structure for potential release of those convicted solely of marijuana-related crimes, and for dismissal of pending marijuana charges; and reviewed existing criminal and traffic laws related to marijuana, including paraphernalia and cannabis accessories. Moreover, the Work Group structured equitable ownership in cannabis-related businesses; constructed social equity programs to compensate communities impacted by over-incarceration for marijuana-related crimes; crafted a taxation structure and revenue distribution from cannabis proceeds; expanded addiction treatment programs and healthcare support for substance abuse; and determined the impact on medical cannabis programs, and on other collateral rights and licenses.
The Work Group had four subcommittees to focus on: Business Implementation; Cannabis Taxation; Criminal Justice Impacts; and Health Determinants.
CANNABIS TAXATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Vacancy, Chair
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACTS SUBCOMMITTEE
David H. Moon, Chair
HEALTH DETERMINANTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk, Chair
On January 5, 2023, the Work Group held its last meeting.
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