Rising support for recreational marijuana use in Louisiana could push state lawmakers to pass a bill this session that would pave the way for parish-by-parish votes on legalization, according to the bill’s author.
State Rep. Richard Nelson (R-Mandeville) sponsored House Bill 524, which would place a proposition on parish ballots on Nov. 8, 2022, that would ask voters whether they want to legalize the possession and distribution of cannabis products for those 21 and older. Recreational use would get the go-ahead in those parishes where the majority voted in favor of the plan, which involves decriminalizing marijuana and regulating it under the direction of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. It received a boost from a new survey by JMC Analytics and Polling showing that 67 percent of voters in the state favor legalizing marijuana for both medicinal and recreational uses – a 13 percent jump over the share of voters favoring legalization last year.
“The JMC poll showing two-thirds of the state supports legalization is right in line with the support I have seen in my district,” Nelson told the Louisiana Record in an email. “It shows people are ready to stop wasting resources on marijuana enforcement and prefer to have a safe, regulated industry where the money goes to support our police, roads and schools instead of funding drug dealers and cartels.”
The chances of HB 524 passing this year are good in light of the changing public sentiments on the issue, he said.
“I think the legislature recognizes the significant shift in public opinion on marijuana, and I have high hopes they will support my bill to let the people decide for themselves,” Nelson said.
The poll, which was conducted March 22 and March 23, found substantial majorities across the political spectrum expressed a favorable view of marijuana usage. But unlike other age groups, only about one-third of those 65 and older favor the legalization of both recreational and medicinal marijuana, the survey found.
The bill would only allow the cultivation, transport and manufacture of marijuana products by those who have obtained licenses from LDH officials.