Are you looking forward to a greener future? In the 2016 US election, voters gave cannabis legalization the green light in eight out of nine states. The country has ‘higher’ expectations in 2020, with the industry and supporters holding their breath on pending cannabis legislation in several states.
Thirty-three states have legalized medical marijuana so far, but only 11 allow for recreational use. Want to see what the laws are in your state and find out where you stand? If these ballot initiatives are approved on November 3, 2020, about one in three Americans could have legal access to recreational marijuana without requesting it from their primary care provider for ‘anxiety’ or for whatever else they need their medicine for.
What’s On the Line in These Budding Legalization Battles?
Across the country, the status of legalization reflects many issues. Providers and patients are looking to cannabis as a safer substitute for highly addictive opioids and benzos. Incarcerated people and their families are looking to legalization as a path to social policy and criminal justice reform. And to be sure, states don’t want to miss on potentially prolific pot taxes. As states embrace legalization, especially conservative ones, it’s putting the squeeze on senators. It’s becoming increasingly obvious – The choice will soon be legalization or the loss of potential tax dollars to neighboring marijuana meccas. Growing legalization is also putting the federal-state conflict center stage.
What States are Seeking More Access to Mary Jane?
- Arizona
Legalization efforts lost by a narrow margin in 2016. This year, recreational reefer returns to the ballot. If approved, five adjoining western states stretching from Canada to Mexico would give ganja groupies greater access to grass. - Mississippi
Mississippi is one of a growing number of highly conservative states embracing medical marijuana. Unfortunately, there are two initiatives for medical use on the ballot this year, which could split the vote: An activist-driven measure to help patients get their hands on the herb, and another with far more restrictive reefer regulations, handing over control to the state legislature. - Arkansas
Arkansas legalized medical marijuana via voter referendum in 2016. In 2020 the hope is to expand the Mary Jane market to include recreational use of the herb. - Montana
Medical marijuana is already legal in Montana. Now voters will have a chance to weigh in on two measures for recreational use: One to set the legal age for recreational marijuana use at 21, and another to regulate and tax it so the state can take its cut of each cannabis sale. - New Jersey
This initiative wasn’t achieved through signature drives, but a legislative referral by state lawmakers. If passed, it will legalize cannabis use for laughing grass lovers over 21, subjecting it to state sales tax. It will also give the green light to establishing a commission to oversee medical/recreational markets. - South Dakota
Two measures are on the ballot in South Dakota this November: One for medical use; another for recreational use for adults 21 and over. If approved, South Dakota could be the first state to go from an outright ban to the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis.
What States Had to Postpone Cannabis Legislation Until Next Year?
Because COVID forced many coalitions to can cannabis legislation attempts this year, making it difficult for supporters to gather enough signatures, pot legalization efforts have been postponed in many states. Don’t miss out on crucial votes in these states in November 2021 elections:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Idaho
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
Here’s to greater access to grass in 2021. Take part in the budding cannabis legalization movement, growing quality weed from the comfort of your home. Whatever state you are from, check out our newest cannabis seed menu from Mosca Seeds