November marks an important time for cannabis in the US
The November elections are getting closer and closer, and with marijuana becoming an extremely popular issue, five states across the country have placed certain questions on the ballot in a quest to legalize its recreational market. A decade ago, voters in Washington and Colorado legalized adult use, and now that opportunity is in the hands of residents of Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota.
While medical cannabis continues to dominate the legal market in the US (37 states), cannabis for adult use does not appear to be stagnant. While this market has been permitted in 19 states, two territories and Washington, DC, the number could increase further depending on next month’s results. In fact, if all five states achieve the desired success, nearly half of the US population will live in a jurisdiction where marijuana use and possession are legal for adults 21 and older.
The states that are soon to determine the future of recreational marijuana already have a medical cannabis law or program in place. Arkansas is one of them, which welcomed the medical cannabis sector in 2016.
Now, Arkansans will vote on Arkansas Issue 4, or the Arkansas Adult-Use Cannabis Amendment. It is expected to authorize the possession, personal use and consumption of cannabis by adults who are at least 21 years of age.
In 2014. Maryland legalized medical cannabis, opening sales three years later. Voters may now have the opportunity to expand this industry with Maryland’s Question 4 or Marijuana Legalization Amendment.
It has been four years since Missouri successfully approved medical cannabis. Should Amendment 3 receive the necessary support, the state will be able to legalize the purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacture, and sale of cannabis for personal use for adults 21 and older.
This movement is also reflected in both North and South Dakota. Both states have medical cannabis programs, but now lawmakers are looking to allow their residents over the age of 21 to reap the benefits of the plant as well.