Support for cannabis has been growing in recent years, and elections in 2020 saw substantial victories for the industry. Multiple states from across the country legalized recreational and medical cannabis. This could prompt even more states to legalize in the future. But cannabis is not the only drug with increasing support – psilocybin therapies and psychedelics are also growing in popularity.
Arizona: Recreational
The Smart and Safe Act was passed in Arizona with support from almost 60% of voters. A similar bill failed to pass in 2016. This act effectively legalized adult-use cannabis within the state. An exact day for when this will go into effect is unclear. Arizona plans to begin the cannabis business license process on January 19, 2021. They will be reserving some of the licenses for social equity applicants.
Mississippi: Medical
In Mississippi, the vote legalized medical cannabis and established a medical cannabis program. This program will allow individuals with one of 22 medical conditions; These will include PTSD and cancer, to obtain a medical marijuana card and purchase cannabis for medicinal-use. This program will be spearheaded by the Mississippi Department of Health. A regulatory system will be put into effect by August 2021.
New Jersey: Recreational
The State of New Jersey legalized adult-use cannabis with 67% of voters in support. Industry experts expect this will encourage other states across the East Coast to move forward with their own legalization efforts.
Although recreational cannabis will be legal within the state soon, it currently remains illegal. A statement issued on November 5th reminding citizens cannabis will remain illegal until a regulatory framework is established.
South Dakota: Medical and Recreational
This year, South Dakota became the first state to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis during a single election. The state passed Measure 26 and Constitutional Amendment A legalizing adult-use cannabis to become law on July 1, 2021. The state will allow medical-use for qualifying patients and adult-use for individuals 21 years of age and older. In addition, allowing for the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants.
Montana: Recreational
Montana legalized adult-use cannabis through Constitutional Initiative 118 and Initiative 190. As of January 1, 2021, residents of Montana will be allowed to possess, use and cultivate cannabis. Cannabis business license applications will be made available by October 1, 2021, according to the Montana Department of Revenue.
Oregon: Recreational
The state legalized recreational cannabis in a ballot measure in 2014. Oregon is currently accepting applications for new adult-use cannabis retailers. In addition to cannabis, support for other drugs in the state is increasing. This year’s vote legalized psilocybin, which is a psychedelic drug, for supervised therapeutic uses in a psilocybin service center.
Oregon also became the first US state to decriminalize all drugs. The state will no longer enforce jail or prison time for the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. Instead, they will enforce the choice of a $100 fine or assessment at an addiction recovery center.
Washington, DC: Psychedelic Plants
Residents in Washington, DC have voted to effectively decriminalize ‘magic mushrooms’ and other psychedelic plants. The ballot measure, Initiative 81, recategorizes these psychedelic plants as the lowest level of priority for police. Those in favor praised the drug’s therapeutic uses.
Denver, Colorado was the first city to pass a similar cannabis initiative in the 2019 elections. They were followed by Oakland and Santa Cruz, California. It is likely that more cities will follow suit in the coming years as research into psychedelics improves.
Nebraska was originally expected to have cannabis on the election ballot this year. However, a judge declared the initiative invalid and there was no vote taken.
How can Sapphire Risk help?
This years elections was favorable for cannabis, and the future is anxiously anticipated. These states are about to get their portion of a billion dollar industry. Interested in breaking into the cannabis industry? Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have over 30 years of security experience and expertise. See how we can help get your cannabusiness started.
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