While the country wakes up to find there isn’t a clear winner for POTUS, marijuana though has evidently won on ballots across the United States.
Several states had marijuana ballot measures to change the laws on the books. The disparity between the change in laws across the states is startling too. Some places may even be for a wild ride with the legislatures trying to cope with the ballot driven changes.
South Dakota
This state just legalized both recreational and medical usage with marijuana ballot measures. This comes as a big contrast to the state’s history on the topic. South Dakota is one of two states left without a legal hemp program. The other being Idaho. Kristi Noem has stated she favors personal freedom and less government. That wasn’t quite the case for her position on marijuana reform in the state. Noem had opposed both ballot initiatives.
Before the vote, possession in the state was a misdemeanor.
South Dakota Amendment A. Legalize Marijuana – Legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for individuals. Must be 21 years old and older. Individuals are allowed to possess or distribute up to 1 ounce. This is a constitutional amendment for the state.
| Position | Vote % | Vote count | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 53.4% | 200,559 | |
| No | 46.6% | 174,926 |
South Dakota Measure 26. Legalize Medical Marijuana – Establishes a medical marijuana program in South Dakota. This is for individuals who have a debilitating medical condition as certified by physicians.
| Position | Vote % | Vote count | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 69.2% | 260,780 | |
| No | 30.8% | 116,045 |
Learn how to become a medical cannabis patient in Texas
Arizona
Arizona already had medical marijuana for its state. But proposition 207 legalizes marijuana across the state. Proposition 207 legalized possession and adults use. Users must be 21 years and older. 207 allows individuals to grow up to six plants. It creates a framework for legal sales, which is subject to a 16 percent sales tax. It would allow people with criminal records related to marijuana to petition for expungement.
The biggest difference between Arizona and South Dakota? In Arizona before the vote, possession of any amount of marijuana was a felony. Drug paraphernalia was also a crime as well.
| POSITION | VOTES | PERCENT |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 1,596,548 | 59.85% |
| No | 1,071,255 | 40.15% |
Mississippi
Ballot Measure 1 is actually two items. The initiative is broken up into two marijuana ballot measures.
Initiative 65 allows those with qualifying conditions to possess up to 2.5 ounces, taxed at 7 percent. Consequently, the Mississippi Department of Health is now tasked with creating distribution regulations.
Initiative 65A allows the terminally ill to access to marijuana. However, it empowers the legislature to refine the specifics set in Initiative 65. This can be tricky as it also allows the state to restrict the number of qualifying conditions.
And both measures passed.
| For Either 65 or 65A done | 318,091 | 66.82% |
| Against Both 65 and 65A | 157,942 | 33.18% |
Montana
I-190 would allow possession and use for adults 21 and older, letting them grow up to four plants and four seedlings for personal use. It creates a legal framework for sales, along with a 20% tax. I-190 will allow people with criminal records related to marijuana to petition for expungement.
| Position | VOTES | PERCENT |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 318,881 | 56.58% |
| No | 244,681 | 43.42% |
New Jersey
Public Question 1 legalizes the possession and use for adults 21 and older. The measure tasks the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission with regulating sales. However, this has come after the state legislature has gone through several debates on legalizing and how to set up legalization. This measure will now force the Commission with setting it up.
| POSITION | VOTES | PERCENT |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 1,727,149 | 66.97% |
| No | 851,879 | 33.03% |
Texas
Texas did not touch marijuana on any level. The state does not have a ballot initiative. For Texas to legalize marijuana or expand the current medical laws, it will require it’s citizens to vote for candidates that assure their support for changing the law at both the Texas level and national. This is the only way that Texas will move forward. The voters must hold their elected officials accountable with their votes if they desire to see change. People have asked the activist groups to push for a ballot initiative, but the general consensus amongst both parties elected officials is to not have ballot initiatives.
With the 2020 87th legislative session, constituents will have to persuade their elected officials to take a stand. To stand against the top two statewide elected officials.