8 of 9 Statewide Cannabis Initiatives Come Out Victorious in 2016 Election

May 30, 2017November 9, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Eight of nine statewide cannabis initiatives were passed in yesterday’s election.

There were nine statewide cannabis initiatives up for a vote in yesterday’s election. Eight of these were victorious, with the only defeat coming in Arizona (a state where the pharmaceutical industry donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in opposition).

Of these initiatives, four legalize cannabis for all uses, three legalize cannabis for medical purposes and one (Montana) restores patient rights revoked by the legislature.

Below is a look at the initiative’s that won:

One Week Until These Five States Vote on Legalizing Cannabis

October 30, 2016October 30, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

It’s hard to believe, but we are now just one week and two days away from the 2016 election. In addition to a heated presidential race, there are five states voting on the legalization of cannabis for those 21+.

Below are these five states, all of which have the opportunity on November 8th to legalize cannabis:

Just 50 Days Before 9 States Votes to Legalize Recreational or Medical Cannabis

September 19, 2016September 19, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

The 2016 election, which will be held on November 8th, is now just 50 days away. Five states – 10% of the entire country – will be voting on whether or not to legalize cannabis for everyone 21 and older, while four additional states will be voting on the legalization of medical cannabis.

For those wanting to know more information about each state’s proposals, here is a short breakdown:

States Voting for Recreational Legalization:

All Eyes on Nevada, Massachusetts, California, Maine and Arizona

August 26, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

It’s just 11 weeks until election day 2016, which will be by far the most monumental day for cannabis law reform since the beginning of prohibition of in the 1930s. Five state – Nevada, Massachusetts, California, Maine and Arizona – will be voting on the legalization of recreational cannabis, and all eyes are on them for big victories this November.

In Nevada, Question 2 would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, the personal cultivation of up to six plants, and would authorize state-licensed cannabis retail outlets. Polling released last month found that 50% of voters in the state support legalization, with just 41% opposed, indicating it will be a close race, though there’s reason to be optimistic (the campaign in support of Question 2 also just purchased nearly a million dollars in television ads to promote the measure).

10% of Entire United States Voting for Cannabis Legalization this November

September 5, 2016August 19, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

In just two and a half months, five states – 10% of the entire U.S. – will be voting to legalize recreational cannabis for everyone 21 and older. An additional four states will be voting for legalizing medical cannabis, making almost 20% of the U.S. voting on some for of cannabis legalization.

Having five states vote for legalization in one election is a huge deal, considering it’s taken over 70 years to get where we are now; four states with legal cannabis. Below is a breakdown of the recreational legalization measures being voted on this November 8th (less than three months):

It’s Official: These 5 States Will Vote on Cannabis Legalization in November

September 21, 2016August 16, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

By Phillip Smith, StoptheDrugWar.org

Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan last week certified a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot, setting the stage for a national election that will see the issue go directly to the voters in five states, including California, the nation’s most populous.

Four states have already legalized marijuana at the ballot box, Colorado and Washington in 2012 and Alaska and Oregon in 2014. The District of Columbia also legalized marijuana—but not commercial sales—in 2014.

But those states combined only have a population of about 17 million people. Winning California alone would more than double that figure and winning all five states would triple it. If all five states vote for pot, we could wake up on November 9 with nearly a quarter of the nation living under marijuana legalization.

Initiative to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Filed in Maine, Advocates Aim for 2016 Vote

March 24, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

An initiative to legalize the possession, personal cultivation and state-licensed distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes has been filed in Maine, with the goal of putting the proposal to a vote of the people in 2016.

The initiative, sponsored by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), is essentially identical to Colorado’s successful legalization initiative Amendment 64. It would legalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis and the personal cultivation of up to six plants. In addition, it would authorize cannabis retail outlets to distribute the plant, which would be licensed and regulated by the state.