House Marijuana Legalization Bill Coming Soon, CO Doubles Legal Pot Possession Amounts, More... (5/21/21)

The House could see a marijuana legalization bill as early as next week, an Illinois marijuana social equity bill heads for a state House floor vote, and more.

House Marijuana Legalization Bill Could Be Filed as Early as Next Week. House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) could refile the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act as soon as next week, according to Capitol Hill sources. This year's version omits language that would have barred people with marijuana convictions from being able to operate in the legal industry. And it adds language that broadens help for economically disenfranchised people.

Colorado Governor Signs Bill Doubling Legal Possession Amounts. Governor Jared Polis (D) on Thursday signed into law House Bill 21-1090, which doubles the amount of marijuana adults can legally possess from one ounce to two ounces. It also streamlines the record-sealing process for past marijuana possession convictions and expands record-sealing eligibility to include additional marijuana offenses. The new law takes effect immediately.

Illinois Marijuana Social Equity Bill Heads for House Floor Vote. A bill designed to increase participation in the legal marijuana industry for people from distressed communities, House Bill 1443, is now headed for a House floor vote. "The bill will correct a flawed license lottery system that has prevented minorities from ownership in the industry," Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) the bill's chief sponsor, said during a news conference Thursday.

Medical Marijuana

Colorado Bill to Restrict Concentrates Causes Uproar. A bill that would bring new medical marijuana restrictions, House Bill 21-1317, is generating resistance from parents of child medical marijuana patients, who say it would cause severe barriers to their care. The bill would require physicians to include THC potency level, daily quantity, and directions for use. The bill also imposes new restrictions on medical marijuana for young adults in the 18-to-20 group, who would be required to see two physicians from different practices in order to qualify.