New Marijuana Legislation to Take Note of: July 2021

Posted: July 09, 2021

It’s been a busy year for marijuana legislation so far with four states legalizing cannabis in 2021: New York, Virginia, New Mexico, and Connecticut.

Here are a few midyear updates on new marijuana legislation:

Connecticut Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

Connecticut is the 19^th state to legalize recreational marijuana with its new law that took effect on July 1, 2021. The legislation makes recreational marijuana legal for adults over 21 years old who are now allowed to possess up to one and a half ounces of marijuana. While Connecticut legalized medicinal marijuana in 2012, it has dealt with many failed attempts at legalizing marijuana for recreational use over the years.

In response to this new legislation, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is hoping to issue licenses to grow and sell marijuana by the end of 2022. The new Connecticut law could have a significant positive economic impact on the state with the University of Connecticut estimating that the marijuana industry could generate between $784 million and $952 million in state revenue over the next five years. Governor Lamont has also vocalized that the new legislation will address disproportionate convictions within communities of color caused by the nation’s drug policies. To support this, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection will reportedly distribute half of all selling licenses to low-income applicants.

Virginia’s New Marijuana Legislation

In addition to Connecticut’s new marijuana legislation, there is new marijuana legislation in Virginia. As of July 1, it is now legal for adults over the age of 21 in Virginia to possess one ounce of cannabis and the personal cultivation of up to four plants at home is also legal.

South Dakota’s Marijuana Ballot Initiatives

South Dakota voters approved separate ballot initiatives to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use during the November 2020 election but they are currently tied up due to legal challenges.

New Mexico’s New Marijuana Legislation

In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation in April legalizing recreational marijuana use as of June 29, 2021. The state will begin marijuana sales next year.

Marijuana Hurdles in New York State

New York became the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana on March 31, 2021, although as of June of 2021, the state hadn’t designated a control board or agency to regulate a legal marijuana industry. Without this structure in place, there is no way for people to buy it or grow marijuana themselves.

Keeping up with the ever-changing marijuana laws can make your head spin, so Info Cubic is here to help keep track of drug laws and help with all of your compliance needs. For specific questions on marijuana use in your state, please contact us at (877) 360-4636.

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