Opinion: As cannabis legalization looms, do you hear the screws turning again?

During the 2021 General Assembly session, the first comprehensive legalization bill, House Bill 32 — The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, Inclusion, Restoration and Rehabilitation Act of 2021 — was introduced and championed by Del. Jazz Lewis. His legislation focused on racial and social justice, ended cannabis prohibition in Maryland, and replaced it with a system to tax and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and older. In the last session, the legislature punted the issue to a referendum on this November’s ballot, which by all accounts appears to enjoy the support of 60%+ of voters.