Democrats in the Iowa House of Representatives proposed legislation Feb. 21 that would legalize adult-use cannabis.
The measure, which has not yet been formally introduced in the House, would legalize the possession of cannabis up to 500 mg of THC for adults 21 years and older and would regulate and establish a 10% excise tax on adult-use cannabis sales. Iowa counties could also place an additional 1% surcharge on state and local taxes, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported.
"With strong support from Iowans and neighboring states that have already approved, it's time to legalize marijuana for adult use," House Minority Rep. Lindsay James said. "The comprehensive bill we are introducing today will keep Iowans safe, stop our tax dollars from going to neighboring states, improve the quality of life for Iowans suffering from chronic illnesses, and stop wasting state resources to unfairly punish Iowans."
Adult-use sales tax revenue would be used to fund Iowa schools, mental health services, and local public safety, according to the news outlet.
The bill would also reduce penalties for cannabis possession. The penalty for possessing up to a half-ounce or less of cannabis would be reclassified as a civil penalty, while other possession penalties would be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Moreover, individuals could "expunge their criminal records of possession two years after a conviction if no violent offenses are committed during that period," the news outlet reported.
House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said lawmakers have listened to Iowans from all parties, and many of them believe it's time to legalize cannabis.
"This commonsense bill we're introducing today isn't about politics; it's about people," Konfrst said. "Our bill is an opportunity this session to put partisanship aside and work together to get something done that a majority of Iowans want."
Despite this, the bill would have to pass through the state's Republican-led legislature, and Republican lawmakers previously said they do not anticipate any cannabis laws to pass this year, the news outlet reported.
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