Maryland Voters Will Decide If Recreational Marijuana Should Be Legalized

Maryland voters will have an opportunity to decide to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in this upcoming election. The new law could also forgive those convicted of simple marijuana possession. Nineteen other states legalized cannabis usage, and Marylanders hope that the state will become the 20th.

If voters agree to the new plan, as of July 1, 2023, those 21 or older would be able to use recreational marijuana and possess 1.5 ounces. The new law would also allow Marylanders to grow at least two weed plants on private property as long as it is out of sight.

“No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana,” President Biden said. “ While white and black and brown people use marijuana at the same rates, black and brown people are arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionately higher rates.”

The Biden Administration announced a complete pardon for all prior federal convictions for marijuana offenses earlier this month. The President urged the states to do the same and grant freedom to those convinced of simple marijuana possession in their states and local jurisdictions.

According to the ACLU’s original analysis, marijuana arrests now lead to half of all drug arrests in the United States. After studying the data, studies show a trend of racial bias. Even though the users are all equivalent across the board, Blacks are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana.

Marylands’ current law states that the simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor. Depending on the amount, a person can be punished by imprisonment for up to 6 months, fines, or both. In 2014, possessing small amounts of marijuana became a civil penalty instead of a criminal.

Maryland’s governor Larry Hogan(R), made it very clear that he would not be signing nor vetoing the bill. Instead, voters will determine the outcome.

Maryland lawmakers voted 96 — 34. on a bill that would make the recreational use of marijuana legal. Because the majority voted, the constitutional amendment will be sent to the Senate.

House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, Baltimore County Democratic Representative, said, “we are creating a new industry and significantly reforming our criminal justice system. I want to be very clear about where public sentiment is.” She continued, “We put it on the ballot so voters can decide.”