In 72 Days Alaska, Oregon, D.C. and Several Cities to Vote on Legalization, Florida to Vote on Medical

In 72 Days Alaska, Oregon, D.C. and Several Cities to Vote on Legalization, Florida to Vote on Medical

In a little over 10 weeks, on November 4th, voters in several cities and states will have the opportunity to continue the growing momentum behind the movement to end cannabis prohibition, and they’ll be able to do so in a big way.

In Oregon, voters will be deciding the fate of Measure 91, an initiative to legalize recreational cannabis for those 21 and older. By far the most progressive of the initiatives being voted on this year, Measure 91 would legalize the possession and use of up to half a pound (eight ounces) of cannabis, in addition to the private cultivation of up to four plants. State-licensed cannabis retail outlets will also be authorized and regulated by the Oregon Liquor Commission. According to a recent study, the initiative’s tax rate, which is said to be far more reasonable than rates in Colorado and Washington, will put cannabis prices at around $140 an ounce.

In Alaska, the cannabis legalization initiative Ballot Measure 2 will be voted on this November. If approved into law, Ballot Measure 2 would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older, and would allow cannabis retail outlets to distribute the plant. The initiative, similar to Colorado’s Amendment 64, is a constitutional amendment, meaning its passage would make cannabis legalization a constitutional right in the state.

In Washington D.C., an initiative put forth by the D.C. Cannabis Campaign – Initiative 71 – has been officially placed on the district’s ballot, and will be voted on this November. The initiative would legalize the possession and use of up to an ounce of cannabis, going a step further than the recent council-enacted law making the possession of an ounce of cannabis a simple $25 ticket.

In South Portland, Maine, voters will have the opportunity to legalize cannabis in their city through an initi0ative introduced by Citizens for a Safer Maine The proposal would make the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis a non-crime for those 21 and older. A similar initiative was approved last year in Portland, Maine, with 67% of the vote.

In Berkley, Michigan, an initiative put forth by the Safer Michigan Coalition will be voted on this November. The proposal, similar to the initiative in South Portland, would legalize the possession, use and transfer of up to an ounce of cannabis for those at least 21 years of age. Similar initiative have been approved in the Michigan cities of Detroit, Lansing, Ferndal, Jackson, Flint and Grand Rapids.

In Sante Fe, New Mexico, an initiative to legalize up to an ounce of cannabis has been officially certified by the city after activists submitted enough signatures to put it to a vote. The proposal now goes before the Sante Fe City Council which can either pass it into law, or place it on the November 4th ballot.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the City Council recently approved a move which would put an initiative to legalize cannabis to a vote of the people this November; however, the mayor will need to sign off on the move before it’s official.

In Florida, voters will have the opportunity to legalize medical cannabis through a vote on Amendment 2. Amendment 2 would allow for those who receive a recommendation from a physician to legally use, possess and purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. State-licensed dispensaries will also be authorized to distribute the medicine to patients. If approved, Florida would become the first state in the South to legalize medical cannabis.

– TheJointBlog