Louisiana lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill in committee to impose fees and set up a marijuana business licensing system if legalization is enacted, while another measure to bring the state’s hemp program up to speed with federal regulations also advanced. The licensing legislation from Rep. Richard Nelson (R) cleared the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 9-2. It would establish a $2,500 annual fee for cannabis business licenses and a $100 annual fee for a personal cultivation permit. Additionally, it would stipulate that, if the state takes in more dollars from those fees than it needs to cover administrative costs, those excess funds would go to individual municipalities and law enforcement. Members adopted an amendment that outlines penalties for violating the law and also describes the responsibilities of the commissioner of the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC), including collecting and administering fees and penalties.
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 04/29/2021 13:29:00