Every State That’s Voting on Cannabis Legalization This Election
Where You Can Vote On Legalization November 3
Cannabis legalization efforts have come a long way in the last few years. Recreational use of the plant became officially legal in Canada in 2018, while many of the United States are still catching up. As it stands, recreational cannabis is legal in 11 states, while medical cannabis is legal in 33 states.
The states are also waiting on an important vote on cannabis legalization on the federal level. This bill, called the MORE Act, would support the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions, create a tax that would fund support for communities affected by the war on drugs, and ensure that cannabis use cannot negatively affect an American’s ability to secure benefits. That’s a lot of progress.
Until the MORE Act is passed, each state is on its own, and some states are moving pretty slowly towards a cannabis-friendly legal framework. Luckily, other states – five, to be exact – have some important votes ahead of them. The last time a large batch of states voted on cannabis laws, eight out of nine passed legalization measures, so we’re optimistic that the next group will follow suit. These are the states we have our eyes on:
Arizona
This southwestern state narrowly missed an opportunity to legalize recreational cannabis in 2016 after 51.3 percent of voters turned down Proposition 205. After years of hard work from politicians and advocates, Arizona voters will have a second chance on the Proposition 207 ballot this coming election.
New Jersey
For years, lawmakers have worked on bills that would allow recreational use of cannabis in New Jersey. Between 2018 and 2019, there were some significant efforts to legalize the plant, but they collapsed. Luckily for stoners in the Garden State, a referendum to legalize cannabis will appear on the 2020 ballot.
South Dakota
Several attempts to legalize medical cannabis in South Dakota have failed. Despite polls showing that there is support for legalization in Mount Rushmore’s home state, legalization has been shot down on plenty of ballots. Now, voters will have an opportunity to legalize medical cannabis as part of the South Dakota Initiated Measure 26. Will this be legalization’s lucky break?
Montana
Medical cannabis has been legal in Montana since 2004, but that right hasn’t been easy to maintain. The House attempted to repeal the laws surrounding medical cannabis in 2011 after the number of medical cannabis cardholders in the state saw a rapid increase. Now, voters will have an opportunity to have their say on recreational cannabis through a ballot initiative in November.
Mississippi
Interestingly, medical cannabis is not legal in Mississippi, but many CBD products are. In 2014, state legislature to remove CBD from a list of controlled substances was passed via Harper Grace’s Law– this was inspired by a young girl who suffered violent seizures that could be treated with CBD oil.
Now, Mississippi voters have a chance to approve or reject the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Amendment, which would legalize cannabis for medical purposes.
Even if your state isn’t voting on legalization this election, exercising your right to vote in the election is critical. Whether you head out to the polls or vote by mail, make sure you vote in the upcoming U.S election, if you can.
Learn more about the different ways you can vote in every state.
