Previously, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (D) had been against legalizing recreational cannabis within the state. For years, on a radio show where people could call in once a month to ask questions, his answer remained the same. It’s not something he’s comfortable with and not really interested in legalizing it. 

However, in his most recent Governor Update, Governor Edwards said that he now showed ‘great interest’ in the legalization bills currently in the state’s chambers. This is not him endorsing the bill. In fact it’s far from it. But he will consider it just as much as any other bill that may come across his desk.

“As I almost always do, I will take a look at the bill as it arrives on my desk and see what it contains and what amendments have been added to it,” Governor Edwards said in the update. “I’m not going to speculate now on that, but I do have great interest in that bill and what it says, especially if it does make it up to the fourth floor. I’ll take a look at it at that point and then make sure that you all know exactly how I feel about it.”

HB 524

The bill that Governor Edwards is interested in is HB 524. This bill, sponsored by Representative Richard Nelson (R), would legalize the recreational sales of cannabis within Louisiana. Adults 21 and over can purchase and carry up to 2.5 pounds of cannabis from a licensed dispensary. Plus, those who want to grow cannabis at home can grow up to six plants. That is, if they have a state issues permit. 

Now, Representative Nelson’s bill doesn’t have a tax structure for the regulated cannabis market in it. But a partner bill that Representative Nelson also endorses, HB 440, established that much needed structure. 

Public Response

In a recent poll, Louisiana residents showed a 67 percent approval rating for both medical and recreational cannabis legalization. This approval became a main point of focus for lawmakers when they began debating the passage of HB 524 and HB 440. To know that the people want what they are working towards does create a sort of validation for the work that lawmakers do. 

There is still uncertainty if HB 524 will make it out of the House, where it’s next discussion is to take place. If it passes the House, then it moves to individual Senate committees before the whole Senate votes. If the Senate votes and adds amendments to the bill, then it must return to the House. Representatives need to approve of the changes on both sides before the bill is sent to the governor’s desk. If the bill makes it that far, then Governor Edwards will take this bill into consideration. However, he could still veto the bill if he believes it’s not good for the people of Louisiana. Only time will tell.

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