In a recent poll by Goucher College, it was found that the majority of Maryland voters support cannabis legalization.
The poll, which surveyed 1,008 Maryland residents, found that 59% of respondents would vote in favor of legalizing cannabis if the issue were to be put on the ballot, while 34% said they would vote against it. Only 7% of respondents were undecided on the issue.
In April, Maryland state lawmakers passed House Bill 1 to create a Constitutional Amendment that voters are set to consider. According to Ganjapeneur, the legalization question is expected in November ballots.
If the law passes, the amendment would legalize adult-use cannabis starting July 1, 2023.
Lawmakers also approved a companion bill that includes automatic expungement of any previous simple cannabis possession charges, resentencing for anyone currently held in a jail or state prison on a cannabis-related conviction, and would establish a study to investigate potential public health concerns including patterns of use and impaired driving statistics. The bill also contains a foundation for social equity opportunities in Maryland’s cannabis industry.
While medical cannabis is already legal in Maryland, the efforts to pass adult-use legalization have stalled. These recent movements will hopefully help push the process along.
Ultimately, the decision will lie with voters.
