House Bill No. by Representative Newell 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, 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 removing criminal penalties associated with marijuana possession and distribution, contingent upon the election's outcome. It repeals certain provisions related to marijuana in the current law, specifically R.S. 40:964(Schedule I)(C)(19) and 966(D)(1), and amends R.S. 40:966(B)(2) and (C)(2) to reflect these changes. The effective date for the new provisions will be August 1, 2024, if the proposition is approved, while the repeal of the specified sections will take effect on or before August 1, 2026, contingent upon the successful establishment of a regulatory framework for marijuana sales.

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