Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’s Drug Policy Board recently adopted a resolution that opposes legalizing cannabis in the state. The resolution states that it wants the governor to take any action necessary to make sure cannabis remains a Schedule I drug and is not legalized in Louisiana. The governor has not yet commented on the board’s recommendations.

“The Drug Policy Board opposes efforts to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Louisiana through legislative refinement or executive order,” the resolution states.

Kevin Caldwell, the Southeast legislative manager at the Marijuana Policy Project, told Cannabis News Box that they’re not surprised by the Drug Board adopted this resolution.

“We are not surprised by the Governor’s Office of Drug Policy’s concurring with the resolution,” Caldwell said. “He has been a solid supporter of
medical cannabis and, in line with his support of criminal justice reform, he did sign legislation that decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis last year, but he has consistently stated that he does not support adult use of cannabis.”

Caldwell said they don’t expect the governor to “actively” oppose legalization efforts, but he’s not a supporter. A future governor may actively oppose legalization efforts, Caldwell said, as Louisiana is a relatively conservative state.

“As we see traction continue to grow, with support in both parties, we hope that he will continue to evolve on cannabis,” Caldwell said. “The state of Louisiana could definitely use the additional tax revenue and the inequitable nature of enforcing cannabis prohibition clearly shows that
legalization is the only way to eventually remedy this historical injustice.”

Most states in the South have had legalization bills filed in the last year, Caldwell said, which shows momentum is growing in this largely conservative region. That said, Caldwell hasn’t seen bipartisan efforts to make it happen overall. It looks likely some states will legalize through ballot initiatives at some point in the not-too-distant future.

“The costs of cannabis prohibition can acutely be felt in the South. It is home to some of the most economically disadvantaged states in the nation,” Caldwell said. “The economic repercussions of a drug arrest haunts a person for life. Whether that is the loss of a professional license, the inability to get a student loan, losing a job/job opportunity or housing for example may outweigh any potential jail time. But many still face jail time, with all of the consequences that entails. Parents and guardians face the possible loss of their children.”