Midterm election results are pouring in and being finalized around the country. Several states had cannabis legalization initiatives on their ballots including Utah, Missouri, Michigan, and North Dakota. Polls have suggested that over half of the country is in favor of cannabis legalization and in several states those numbers reflected voters thoughts on cannabis legalization.
Midterm Election Results – Cannabis Initiatives
Utah – Yes On Proposition 2 – Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis will be legal, under specific conditions. Voters rallied against powerful forces like the LDS church and Gov. Gary Herbert to give people access to medical marijuana. Vaping and edible cannabis will be legal, but smoking still won’t be permitted legally.
Missouri – Yes On Amendment 2 – Medical Cannabis
Out of three cannabis initiatives on Missouri ballots, one of them passed. Amendment 2 creates a medical marijuana system similar to other states while donating a large percentage of revenue to veterans services. The other two defeated initiatives varied in how the revenue was divided and tax system constructed.
Michigan – Yes On Proposal 1 – Recreational Cannabis
Adults 21 and older will be able to purchase and own cannabis when laws and regulations go into effect in a couple of years. Adults will be able to buy and possess 10-ounces of cannabis flower, 15-grams of cannabis concentrates, and grow 12 plants at home.
North Dakota – No On Measure 3 – Recreational Cannabis
North Dakota voted with a resounding NO to recreation cannabis. Over 59 percent of voters rallied against Measure 3. Critics of the bill worry about increased drug abuse, driving while intoxicated and regulation costs.
Bonus – Jeff Sessions Fired As Attorney General
Trump fired the most vocal opponent of legal cannabis in his administration, Jeff Sessions. Sessions rescinded the Cole Memo, allowing state attorney generals to prosecute cannabis businesses under federal law. While nothing serious came out of it, Session’s intent towards cannabis and its users was alarming, famously stating that “good people don’t use marijuana.”
Cannabis stocks have risen more than 10 points and cannabis advocates are celebrating in the wake of this news. Matthew G. Whittaker will replace Sessions as interim Attorney General. It’s unclear how Whittaker will treat states with legal cannabis laws and industries.
Sources: Esquire, Leafly, Forbes, Bizmark Tribune, Salt Lake Tribune, KSHB Kansas City
