Louisiana
US State Legislation Cannabis News for Louisiana, Hawaii, Georgia
The TDR Three Key Takeaways regarding Cannabis News and New Legislation:
- Georgia aligns with federal standards for hemp products.
- Louisiana introduces adult-use cannabis legislation.
- Kansas experiences a setback with the rejection of a medical cannabis bill.
Cannabis news has been particularly vibrant this week as states like Louisiana, Hawaii, Georgia, and Kansas have made notable legislative advancements. Anthony Varrell, the Co-host of TDR noted that many of these developments are similar to Florida’s significant progress in developing one of the largest medical cannabis markets during Governor Ron DeSantis’s tenure, which notably included the introduction of smokable flowers. Varrell noted that this marks a significant shift in the traditional narrative of cannabis in red, conservative states.
In Louisiana, recent legislation aims to establish a regulated marijuana market for adults, reflecting a significant change in the state’s approach to cannabis. The bill allows adults to purchase and possess marijuana and permits the cultivation of up to six plants for personal use. Importantly, the legislation provides an opt-out for local governments, enabling them to decide whether or not to host cannabis businesses, which could facilitate the law’s implementation by respecting local preferences.
Meanwhile, Hawaii is advancing in medical marijuana accessibility. The governor has proposed allowing medical marijuana to be prescribed for any condition, expanding beyond the current restrictive program. This progressive step could position Hawaii as a leader in accessible cannabis-based medical treatment, reflecting a broader recognition of the plant’s therapeutic benefits.
Georgia’s focus is slightly different, centering on regulating hemp products, including CBD and delta-8 THC. A bill that aligns state regulations with federal guidelines is awaiting the governor’s signature. This regulation is essential for consumer safety, aiming to standardized testing, packaging, and labeling practices across the state.
However, not all states are moving forward unimpeded. Kansas faced a setback with the rejection of a medical marijuana bill in the state Senate, highlighting the varying degrees of opposition that cannabis legalization efforts still encounter in certain areas.The progressing cannabis legislation in these states reflects changing public opinions and impacts civil liberties, healthcare, and social justice. The recent updates from states like Louisiana, Hawaii, Georgia, and Kansas show significant progress and growing acceptance of marijuana’s uses, which could influence broader national policies.Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research and news, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.
A state lawmaker whose district includes Iberville and nine other parishes will lead the way on the drawing of a new congressional map when the committee convenes Friday.
Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen, will chair the hearings to draw a new congressional district map. He currently serves as chairman of the U.S. Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee.
On Wednesday, Kleinpeter said he has not worked on any maps. He is letting the committee members and the members of the Senate work on this with staff.
The move will come nine days after the U.S. Supreme Court on a 6-3 vote ruled one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black U.S. House districts unconstitutional.
“We can’t base it on race anymore, so the minority party is the Democrats,” he said. “The Democrats have migrated away from the New Orléans area, so we’re looking at Democrats versus Republicans, so the minority party — the Democrats — which means it’s more favored toward Baton Rouge.”
The move would work in favor of incumbent 6th District Congressman Cleo Fields, who was a candidate for the race which Gov. Jeff Lndry suspended in the wake of the Supreme Court decision.
The ruling stemmed from Louisiana vs. Callais – a consolidation of Robinson vs. Callais – that centered on racial gerrymandering and redistricting in the state of Louisiana following the 2020 United States census. The lead plaintiff, Phillip “Bert” Callais, is a resident of Brusly.
The Supreme Court vote came despite the African American population comprising nearly one-third of the state’s population.
According to the 2020 Census, the Black or African American population in Louisiana was approximately 1,464,023,representing 31.4%of the state’s total population. Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of Black residents in the United States, ranking second behind Mississippi.
The Baton Rouge district would likely be the area to undergo the remap, he said.
It amounts to an intricate balancing act.
“What far-right Republicans don’t understand is that with Congress maps, you have to be within 776, 280 votes – within 50 votes of the other districts,” Kleinpeter said. “It’s not like our legislative maps where you can be off by thousands … when you start changing a precinct, it can run down a rabbit hole chasing this precinct over here and over there.
“We can easily draw a really strong nine Republican and one strong Democrat, so if you start watering districts down you could wind up with a 4-2 map.”
Republicans currently have a two-vote super majority vote.
“But some Republican districts are strong and others are weak,” Kleinpeter said. “If you take 58 percent Democrats and put them in Republican districts, you could end up losing Republicans.
“Drawing congress maps is very difficult – you have the leader of the party, and you have the Speaker of the House you have to protect,” he said. “You don’t want to jeopardize their maps at hole.”
One other issue is looming for the state, Kleinpeter said.
“What people don’t understand is that we will have to do this all over again in five years, after the next census comes out,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll people by that time.”
The 2030 Census will play a key role in the process, but it still requires participation.
“I had plenty of next-door neighbors who didn’t want to fill out their census” he said. “I’m going to push to fill out their census. We miss out on federal money and potentially risk losing a seat. “
Neuty, the iconic Bucktown nutria visits the state capitol, with Myra Lacoste, Denny Lacoste, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Dennis Lacoste Sr., and Louisiana state Senator J. Cameron Henry Jr. Neuty was an orphan, rescued by the Lacostes. In March 2023, LDWF agents attempted to confiscate the illegal pet.
VIDALIA, La. — Louisiana State Police arrested 18-year-old Gregory Steele early Sunday morning on two counts of vehicular homicide, one count of underage operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, one count vehicular negligent injuring and one count careless operation, according to Concordia Parish Jail records.
Steele, 18, a white male, was arrested in connection with an accident that occurred at approximately 1:54 a.m. on Sunday morning on Minorca Road in Vidalia. Two passengers in the vehicle were killed. Steele and another passenger were able to escape the vehicle.
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