<mediadc-video-embed data-state="{"cms.site.owner":{"_ref":"00000161-3486-d333-a9e9-76c6fbf30000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b93390000"},"cms.content.publishDate":1668004080184,"cms.content.publishUser":{"_ref":"0000017d-fe9d-da96-ad7d-ffbf8a5c0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"cms.content.updateDate":1668004080184,"cms.content.updateUser":{"_ref":"0000017d-fe9d-da96-ad7d-ffbf8a5c0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"rawHtml":"
var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_67995525", "obj": {"id":"27789","width":"16","height":"9","video":"1179217"} }); ","_id":"00000184-5cca-d5ff-a7af-5cdf61c40000","_type":"2f5a8339-a89a-3738-9cd2-3ddf0c8da574"}”>Video EmbedBallot measures to legalize recreational marijuana in Tuesday’s elections had mixed results, with Maryland and Missouri voting in favor of legalization, while proposals in Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota failed.
Maryland and Missouri will join 19 other states that have legalized the recreational use of the drug, a number that has grown in recent years, though the green wave that legalization proponents hoped for did not materialize.
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“We’re slowing down the green rush. Tonight’s overall results put kids before a greedy, addiction-for-profit industry,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action, an organization that opposes marijuana legalization. “This year, big marijuana pushed for some of the most anti-science legalization initiatives we have seen in a while, but voters in Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota were able to see right through the sham.”
Maryland
Maryland voters approved Question 4 legalizing marijuana for adults 21 and older beginning in July 2023. The proposal will require the state legislature to take additional action to enact laws surrounding the use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation of recreational marijuana in the state.
Adults will be legally allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana. People found possessing between 1.5 ounces and 2.5 ounces of marijuana will be subject to civil fines, and any higher amounts will have criminal penalties. People who have past convictions for actions that would be legal under the new law will have them expunged, and those serving time will be eligible for resentencing.
Missouri
Amendment 3 was approved by Missouri voters to amend the state constitution to allow people 21 years and older to possess, purchase, consume, and cultivate marijuana, removing current state bans. The measure will expunge some people’s criminal records in cases of nonviolent marijuana-related offenses.
It will also place a 6% state tax on retail sales of marijuana, which will cover administrative fees, and any extra will go toward veterans’ healthcare, drug addiction treatment, and similar efforts. Local governments could also levy up to 3% in taxes on sales. Local jurisdictions can also opt-out of allowing retail sales through a vote of the people.
North Dakota
Citizen-propelled Statutory Measure 2 failed to garner enough votes in North Dakota. The measure would have allowed adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and also permit residents to grow up to three marijuana plants.
It’s the second time voters in North Dakota have rejected legalization efforts in the state.
South Dakota
South Dakota rejected the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which would have legalized the possession, distribution, and use of marijuana for people at least 21 years old.
Medical marijuana remains regulated in the state after being approved by voters in 2020.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Arkansas
Voters in Arkansas voted no on ballot Issue 4, which would have legalized the possession and use of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for people 21 years of age and older without the need for a medical ID.
