How Nine States Voted on Marijuana Legalization
It's unlikely that many proponents of marijuana legalization voted for Donald Trump last night, but despite their disappointment with the presidential election, some are seeing a sliver—or rather, a green—lining in other election results. Five states were voting on legalizing recreational marijuana, three were voting on legalizing medicinal marijuana and one state was voting for medicinal marijuana reform. As of Wednesday morning, seven of the nine measures had been approved, one was rejected and one was too close to call.
The most significant initiative to pass was the legalization of recreational use of marijuana in California, a measure that affects nearly 40 million Americans. In 1996, the state became the first to legalize medicinal marijuana, and now, 20 years later, its full legalization of the drug could catalyze even more reform on a national level. After Tuesday night, a majority of the United States now has access to legalized medicinal and/or recreational marijuana. Proponents hope this is only the beginning.
ARKANSAS
- Legalized marijuana for certain medical conditions
- Medicinal dispensaries
- State regulatory agency
Status: Approved
ARIZONA
- Up to 1 ounce for private consumption for anyone 21 and over
- Up to 12 plants per residence
- State regulatory agency
- 15 percent tax on top of existing sales tax
Status: Rejected
CALIFORNIA
- Up to 1 ounce for private consumption for anyone 21 and over
- Up to 6 plants per residence
- State regulatory agency
- 15 percent tax on top of existing sales tax
- Cultivation tax
Result: Approved
FLORDIA
- Legalized for cancer, epilepsy, HIV, PTSD, and other conditions
- Medicinal dispensaries
- Regulation by Florida Department of Health
Status: Approved
MAINE
- Up to 2.5 ounces for private consumption for anyone 21 and over
- Retail sales, 10 percent tax
- Up to 6 flowering plants, 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings per residence
- Regulation by Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Status: Too close to call
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MASSACHUSETTS
- Up to 1 ounce for private consumption for anyone 21 and over
- Up to 12 plants per residence
- State regulatory agency
- Retail sales, 3.75 percent tax on top of existing sales tax
Status: Approved
MONTANA
Marijuana is already legal medicinally, and state residents voted to give patients easier access to the drug. The initiative will repeal a measure that prevented licensed providers from serving more than three patients. It also allows providers to hire employees to cultivate, dispense and transport medical marijuana.
Status: Approved
NEVADA
- Up to 1 ounce for private consumption for anyone 21 and over
- Up to 6 plants per residence for anyone who doesn't live within 25 miles of dispensary
- Regulation from Nevada Department of Taxation
- Additional 15 percent tax for growers, with revenue going toward state's education system
Status: Approved
NORTH DAKOTA
- Legalizes to treat cancer, epilepsy, HIV, PTSD, chronic back pain and other conditions
- Medicinal dispensaries
- Up to 8 plants per residence for anyone who doesn't live within 40 miles of dispensary
- Regulation by North Dakota Department of Health
Status: Approved
