A governor once outspoken against cannabis legalization now says it will come to Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards (D) has spent years, as both the governor and a congressman, speaking out against recreational cannabis. With a few measures in the state’s congress, he said he’s showing interest in what the bills could offer.
Radio Show
For several years, Governor Edwards has worked with local radio stations to broadcast a monthly series called “Ask the Governor”. He answers questions for citizens and discusses a wide range of topics that interest him and voters alike. It airs statewide every third Wednesday of the month at 2pm.
“I look forward to talking with folks from all walks of life who care about our great state, and I want to better understand how the challenges we’re facing impact them,” Governor Edwards says about the radio show. “I’m convinced that there is more that unites us than divides us, and by talking with one another, we can learn from one another.”
Latest Episode
In the most recent episode of “Ask the Governor” that aired this week, Louisiana Governor Edwards spent a good amount of time discussing recreational cannabis legalization.
“In the past, as a legislator and as governor, I’ve been opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana,” the governor stated. “I will tell you, I have come to believe that it is going to happen in Louisiana eventually.”
“I suspect you’re going to see a lot of interest and studying the other states and making sure that we have a clear path forward,” he continued. “One of the things that I’ve always said is that before we do it here, we need to make sure we study and learn all the lessons to be learned. I think there’s a growing number of people who are sort of where I am, not quite comfortable yet but understanding that we’re likely to get there.”
While the governor hasn’t made an official statement on his opinion, for or against legalization, he understands change is coming to Louisiana.
Legalization
Unfortunately it seems that Louisiana citizens will have to wait another year to see it happen. HB 699, which has received much support among lawmakers, stalled in the House before it got a discussion and vote. Recently, the House chamber stalled a complementary bill to HB 699. It would create a tax structure should recreational cannabis be legalized. Since it didn’t pass, HB 699’s sponsor, Representative Richard Nelson (R), has pulled his bill from further discussion.
The Louisiana legislative session ends soon. The likelihood of HB 699 being presented to a full chamber, let alone receive a positive vote, is becoming slim.
Future
For 2021, it seems that recreational cannabis legalization will not be coming to Louisiana. But there is always 2022, especially with an open mind from the governor. If more information develops, we will be sure to update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.