Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) recently signed into law bills to regulate hemp products in the state and decriminalize the possession of cannabis paraphernalia, Marijuana Moment reported. Landry also vetoed a proposal that would have enabled him and future state governors to pardon people with prior cannabis convictions.
The hemp regulations bill was only approved after House lawmakers first rejected a competing Senate bill that would have effectively ended the state’s booming hemp products industry. The regulations restrict the types of products that are allowed to contain hemp-derived THC and limit the amount per serving of THC for such products.
Originally sponsored by state Rep. Delisha Boyd (D), the cannabis paraphernalia decriminalization law will limit the penalty for the possession, use, and/or sale of cannabis-related paraphernalia to a $100 fine, aligning with penalties under the state’s current cannabis decriminalization policy. The new paraphernalia-related rules will take effect on August 1, 2024.
“This common-sense bill reduces the penalties and fines for possession of marijuana paraphernalia. It’s a step forward in our efforts for fair and sensible legislation. Effective 8/1/24, the penalties and fines will not be more than the penalties nor fines for the possession of less than 14 grams of marijuana. Let’s continue moving towards more just and equitable laws for all.” — Boyd, via Marijuana Moment
Meanwhile, recent polling in Louisiana found that 7 in 10 residents support adult-use cannabis legalization, and 9 in 10 support medical cannabis legalization, the report said.
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