On Sunday, August 1, HB 652 took effect in Louisiana, which created cannabis decriminalization laws. Anyone found carrying 14 grams or less of raw cannabis will only be fined $100. There will also be no threat of jail time. Governor John Bel Edwards, D, has steadily approved moderate reform measures regarding cannabis. 

“This is not a decision I took lightly,” the governor said in a press release following the signing of HB 652. “[T]he state of Louisiana should no longer incarcerate people for minor legal infractions…that can ruin lives and destroy families. This measure passed Louisiana’s Legislature with bipartisan support following a robust discussion on the toll of over incarceration on our people and our state. Taking this action is another step forward to Louisiana’s criminal justice reform efforts.”

New Laws

Representative Cedric Glover, D, wrote HB 652. He is excited about what the future holds for Louisiana and the rest of the country regarding decriminalization. 

“When I saw two city council members in my hometown of Shreveport—one conservative and one progressive—come together to decriminalize personal-use marijuana possession there, I knew it was time to take this reform to the state level,” Representative Glover said. “Criminalizing marijuana possession is harmful to the people of Louisiana in so many ways, but it’s been particularly harmful for Black and Brown communities, lower-income folks, and young people. My fervent hope is that this new law will finally bring some relief and a feeling of freedom to those communities.”

Now, Representative Glover has partnered with Louisiana Progress. This organization helps keep transparency and accountability an available option for communities across the state. Together with Representative Glover, a Frequently Asked Questions page for the new decriminalization. The group, along with Representative Glover, have opened their social media pages to the community. Should any further questions arise, Representative Glover and Louisiana Progress will work to find an answer. 

“This is a much-needed policy change for Louisiana,” Carly Wolf, the manager of NORML State Policies said in a press release. Wolf said this change would help end the ‘racially discriminatory policy’ of enforcing “minor marijuana possession.” She added law enforcement could now focus on “fighting legitimate crime.”

Legalization

While decriminalization is in effect now, recreational cannabis legalization fell short this past session. Governor Edwards has been for reform, but is one of the few democratic governors against full recreational cannabis legalization. However, he said legalization will come to the state eventually. Louisiana is on track to be the first state in the Deep South to legalize recreational usage. Similarly, Louisiana became the first Deep South state to legalize medical cannabis in 2016.

Any new reform measures will wait until the next regular session in 2022. Should any recreational cannabis measures become introduced, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.