House adopts conference report on Issue 2 implementation; supporters stress local revenue and safeguards, opponents decry rollbacks of voter intent

The House voted to adopt a conference report that implements Issue 2 (the statewide adult‑use cannabis constitutional amendment) but reflects later federal changes and Senate edits. Sponsors said the conference report preserves core house priorities — expanded expungement, home grow, sharing between adults, restrictions on marketing to minors, and a 36% host‑community allocation of marijuana tax revenues.

Representative Stewart, a conference co‑sponsor, told members "This bill still includes 36% of marijuana revenues being dispersed to our local host communities," and urged members to support the report so localities can begin receiving funds. Supporters noted federal action treating intoxicating hemp as subject to federal constraints altered parts of the original plan for hemp products and certain THC beverage rules; the conference text narrows some hemp provisions to reflect enforceable federal law.

Opponents said the conference report retrenches on the letter and spirit of the voter initiative by recriminalizing some possession paths, narrowing expedited expungements, and withholding host community funds for a period. Representative Sweeney and others argued the House could have acted sooner to eliminate easily‑sold intoxicating hemp products to minors and to release the host‑community funds that voters expected.

The conference report was adopted by a roll‑call vote (52–34). Sponsors said the enactment is a first step in a continuing legislative process and encouraged additional bills to refine implementation.