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Massachusetts Cannabis History A century after becoming the first U.S. state to criminalize recreational cannabis, Massachusetts voters elected to legalize it in 2016, with the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative.  The passage of this law legalized cannabis use for adults 21 and older and created the Cannabis Control Commission to regulate marijuana statewide. Retail sales began in November 2018. Massachusetts Child-Resistant Packaging Rules Massachusetts’ child-resistant packaging and labeling regulations are outlined in the Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana. In order to comply with state law, cannabis labels and packaging must adhere to the following guidelines: Packaging and Labeling: (1)...

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...