As the Maryland General Assembly’s annual 90-day legislation looms next month, the decision to legalize marijuana could become a major topic in Annapolis. State lawmakers held various virtual sessions inviting health and policy experts on safety and policy recommendations, criminal justice impacts, and education such as how marijuana comes from a part of the cannabis plant. One major reason legalizing the drug remains a key to possibly place on a voter referendum next year: to ensure Black and Latino entrepreneurs can participate in the mainly cash-business industry. “I am in full support of it,” said Fort Washington resident Vernon Wade, 57, owner of Wade Enterprises who’s studying environmental science at the University of the District of Columbia. “The minority students want to know how they can be involved in it. They feel they are being left out. Equity is key.” The House Cannabis Legalization workgroup held several online meetings including the final one for this year on Dec. 1 focusing on taxation. Carl Davis, research director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Northwest, said taxes on recreational cannabis are assessed based on price and quantity.
Mmp News Author, Medical Marijuana Program Connection, 12/09/2021 20:06:00