Bill > HB837

This bill: Requires the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission, in consultation with various stakeholders, to conduct a comprehensive baseline study on cannabis use in the state, including patterns of use, incidents of impaired driving, hospitalizations, calls to poison control, and diagnoses of cannabis use disorder. The Commission must submit reports on the findings of the baseline study and subsequent biennial surveys. Alters provisions related to penalties, charging procedures, expungement, shielding, and sentencing for certain offenses involving cannabis. Specifically, it reduces penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis, reclassifies some cannabis-related offenses as civil rather than criminal, and expands eligibility for expungement of certain cannabis-related convictions. Legalizes the use and possession of a personal use amount (up to 1.5 ounces) of cannabis by individuals 21 and older, and establishes a civil use amount (up to 2.5 ounces) with reduced penalties. Establishes the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council to study and make recommendations on various public health issues related to cannabis use and legalization, and creates a Cannabis Public Health Fund to support the Council's work and other cannabis-related public health initiatives. Creates the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund to provide grants and loans to small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses entering the adult-use cannabis industry, with a focus on populations and individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Establishes the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, funded by at least 30% of adult-use cannabis revenues, to support community-based initiatives in areas most impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition laws.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0837?ys=2022RS