Election Day is here, and cannabis is sitting front and center stage like a teleprompter that Biden can’t properly read. Recreational cannabis is currently legal in 19 states and medical cannabis is available in 37 states and DC. Five of those 37 states have recreational legalization on the table for this election cycle. The states looking to bring legal cannabis to consumers across their respective borders on this year’s ballot are Maryland, Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
On the heels of Biden’s announcement to pardon Federal cannabis possession crimes, the tide seems to be shifting quicker than ever toward cannabis normalization. Out of these five states looking to legalize pot, Maryland is the only left-leaning state showing that even conservative states that have been traditionally slow to “progressive change” are ready for a shift in cannabis policy. In 2016, Arkansas became the first Bible Belt state to bring in medical marijuana marking a major change that others have followed.
What States Have Cannabis Legalization On Ballot?
Arkansas (FAILED) is seeing one of the biggest debates of the proposed states between two factions that want legalization (advocates and big business). The current ballot is looking to favor existing well-funded medical cannabis companies. There is a cry from the people to protect the state from “big marijuana.”
Missouri (PASSED) is looking to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and up while also expunging records of past arrests and convictions for cannabis offenses (except charges for selling to minors and driving under the influence).
Maryland (PASSED) is proposing to make changes in the criminal law for cannabis and create automatic expungement for past possession convictions.
North Dakota’s (FAILED) ballot measure is looking to allow people 21 and older to legally use cannabis at home, possession, and home grow. It would also establish policies to regulate retail stores, cultivation, and other businesses.
South Dakota (FAILED) actually voted for legalization in 2020 but the state Supreme Court struck it down. This year South Dakotans are looking to show their state that the people want weed!
If these five states vote in recreational cannabis, consumers over the age of 21 will be able to procure legal cannabis in almost 50% of the United States in a short time frame. This is a major shift from even less than a decade ago. Go out and vote, weed has the power on this year’s ballot!
Times are indeed changing!
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