Marijuana initiatives on ballot in record 9 states despite the federal government’s decision not to loosen restrictions on the drug, underscoring the precariousness of any type of legal recognition. In five states — California, Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts and Maine — voters will be asked whether they want to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Meanwhile, those
Marijuana initiatives on ballot in record 9 states despite the federal government’s decision not to loosen restrictions on the drug, underscoring the precariousness of any type of legal recognition.
In five states — California, Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts and Maine — voters will be asked whether they want to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Meanwhile, those in Florida, Arkansas and North Dakota will vote on starting full-fledged medical marijuana programs, and Montana voters will decide whether to loosen restrictions on their state’s existing program. Voters in Missouri, Michigan and Oklahoma could see medical marijuana initiatives on the Nov. 8 ballots if supporters produce enough petition signatures. Initiative supporters in Missouri and Michigan are embroiled in court battles over signatures that were thrown out and left them short of the thresholds required.
The legalization movement has received unlikely support from lawmakers who haven’t necessarily been in favor of making the drug available for recreational use but who want to remove barriers for the industry now that it’s functional.
Drug reform advocates say approval of the ballot initiatives this year could produce enough momentum on marijuana reform to change that in coming years.
