WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 111

DRUGS: Creates the Louisiana Recreational Cannabis Policy Task Force

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Denise Marcelle

Creates a task force to study Louisiana recreational cannabis legalization, focusing on economics, regulation, public health, equity, and policy options, with a 2027 report.

Involuntarily deferred in committee.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 111

Summary of Bill: HCR 111 (2026, Louisiana) – Louisiana Recreational Cannabis Policy Task Force

Purpose and intent

  • Creates a Louisiana Recreational Cannabis Policy Task Force to study and develop findings and recommendations regarding the potential legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana in Louisiana.
  • Seeks to inform legislative decision-making with a data-driven assessment that considers economic, regulatory, public health, criminal justice, and social equity factors, tailored to Louisiana’s context.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Task Force creation: Establishes a formal, multidisciplinary body—the Louisiana Recreational Cannabis Policy Task Force.
  • Study scope and deliverables:
    • Economic impacts: projected state and local tax revenues and overall industry development.
    • Regulatory framework: taxation structures (including wholesale valuation models and point-of-sale taxes).
    • Licensing: potential population-based licensing caps and measures to prevent market monopolization.
    • Public health: youth access, product safety, and consumption limits.
    • Criminal justice and law enforcement: anticipated impacts.
    • Social equity: policies to promote participation by disproportionately impacted communities.
    • Medical marijuana program: potential interactions or impacts on the current medical regimen.
    • Supply chain regulation: testing, transportation, and seed-to-sale tracking systems.
  • Composition: 8 members plus ex officio leaders, including:
    • Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health (or designee).
    • One statewide law enforcement representative (appointed by the president of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association).
    • One representative from the medical marijuana industry (appointed by the House Speaker).
    • One representative from a licensed cannabis cultivation/processing entity.
    • One representative from a retail marijuana advocacy organization (appointed by the state representative from House District 61).
    • One public health expert with substance-use policy experience (appointed by the governor).
    • One representative with economic development or tax policy experience (appointed by the Senate president).
  • Leadership and operations:
    • The chair is chosen by a majority vote of the task force members.
    • A quorum requires a majority of the task force members.
    • The Louisiana Department of Health provides staff support, administrative assistance, and facilities as needed.
  • Reporting timeline:
    • The task force must deliver a written report detailing findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than February 1, 2027.
  • Formalities:
    • The resolution directs transmission of copies to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the executive director of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, and the governor.

Who is affected

  • Louisiana policymakers and legislators will receive the task force’s findings to inform potential future action.
  • The Louisiana Department of Health will provide staff and logistical support.
  • Stakeholders in the cannabis sector (medical marijuana industry, licensed cultivators/processors, and advocates for retail cannabis) are represented on the task force.
  • Public health, law enforcement, economic development, and tax policy communities are explicitly included through appointed members.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: House Concurrent Resolution; creates a temporary, purpose-specific task force.
  • Duration: Task force to operate through early 2027 to produce a formal report.
  • Report due date: February 1, 2027.
  • Actions following the report are not specified within the bill but could influence future legislative decisions.

Overall impact

  • The bill does not authorize recreational cannabis but sets up a structured, data-driven study to evaluate feasibility, design considerations, and potential policy pathways for legalization and regulation in Louisiana.
  • It emphasizes social equity, revenue potential, public health safeguards, and regulatory integrity as central pillars for any future policy decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.