HB 361

Abstract

Allowing access to, purchase for, or provisionof marijuana to minors; penalties. Clarifies that it is a Class1 misdemeanor for any person who cultivates marijuana plants for personal use to recklessly allow unauthorized access to such marijuana plantsby a person younger than 21 years of age. Thebill provides that any person who purchases marijuana or marijuanaproducts for, or otherwise gives, provides, or assists in the provisionof marijuana or marijuana products to, another person when he knowsor has reason to know that such person is younger than 21 years ofage, except by any federal, state, or local law-enforcement officerwhen possession of marijuana or marijuana products is necessary inthe performance of his duties, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.The bill also removes marijuana from the types of drugs for which distribution to a person under the age of 18 is a felony punishableby a period not less than 10 nor more than 50 years, and a fine notmore than $100,000 with the possibility of mandatory minimum sentences.Such provisions shall not become effective if the corresponding provisionsof Chapters 550 and 551 of the Acts of Assembly of 2021, SpecialSession I, are reenacted by the 2022 Session of the General Assembly.