Vote on Marijuana Legalization Delayed Again

A vote on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use and possession in Louisiana is once again delayed on the House floor.

LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s clear this bill is close to passing, but the bill author just doesn’t have enough support at the moment to call for a vote.

“I don’t think the author or any legislator is keen on the idea of forcing lawmakers to vote on this issue if it is not going to pass,” said Alford. “I don’t think they want to force a tough vote like this unless they absolutely have to.”

The bill would legalize possession and use for those over the age of 21. A companion bill would set the licensing fees for personal and commercial growth of the plant, currently at 100 and 2,500 dollars respectively.

Alford said the bill has everything going against it right now except broad public support, but he warned against giving up on it just yet.

“Public opinion is clearly on the side of legalizing but then you also have sheriffs, district attorneys, and other law enforcement outfits who are against this issue,” said Alford.

Alford said it is also possible the bill is dead for the session but just like medical marijuana it could find success after a few more attempts.

“If you look at the medicinal side it took a couple of times for the bill to be brought up before the medicinal program was created and then once it was created it was slowly expanded over time,” said Alford.

The bill by Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson currently is set to be heard Wednesday.