The following states are voting on cannabis-related legislation this November.
Arizona for recreational cannabis legalization
About 65% of eligible voters in Arizona are pro legalization and 25% would oppose it, according to a poll conducted in June 2020 by HighGround Public Affairs. Arizona’s Smart and Safe Act aims towards legalizing cannabis, possessing up to one ounce and using it for recreational purposes ages 21 and older. Adults would be allowed to cultivate up to six plants within a private setting. Cannabis sales would be regulated. Amounts of tax revenue would be used and invested in other sectors (education, public health and public safety programs). Those affected by convictions because of cannabis can petition to expunge the offense from their record.
Montana for recreational cannabis legalization
54% of eligible voters in Montana are pro legislation and 37% are against legalization, according to the University of Montana’s Big Sky poll that was conducted in February 2020. Montana’s Initiative 190 aims towards legalizing recreational cannabis by forming a regulated framework for cannabis possession (one ounce), cannabis cultivation (up to four plants) and cannabis sales and taxing 20%. Other portions of the revenue would go towards certain programs that encourage substance abuse treatment, support veterans and other programs. Montana Constitutional Amendment 118 declared the legal age to purchase, consume or possess cannabis to be 21.
New Jersey for recreational cannabis legalization
68% of voters in New Jersey would be pro recreational cannabis legalization, according to a poll from Brach Eichler conducted in July 2020. The New Jersey Marijuana Legalization Amendment (S2703/A4497) would change the state’s constitution so recreational cannabis would become legalized for ages 21 and older. In addition, cultivating, processing, selling and retailing cannabis would become legalized (one ounce per adult and a maximum of three plants). This legalization would become effective on January 1st, 2021.
South Dakota for pro medical cannabis legalization & pro recreational cannabis legalization
South Dakota Constitutional Amendment A (CA-A) would be responsible for legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes, its possession and distribution (one ounce maximum) for those ages 21 and older. The state legislature would be required to establish a medical cannabis program and ensure the legalization of selling hemp by April 1st, 2022. The revenue, without implementation costs, would need to be divided into two different pots: the state’s general fund and public education.
South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 26 (IM-26) would be responsible for developing and creating a medical cannabis program for medical patients who can verify their severe medical condition by a physician or doctor. The program’s guidelines would become executed by the South Dakota Department of Health who would manage all the dispensaries and guarantee product safety. Possessing a maximum of three ounces of cannabis including other cannabis products would be allowed for each patient. In addition, grow three cannabis plants and possibly more if a physician approves.
Mississippi for pro medical cannabis legalization
67% of people in Mississippi would vote pro medical cannabis legalization, according to a poll from Millsaps College & Chism Strategies conducted in January 2019. The Mississippi State Department of Health would be responsible for the legal framework to execute and enforce this amendment.
Mississippi Initiative 65 was proposed by citizen advocating medical cannabis. With this amendment, medical cannabis would be accessible through licensed treatment centers, such as dispensaries. It would also make it possible for caregivers to be allowed to supervise the cannabis they would be giving to the medical patients with crippling conditions.
Mississippi Initiative 65A, an alternative version proposed by state legislators, would make smoking cannabis only allowed for terminally-ill patients, make only pharmaceutical- grade cannabis products available and ensure the medical cannabis treatment is supervised by medical personnel (doctors, physicians, nurses and pharmacists).
Nebraska for medical cannabis legalization
77% of eligible voters in Nebraska are pro legalization of medical cannabis for patients suffering from severe conditions, according to a poll by Fairbank/FPP conducted in Feb. 2017. The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Constitutional Amendment would allow those ages 18 or older and minors with consent to use cannabis to treat their medical condition, when prescribed. It would give the state permission to legally establish and implement specific regulations and laws to oversee, as well as control, the cannabis industry.
Oregon for legalizing psilocybin for medical use and decriminalizing small amounts of any drug
The Oregon’s Initiative 44, aka the Oregon Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, would get rid of criminal penalties for personal possession and non-commercial possession of all drugs found in Schedule I, II, III, or IV under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Possessing under the specified quantity would be considered a violation fined with $100, including a possible health assessment. In addition, the possibility to receive a comprehensive treatment and considered for housing and consultation options with social service providers covered financially by the annual cannabis tax revenue.
A Hopeful Outcome
If you are interested in following the pending legislation on an interactive map or becoming more active in cannabis legalization, there are ample resources available. Any step towards cannabis legalization, no matter if it’s more directed towards medical or recreational cannabis, will bring along positive change that can benefit many people in the U.S. In addition to the strong financial impact with the consistent numbers in cannabis sales the cannabis industry has evoked.
November elections date is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Make sure to get our and vote!
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How the Election will Effect Cannabis Businesses & Legalizations
Nebraska: An Example of a Decriminalized State On The Verge of Change
Illinois- A State Facing Cannabis Market Challenges
