Marijuana Legalization Votes this November
By Robert Bergman, ILoveGrowingMarijuana,com
While everyone is focused on the hype of the presidential election, the rest of us are waiting with baited breath for November 8th to see which states will take the step to legalize recreational or medical marijuana. There are a number of states that have marijuana legalization measures being voted on this November, as well as medical marijuana programs. Let’s look at the ballots we can look forward to.
Arizona votes for recreational use
Arizona is going to vote for Proposition 205, which, if passed, would legalize the use and sale of recreational marijuana for those 21 and up. Legal-aged recreational users could possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in their private residence. Marijuana sales would be taxed 15% and a new department, called the Department of Marijuana Licenses and Control, would be established.
The restrictions that come with Proposition 205 would include not being allowed to smoke or use marijuana in a public setting, prohibition on the use of it by those under the age of 21, and not being allowed to possess more than an ounce. Breaking these rules would result in a $300 fine and community service. Support Arizona with the legalization of recreational marijuana and vote yes at this link here.
Arkansas hesitates; medical or home grown
Arkansas has two initiatives on the line, but only one will be chosen. Both have to do with medical marijuana, and the one with the most votes (assuming they both are voted “yes” by a majority of the state’s voters) would be the one put into action.
The Medical Marijuana Amendment would not allow any home cultivation of the plant, while the Medical Cannabis Act would allow registered patients to grow. The Medical Cannabis Act would have all the tax revenue go back into the medical marijuana program, while the Medical Marijuana Act would divide it up among a variety of state funds. The Arkansas Department of Health would handle the rules and regulations in both cases, but for the Medical Marijuana Amendment, there would also be a Medical Marijuana Commission created. Vote yes n the Medical Cannabis act so patients can grow their own marijuana at home. Vote at this link here.
California legalizes recreational marijuana
Also known as the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act,” the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative is trying to legalize recreational marijuana in the state of California. At the moment, only medical marijuana is legal. This law, if passed, would establish a 15 percent sales tax and would also tax people who are cultivating their own marijuana. Support the Adult Use of Marijuana act at this link here.
Florida votes for medical marijuana
Florida has an initiated constitutional amendment on their ballot, called Amendment 2 or the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative that would legalize medical marijuana for people who have qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. It needs a whopping 60 percent of the vote to win because it’s a constitutional amendment. Florida currently only has a CBD law in place, meaning there is some access to low-THC marijuana in non-smokable form. Support Amendment 2 at this link here.
Maine might legalize recreational use
“Question 1,” officially called the Maine Marijuana Legalization Measure will be included on Maine’s ballot as an indirect initiated state statute. This one has everything to do with recreational marijuana. If the “yes” vote wins, adults age 21 and up will be allowed to consume and possess marijuana in Maine, and certain regulations and taxes will apply to those looking to grow their own marijuana. Support Maine at this link here.
Massachusetts citizens can grow marijuana
Massachusetts’ Question 4 will ask voters whether they want its law to look upon marijuana in a similar way to how it looks on alcohol. At the moment, only medical marijuana is allowed in Massachusetts. With a “yes” vote, people over the age of 21 will be allowed to possess, use, and grow marijuana — this means one ounce in public, and ten ounces in their private residence will be allowed. Six plants can be grown at a time as well. A tax would be added to retail marijuana, and the revenue would go back into the Marijuana Regulation Fund. Vote yes at this link to support Massachusetts.
Montana finally legalizes medical marijuana
Montana’s voters actually approved the Medical Marijuana Act I-148 in 2004, but it was repealed seven years later by the Montana State Legislature. This new vote, the Medical Marijuana Initiative I-182, would amend the 2011 decision and would also repeal the three-patient limit that currently exists for marijuana providers. Support Montana at this link.
Nevada votes for recreational use
Nevada is looking to legalize recreational marijuana this November with their initiative known as Question 2. If voters vote for it, Nevadans will be allowed to have up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use (as long as they are at least 21 years old). The revenue that taxes bring in will go to elementary education in Nevada. Vote yes and support Nevada at this link here.
North Dakota and medical marijuana
North Dakota’s Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative (“Initiated Statutory Measure 5”) will allow the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, glaucoma, and epilepsy, among others. It will also pave the way for the state to define regulations regarding cultivation, dispensation, and use of medical marijuana in general. Patients would require a special identification card with their details to receive and use medical marijuana. Help North Dakota legalize medical marijuana by clicking this link.