Maryland Cannabis Legalization Referendum Likely for 2022 Ballots

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D) has indicated that she will support a cannabis legalization referendum on 2022 ballots and announced a plan to create a cannabis workgroup to lay the framework for the industry if the reforms are approved by voters, Maryland Matters reports. Jones said the House “will pass legislation early next year” to put the question to voters.

“While I have personal concerns about encouraging marijuana use, particularly among children and young adults, the disparate criminal justice impact leads me to believe that the voters should have a say in the future of legalization.” — Jones via Maryland Matters

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D) said the chamber would also move forward with advancing adult-use legalization, noting that cannabis is legal in Washington D.C. and that the state “must do the same.”