"Neither adult use legalization bill introduced in Maryland has advanced ahead of today’s crossover deadline, meaning the legislature is not ready to move forward with legalization this year. However, bill sponsors are working on amendments that could be considered after crossover to set the stage for equitable legalization next year," said Olivia Naugle, MPP's legislative analyst.

Opinion piece from MPP Senior Legislative Analyst Matt Simon: "New Hampshire’s medical cannabis law passed in 2013 with strong bipartisan support, but cultivation remains a felony offense in the so-called “Live Free or Die” state. Since medical cannabis is not covered by health insurance, patients who are on fixed incomes struggle to afford it. And since there are only a few dispensaries in the state, accessibility remains a major obstacle for patients who live in remote areas."

"We are disappointed in the inaction to legalize cannabis for adult-use in Maryland this year. This means another year of Marylanders being subjected to the harms of prohibition—including thousands of life-altering stops, searches, and arrests for cannabis," said Olivia Naugle, MPP's legislative analyst.

Elsewhere in the U.S., a small number of cities, including in California, have authorized marijuana lounges. But Chris Lindsey, director of government relations with the Marijuana Policy Project, said on-site consumption is so new, "we don't know yet if it's a great business model." Lindsey said providing a place for people to use cannabis legally has been a driver in the push for these sites.

"Banking reforms are a logical short-term solution before sweeping federal legalization measures move forward on Capitol Hill, says Chris Lindsey, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project."

"Unlike Gov. Noem, we can’t use taxpayer money from the hardworking people of South Dakota to fight our political battles," said Matthew Schweich, MPP's deputy director / SDBML campaign director.

"We know that a majority of Texans support decriminalizing marijuana, and it’s time for politicians in Austin to listen to them," said Matthew Schweich, MPP's deputy director.

"States are bringing in tens-to-hundreds of millions of dollars every year in cannabis taxes and fees. The regulatory costs pale in comparison to what is being brought in," said Karen O'Keefe, MPP's director of state policies.

"We’re hopeful that 2021 may be the year Delaware ends its failed war on marijuana. Instead of sending cannabis consumers across the bridge to New Jersey, the First State can create good jobs and new small businesses, while generating tens of millions in tax dollars. Voters overwhelmingly support legalization, and elected officials are increasingly taking notice," said Karen O'Keefe, MPP's director of state policies.

"Maintaining felony penalties for home cultivation is completely unacceptable in a state that puts ‘Live Free or Die’ on its license plates," said Matt Simon, MPP's senior legislative analyst.