The legalization of adult-use cannabis is on the ballot in five states. Here’s where you’ll find it.
The midterm exam elections are come on November 8 . In addition to important election that will determine the balance of might in Congress , local election and balloting measure are ready to make a big encroachment across the country at more local level .
Among the issues that will be decided by voters in 2022 are a smattering of cannabis - relate measuring . elector are being need to adjudicate on the future of adult - use hemp in some state , as well as metropolis - level measures that will continue to define the future of cannabis legal philosophy in the US .
As of the commencement of the year,19 states and Washington , DChave legalized the possession and personal use of cannabis ware , per Ballotpedia . Five states could have measure on the ballot to legalize hemp for function by adults 21 and over . A sixth res publica hop to have it on the ballot , but will see the question asked in a future election instead . Here are the states with state - extensive cannabis measures up for a vote .
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Arkansas
The voting standard in Arkansas is comparatively straight , but there were several go pieces attach to it that nearly take the matter off voter ' agenda entirely . Though the state ’s Board of Election Commissioners had initially block the measure to legalize adult use of cannabis from appear on the ballot in this election , the state Supreme Courtruled late last monththat the step could move in advance .
If the initiative is approved by voters , it would allow adults 21 and older to legally possess up to an troy ounce of marihuana . It would also follow through a 10 % tax on sales and require the state ’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division to develop rules for business , agree toBallotpedia . The go-ahead does not allow for nursing home culture , and it has no provisions to expunge or varnish ganja - tie in vicious phonograph recording . It still countenance local government body to forbid the presence of adult - enjoyment dispensary in their legal power , perMarijuana Moment .
Maryland
In Maryland , a referendumto amend the state ’s United States Constitution is on the voting to legalize the amateur purpose of ganja . The measure is called Question 4.Norml , a cannabis advocacy group , says the vote question will read , “ Do you favor the legalization of the economic consumption of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 days of age on or after July 1 , 2023 , in the State of Maryland ? ”
In advance of the election , province lawmakers approvedHB 837 , which sets convention for if the step buy the farm . It defines marijuana possession point of accumulation and aids the machinelike reassessment and expungement of past criminal record , something defend by many advocacy group .
If voters approve the beat , state lawgiver still need to approve more statute law surround the rule and regulation that will order cannabis role and sales in the State Department .
Missouri
The lengthy first step also has a supply to expunge criminal record of individuals with nonviolent cannabis - colligate umbrage . It further seek to make change to the state ’s current medical marijuana access program . If approved by voters , a 6 % taxation on sale would go toward court costs and effectual fee related to expungement , perKCUR . Other receipts is earmark for substance abuse treatment programs , veteran health care , and the public guardian system in the state .
North Dakota
In North Dakota , a ballot initiative will be put before voters , spearhead byNew Approach North Dakota , which advocates voters vote“yes on 2.”It look to legalize grownup exercise and sale of cannabis in the state . The measuring stick would countenance residents 21 and senior to own up to an oz. of cannabis and educate a small telephone number of plants at home .
It also establishes a track for retail stores , labs , and other cannabis - related businesses , and it asks legislator to establish laws around adult use by October 1 , 2023 . Other significant actions in the initiative , per New Approach North Dakota , include that ganja Cartesian product will have to be tested by state of matter - approved labs , and it will prohibit the public consumption of cannabis .
The statevoted againstlegalization in 2018 in a step that also included expungement of criminal records for person with convictions of a control substance that has been legalized .
Oklahoma
The signatures required to put SQ 820 , which would decriminalise adult use in Oklahoma , were collect . However , challenges and deadlines have refine it being put to a vote in November . Thestate ’s Supreme Court decidedthat the question will have to seem on the ballot in a future election . It reject challenge to the signature , meaning that it could be put to elector during a limited election in the not - too - distant future tense or during the 2024 election .
South Dakota
A vote measurement involve residents of South Dakota to make up one’s mind on the legalization of the adult utilisation of cannabis . This is the second election in a run-in where the interrogation will be put to voters in South Dakota . The measure — initiate Measure 27 — does not admit any regulatory fabric for the yield and sale of ganja products . It does , however , include a provision to allow individuals to own up to three plant ( no more than six per individual dimension ) if that single endure in an area without a accredited dispensary , perBallotpedia .
Like North Dakota , South Dakota has had legalization on the voting before . In 2020 , elector approve Amendment A. It was overturn by the state Supreme Court in February 2022 , though . It was ruled unconstitutional because it breach the commonwealth ’s single - subject principle . Ballotpedia take note that Amendment A cover “ licensing , taxation , local government regulations of marijuana , and regulations regarding hemp . ” originate bar 27 does not disturb on any of those issue .
Not in these states?
These ballot measure — aside from Oklahoma’s — will appear in vote booth on November 8 . However , they ’re not the only ones out there . There are opening move at more local level that will touch on cannabis event . For instance , Colorado Springs voters will make up one’s mind whether to allow existing medical cannabis dispensary to transition into an grownup - usance computer storage . They ’ll also vote on whether to sanction a 5 % local tax on adult - enjoyment products . In Texas , a handful of city willvote on de - penalizingpersonal cannabis possession , much likeAustin didearlier in 2022 .
As with any ballot cadence , it ’s important to read up on the detail to make an informed determination and understand the ways any beat will impact your residential district . Local elections are immensely important .
If your state does n’t have a ballot measure to learn up on and you wish it did , you could always get out in your community and advocate for the laws you want to see implement . you’re able to advocate for cannabis - related issue ( or any issue ) by reaching out to your local elected functionary to press for Department of State or metropolis - stage law .
you may also reach out to your interior representatives to encourage them to support cannabis reform like that outlined in theCannabis Administration and Opportunity Actthat is currently in the Senate . There are lots of other thing you may do toadvocate for cannabis legislationlike educating yourself and others , joining organizations , and spend your money wisely . There are lot of ways you may get out there and make your representative heard .
