Global Ganja Report

Arizona voters approved Proposition 203, authorizing the possession of up to two-and-a-half ounces of medical marijuana, according to results released by the Arizona Secretary of State Nov. 13. The measure, voted on during the midterm elections earlier this month, was too close to call on election night and remained so until all votes were counted this weekend, resulting in a final tally of 50.13-49.87%.

Proposition 203, which was opposed by most state officials, will allow possession of up to two-and-a-half ounces of cannabis, or up to 12 plants, for individuals with any of a set list of medical conditions including cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and AIDS who have received a recommendation from their physician and have registered with the Arizona Department of Health Services. Arizona is the 15th state to legalize medical marijuana.

In addition to Arizona, voters in California, South Dakota and Oregon also voted on a range of cannabis-related propositions in the midterm elections, all of which were rejected. In California, Proposition 19, defeated by a 54-46 margin, would have legalized the sale and possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and the growth of cannabis plants for personal consumption. In South Dakota, Initiated Measure 13, defeated by a 63-37 margin, would have authorized the cultivation and possession of up to one ounce by individuals with certain debilitating diseases who register with the state Department of Health. In Oregon, voters rejected Ballot Measure 74 by a 57-43 margin. That measure would have expanded the state's existing medical marijuana provisions to allow for private dispensaries. (Jurist, Nov. 14)

Photo by akhir.