Two states legalize recreational marijuana
Legalize recreational marijuana two states
Recreational marijuana is on the ballot in several states. Maryland and Missouri on Tuesday became the 20th and 21st states to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana, but marijuana reform efforts have failed in Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Voters in Maryland have approved an amendment legalizing recreational marijuana for people 21 and older. It will go into effect on July 1, 2023, and will allow 1.5 ounces or two plants. Possession of a small amount of marijuana is considered a non-criminal offense in Maryland. Under the amendment, people with previous convictions for marijuana possession and intent to distribute will be able to apply to have their records removed, according to media reports.
Voters in Missouri ended the state’s ban on marijuana, allowing personal use by those over 21. It would allow individuals to possess no more than 3 ounces of marijuana and allow individuals with nonviolent marijuana-related crimes to apply for release from prison or for parole and probation, and have their records cancelled.
Voters in North Dakota have rejected a citizen-initiated ballot measure designed to allow marijuana use in “all forms” by those 21 and older. The measure allows possession of no more than one ounce of marijuana and allows all marijuana to be tested for “product potency and the presence of pesticides” in one facility and to undergo random inspections.
South Dakotas have also resisted legalizing marijuana in the state. In 2020, South Dakota passed the legalization of recreational marijuana use, but the result was declared invalid by a state court. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana would be legal under the proposed 2022 ballot measure. It will also legalize the possession, use and distribution of marijuana paraphernalia.
In addition, voters in Arkansas rejected an amendment that would allow adults to possess and recreationally consume marijuana and allow licensed facilities to sell it. If the amendment is passed, possession of no more than an ounce of marijuana would be legal, and some taxes from marijuana sales would help fund enforcement efforts.
