Committee hears bills to compel municipal cannabis votes and align consumption rules with tobacco law

Representative Teddy Wazersak introduced two cannabis bills to the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee on Jan. 16, saying stakeholders asked him to bring consistency to where cannabis retail and public consumption are allowed.

On H 633, Wazersak said the bill would compel towns, cities and incorporated villages that "have not voted on the question" to place an Australian‑ballot article at the 2026 general election: "Shall licensed cannabis retailers be authorized to operate in this municipality? Yes or no." Counsel confirmed the mandate applies only to municipalities that have not previously held such a vote and that existing rescission procedures remain available under §8 63.

Wazersak said the goal is to reduce uncertainty for prospective businesses and to produce a consistent statewide record of municipal positions on retail cannabis; members asked whether towns that previously voted "no" would be forced to vote again (counsel said they would not be compelled to do so).

H 634 would replace references to "public places" with "prohibited places" and narrow the consumption prohibition to lighted cannabis and inhalation of vapor where equivalent tobacco use is already barred. Counsel said the change is meant to make cannabis consumption rules consistent with those already governing tobacco products and to grant municipal corporations clearer ordinance authority to regulate or prohibit consumption in public places.

Members asked clarifying questions about integrated licensees, rescind procedures and whether charter changes would be necessary; counsel said the bills should not trigger charter amendments and that clerks would retain records of votes. The committee did not vote on either bill during the session.

Representative Wazersak said the bills aim to bring uniformity across municipalities and to help businesses plan with clearer local rules.