It’s officially 4/20, a day celebrated by many marijuana consumers and activists. Since the previous 4/20, there’s been some significant advancements in marijuana law reform at both the state and federal levels.
Here’s a list of the top five developments in marijuana law reform since the previous 4/20.
Minnesota Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
On May 27, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law legislation that legalized recreational marijuana for everyone 21 and older, allowing them to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, eight grams of marijuana concentrates and 800mg of marijuana edibles, while also allowing them to cultivate up to eight plants for personal use. The law took effect on August 1, with licensed marijuana stores expected to open sometime in 2025. Sales may begin even sooner, however, as the state’s House of Representatives approved a bill this week to speed up the process.
Ohio Voters Legalize Recreational Marijuana
In November Ohio voters passed Issue 2 into law, with it taking effect the following month. The law, which makes Ohio the 24th legal marijuana state, allows those 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. In addition, they can cultivate, for personal use, up to six marijuana plants.
Although the legal marijuana industry, overseen by the newly-created Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) within the Department of Commerce, was not expected to be up and running until 2025, earlier this month the chair of the rulemaking committee for the DCC says that recreational marijuana sales may begin as soon as June, and will happen “certainly before July 4th weekend”.
Senate Banking Committee Approves SAFER Banking Act With Bipartisan Support
In September the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs voted in favor of the SAFE Banking Act with bipartisan support, moving it towards a vote by the full Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said recently that this vote will come in the “weeks and months ahead”.
The measure would allow banks nationwide to service state-legal marijuana businesses. The House version of the bill has 115 sponsors, more than any other marijuana-related bill in congressional history.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Recommends Marijuana Rescheduling
In August HHS, after a yearlong review, sent a letter to the DEA requesting marijuana be moved to Schedule III, legalizing it nationwide for prescription use. The DEA is currently conducting a review based on the HHS recommendation, with a decision expected to come any day now. Congressional researchers say it’s “likely” the DEA will accept the recommendation from HHS, although they are under no legal obligation to do so.
More Marijuana Pardons
In December President Biden issued a proclamation expanding on the thousands of marijuana pardons he issued in 2022.
“Following my pardon of prior federal and D.C. offenses of simple possession of marijuana, I am issuing a Proclamation that will pardon additional offenses of simple possession and use of marijuana under federal and D.C. law”, said Biden. “Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
Biden says “Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either. That’s why I continue to urge Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses and applaud those who have since taken action.”
Biden’s urging of governors to take state action prompted Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to issue a mass pardon (approved by the governor’s council this month) that will impact hundreds of thousands of people.
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