CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia House of Delegates is set to convene Thursday morning for the introduction of a number of bills and a pair of resolutions, one of which could impact the legality of cannabis in the State of West Virginia.
One of two resolutions which looks to be introduced in the sessions for Thursday, January 26, 2023, HJR21 – a joint resolution – could see a state constitutional amendment to allow for the possession, manufacture, and sale of cannabis.
The resolution boasts a number of sponsors, including Delegates Hornbuckle, Fluharty, Skaff, Young, Kirby, Garcia, Dean, Bridges, Smith, Pushkin and McGeehan, and upon successful introduction will go to the Health and Human Resources Committee followed by the Judiciary.
The resolution is one of two to be introduced Thursday, and will follow the introduction of HJR20 which entails the Right to Farm and Ranch Amendment. Sponsors for this resolution include Delegates Thorne, Horst, Kirby, Pinson, Dillon, A. Hall, Dittman, Hornby, Householder and Miller, and upon successful introduction will go to Agriculture and Natural Resources then the Judiciary.
A resolution is distinct in that it acts as a legislative proposal which does not require action by the governor if adopted by the Legislature. The three types of resolutions considered by the West Virginia Legislature include joint, concurrent, and simple.
HJR20 and HJR21 – as their names would suggest – are joint resolutions. These types of resolutions propose amendments to the State Constitution. These proposals are then placed on the ballot to be voted on by the people in a special or general election.
Additional LOOTPRESS legislative coverage can be found here.