DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 649 Original 2024 Regular Session Newell
Abstract: Enacts a proposition election to determine if marijuana usage should be decriminalized.
Present law provides for the regulation of Controlled Dangerous Substances, and prohibits the
possession, distribution, dispensing, or possession with intent to distribute or dispense marijuana.
Proposed law authorizes the conducting of an election on Nov. 5, 2024, to determine whether the
possession, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinols, or chemical derivatives
thereof by persons 21 years of age or older should no longer be a criminal offense in the state of La.
Proposed law provides that if a majority of the electors approve the proposition, then the possession,
distribution, or dispensing of marijuana by persons 21 years of age or older shall no longer be a
criminal offense subject to law subsequently enacted to provide for the regulation and taxation of
marijuana sales. If the electors do not approve the proposition then marijuana remains illegal as
provided for in present law.
Proposed law removes those criminal penalties contingent upon: (1) the voters approving the
proposition provided for in proposed law, and (2) the legislature subsequently providing for a
statutory regulatory system for the legal sale and distribution of marijuana and establishes a sales tax
on those sales by Aug. 1, 2026.
(Amends R.S. 40:966(B)(2) and (C)(2); Adds R.S. 40:989.4; Repeals R.S. 40:964(Schedule
I)(C)(19) and 966(D)(1))