News — regulations

Maryland Cannabis History While recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Maryland, medical use of marijuana is legal for patients and caregivers registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). While recreational use remains illegal, possession of 10 grams or less was decriminalized in 2014.  In 2019, a task force began investigating the potential for adult use legalization in the state. In 2021, HB 32 Legalization and Regulation (Inclusion, Restoration, and Rehabilitation Act of 2021) was introduced, which would legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana and expunge prior cannabis related convictions.  Another concurrent bill, HB 708, seeks to clarify and harmonize...

Louisiana Cannabis History While recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Louisiana, medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients and available for purchase at state-approved pharmacies. Louisiana Act no 874 legalized medical marijuana use in 1991, but was heavily restricted.  In June 2018, Edwards signed HB 579 and HB 627, which expanded the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana and called on LSU and Southern University to conduct research on the medicinal value of marijuana. 2020’s HB 819 both expanded the list of qualifying conditions and made it obsolete by allowing physicians to recommend marijuana for any debilitating condition they are qualified to treat if they...

Kentucky Cannabis History Despite a lengthy history of industrial hemp cultivation in the state, cannabis use is currently illegal in Kentucky.  The only exception is hemp-derived CBD oil with no more than 0.3% THC. A 2019 Kentucky Health Issues Poll revealed that over 90% of Kentucky adults favor the legalization of medical marijuana in the state, and 59% favor its legalization for any purpose. On February 20, 2020, the Kentucky House of Representatives voted 65-30 to pass a medical cannabis bill, HB 136, which was later derailed when the Senate adjourned due to COVID-19.  However, the bill was reintroduced in...

Kansas Cannabis History Cannabis use in Kansas is fully illegal, with the exception of THC-free CBD oil.  CBD oil was legalized in 2018 with the passage of SB 282 which exempted CBD oil from the definition of marijuana. In 2019, Claire and Lola’s law allows patients with specific diagnosed illnesses to possess CBD products containing up to 5 percent THC. Most recently in 2021, SB92, a medical cannabis bill was introduced.  If passed, this bill would allow registered patients to use, grow, and safely access medical cannabis, making Kansas the 37th state to legalize medical cannabis. Kansas Child-Resistant Packaging Rules With nebulous state laws surrounding...