What’s in latest cannabis bill

A special session bill filed Tuesday in the state House includes many similarities and some key differences from a bill that stalled during this year’s 60-day session. Here are some key provisions:

A Cannabis Control Division would be created within the state Regulation and Licensing Department to oversee the marijuana industry.

A person 21 or older would be allowed to buy up to 2 ounces of cannabis at once, or 16 grams of cannabis extract or 800 milligrams of edible cannabis. Consumers couldn’t possess any more than that outside their homes.

Retail sales would be subject to a 12% excise tax initially, with gross receipts taxes levied on top of that, for a total tax rate of about 20%. The excise tax would climb eventually to 18%, pushing the total tax rate to somewhere around 26%, under an amendment adopted by the House tax committee.

Employers could also establish “drug-free workplace” policies allowing for discipline or termination of any employee who tests positive.

The state would set yearly plant count limits on larger licensees, based on consumer demand, with the limits being repealed Dec. 31, 2025.

A person could grow up to six mature cannabis plants and six immature plants for personal consumption. A limit of 12 mature plants would be imposed per household.

Retail sales would begin by no later than April 1 of next year.

Local jurisdictions could impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions that limit operating times or the density of licensed cannabis businesses.

Consumption could be allowed in indoor or outdoor areas of cannabis establishments.