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Voters in six states pass cannabis-related ballot measures

Posted on November 5th, 2020 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

leafVoters in Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon and South Dakota passed statewide ballot measures favoring medical marijuana, adult-use cannabis legalization or hemp cultivation in the Nov. 3 elections.

Arizona voters passed Proposition 207, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and over. Adults will be able to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana at a time, and grow no more than six plants for personal use. In addition, those previously convicted of certain marijuana-related crimes will have the opportunity to expunge their criminal record beginning on July 12, 2021.

Mississippi's Ballot Measure 1 allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This measure only applies to debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Under this measure, qualifying patients can possess no more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana per 14 days.

Montana’s ballot contained two measures relating to the legalization of marijuana. Constitutional Initiative 118 allows the legislature to establish the legal age for purchasing or possessing marijuana. Initiative 190 allows individuals over the age of 21 to possess no more than one ounce of marijuana or eight grams of marijuana concentrate. In addition, individuals may grow not more than four marijuana plants for personal use. Non-medical marijuana will be taxed at 20% of its retail price.

New Jersey voters passed Public Question 1, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and over. Marijuana products will be subject to the state sales tax, which can be changed upon authorization by the legislature.

Oregon Measure 110 seeks to reclassify personal drug possession. Possession of a controlled substance in Schedule I-IV is reclassified to a Class E violation, with a punishment of a $100 fine or a completed health assessment. This measure also establishes a drug addiction treatment program, funded by the state's marijuana tax revenue.

South Dakota voters passed both a ballot measure and constitutional amendment. Initiated Measure 26 seeks to legalize medical marijuana for qualifying patients, including minors. Qualifying individuals must obtain a registration card from the State Department of Health to possess not more than three ounces of marijuana. Constitutional Amendment A legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 years or older. Individuals can possess up to one ounce of marijuana. This amendment imposes a 15% sales tax on marijuana and requires the Legislature to pass laws relating to the sale of hemp.

From Jurist, Nov. 5. Used with permission.  
 

Image: Jurist

 

 
 

Comments

New Jersey legislature votes to legalize marijuana sales

Global Ganja Report's picture The New Jersey legislature voted to approve the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (S21). Treating cannabis similar to alcohol, the bill seeks to "divert funds from marijuana sales from going to illegal enterprises, gangs, and cartels" to legal vendors. (Jurist)

The bill decriminalizes possession of up to six ounces of cannabis. A second bill is designed to stop arrests and expunge criminal records of low-level marijuana offenses. However, neither bill contains any provisions for home cultivation. (NJNN)
Comment by Global Ganja Report on Dec 18th, 2020 at 4:08 pm

NJ legalization deal collapses

Global Ganja Report's picture Just as it seemed Gov. Phil Murphy's office and the state Legislature had come to an agreement that would end a years-long struggle to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, opposition from lawmakers has derailed the effort. State Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, who sponsored a "cleanup" bill (S3320) to address Murphy's call to add penalties for underage use of marijuana, said that measure will not go up for a vote in the full Senate after other senators objected to it, saying that the change could lead to more arrests of Black youth. (NJ.com)
Comment by Global Ganja Report on Jan 8th, 2021 at 5:51 pm

South Dakota judge rules for challenge to legalization amendment

Global Ganja Report's picture A South Dakota circuit judge ruled in favor of litigation backed by the  governor’s office that seeks to nullify  Amendment A – a voter-initiated measure legalizing an adult-use marijuana market in the state. Fifty-four percent of voters decided in favor of the ballot measure on Election Day. South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws say that they will appeal the ruling to the state’s Supreme Court. (NORML)
Comment by Global Ganja Report on Feb 10th, 2021 at 3:17 am

Mississippi high court nullifies medical marijuana initiative

Global Ganja Report's picture The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled 6-to-3 to overturn a November 2020 vote legalizing the production and dispensing of medical cannabis to qualified patients. Just prior to the vote, officials in the city of Madison filed suit arguing that the legislature’s failure to update guidelines for petitioners should invalidate the initiative. (NORML)
Comment by Global Ganja Report on May 15th, 2021 at 9:30 pm

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