House Bill No. [insert number] proposes a statewide election on November 5, 2024, to determine whether the possession, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinols, or their chemical derivatives should be decriminalized for individuals aged 21 and older in Louisiana. If the majority of voters approve the proposition, the bill stipulates that these activities will no longer be considered criminal offenses, and the state will subsequently enact regulations and a sales tax for marijuana sales. Conversely, if the proposition is rejected, marijuana will remain illegal under current law.

The bill also includes amendments to existing laws, specifically repealing certain provisions related to marijuana penalties and removing criminal penalties associated with marijuana possession contingent upon the election's outcome. Notably, it amends R.S. 40:966(B)(2) and (C)(2) to eliminate references to marijuana in the context of criminal penalties, while enacting R.S. 40:989.4 to outline the election process and ballot language. The effective date for the new provisions is set for August 1, 2024, with further implementation contingent upon the election results and legislative action by August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB649 Original: 40:966(B)(2), 40:964(S, 40:966(D)(1)