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CACR 19

relative to the personal possession of cannabis. Providing that adults 21 years of age or older shall have the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis intended for their personal consumption.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Comtois and 8 co-sponsors

CACR 19 would enshrine a constitutional right for adults 21+ to possess a modest amount of cannabis for personal use, with limits defined later; sale not authorized.

Special Order to next order of business (Rep. A. Murray): MF DV 115-220 03/11/2026 HJ 8 P. 91
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · CACR 19

Summary of CACR 19 — Constitutional Amendment on Personal Possession of Cannabis

Overview

  • Bill Number: CACR 19
  • Title/Purpose: Relative to the personal possession of cannabis. Provides that adults 21 years of age or older shall have the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis intended for their personal consumption.
  • Classification: Constitutional amendment (amends the state constitution).
  • Status: To be introduced on January 7, 2026; referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
  • Introduced: December 1, 2025

What the bill would do

  • Recognizes a constitutional right for adults 21+ to possess a “modest amount” of cannabis for personal use.
  • Establishes possession of cannabis for personal use by eligible adults as a constitutional right, potentially altering or preempting state laws that currently restrict possession.
  • The language emphasizes personal consumption, implying limits on possession quantities and excluding business-related activities (e.g., selling, distributing) unless further addressed by companion or future legislation.

Note: The text provided does not specify the exact quantity deemed “modest,” nor does it outline allowances for use in public spaces, driving, or employer/landlord restrictions. As a constitutional amendment, the specifics may be clarified through implementing statutes or regulatory rulemaking after passage and ratification.

Key provisions and potential changes

  • Rights-based approach: Shifts from a regulatory/criminal framework to a constitutional right for adults to possess cannabis up to a modest amount for personal use.
  • Age threshold: Applies to individuals aged 21 and older.
  • Scope: Focused on personal possession for consumption; does not explicitly authorize sale, distribution, or production (these activities would typically require separate licensing or statutory changes).
  • Legal framework implications: If adopted, existing state statutes governing possession, possession limits, and related offenses would be evaluated to ensure they conform with the constitutional amendment.

Who would be affected

  • Adults 21+ would gain a constitutional right to possess a modest cannabis amount for personal use.
  • Public agencies, law enforcement, and courts would interpret and enforce the new constitutional standard, potentially changing penalties or procedures for possession offenses.
  • Private employers, landlords, and public spaces may face new considerations or require regulations to address workplace safety, housing agreements, and public use, pending implementing legislation.
  • Regulators and legislators would likely be involved in establishing or adjusting implementing rules, defining “modest amount,” and addressing related issues not detailed in the bill text.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • As a constitutional amendment, passage would require approval by voters in a statewide election after legislative adoption.
  • Initial introduction is scheduled for January 7, 2026, with referral to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee for study and potential amendments.
  • If advanced, the amendment would proceed through the usual constitutional amendment process (potentially including a general election referendum).

Potential implications to monitor

  • Definition of “modest amount” and any accompanying caps or conditions.
  • Interaction with existing state laws on cannabis production, distribution, taxation, and public consumption.
  • How law enforcement, public safety, and civil rights considerations are addressed in implementing legislation.
  • Dates for potential voter approval and any transitional provisions if the amendment is adopted.

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

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