Committee amends H.321 to delay transfer of cannabis excise revenue, removes new enforcement position

Summary

Lawmakers reviewed H.321, which changes licensing, fees and regulatory powers for cannabis; debate centered on moving 70% of excise tax into the Cannabis Regulation Fund and a proposed enforcement attorney position. The committee adopted an amendment removing the transfer and the position and directed further review next year.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on May 20 debated changes in H.321 to cannabis licensing, fees and where excise-tax revenue would be deposited, and approved an amendment removing a provision to transfer 70% of cannabis excise tax to the Cannabis Regulation Fund and to create a full‑time enforcement attorney position.

The bill, described section‑by‑section by Kirby Gee, explains new license types (including a “trim and harvest” service license), rulemaking authority for the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), background‑check procedures, packaging and date‑labeling requirements and a pilot for cannabis sales events. Chris Rook of the fiscal office summarized anticipated budget effects and costs.

The amendment adopted by the committee strikes the provision that would, starting fiscal year 2027, direct 70% of the state cannabis excise tax into the Cannabis Regulation Fund rather than the general fund, and removes language creating a full‑time enforcement attorney position for the CCB. The committee members who recorded their votes on the amendment…

Committee amends H.321 to delay transfer of cannabis excise revenue, removes new enforcement position

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading