A top Maryland lawmaker has pre-filed a bill to put marijuana legalization on the state’s 2022 ballot. The text of the legislation from Del. Luke Clippinger (D)—who serves as chairman of a cannabis workgroup that’s been studying the issue—was posted online on Wednesday. The bill, which seeks to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, has been designated House Bill 1, signaling that it will be prioritized. It’s set to be formally introduced at the start of next year’s session on January 12 and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee, which Clippinger also chairs. House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D) has been working to get the legislature in a good position to advance the reform quickly, announcing the formation of a cannabis workgroup this summer and stating that lawmakers “will pass legislation early next year” to refer the question of legalization to voters. If passed in the legislature, the following question would go on the November ballot: “Do you favor the legalization of adult–use cannabis in the State of Maryland?”
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 12/23/2021 11:36:00