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(Trends Wide) — Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana was put on the ballot in five states during the midterm elections, and these bills are expected to be defeated in three jurisdictions and approved in two, Trends Wide projects, as momentum builds across the country. for the lifting of penalties associated with cannabis.
Here’s what voters decided in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota on Tuesday:
Arkansas
Arkansas voters will reject a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the recreational possession and use of cannabis by adults, as well as the sale by licensed facilities, Trends Wide projects. Had it passed, possession of cannabis up to one ounce (about 28 grams) would have been legal, and some tax revenue from marijuana sales would have contributed to funding law enforcement.
Maryland
Maryland voters will approve a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana for those 21 and older. It will take effect on July 1, 2023 and will allow the possession of 1.5 ounces (about 42 grams) or two plants. Possession of small amounts of marijuana was already decriminalized in Maryland. Under the amendment, those who have been previously convicted of cannabis possession and attempted distribution will be able to apply to have their records expunged.
Missouri
Missouri voters will approve a bill to end the state’s marijuana bans and allow personal use for those 21 and older, Trends Wide reports.
Personal possession of up to three ounces (about 85 grams) will be made available and will allow people who have committed non-violent marijuana-related crimes to apply for release from prison or parole and have their records expunged.
North Dakota
North Dakota voters will reject a citizen-initiated bill that sought to legalize marijuana by allowing use in “various forms” by those 21 and older, Trends Wide reports. It would have allowed the possession of marijuana up to an ounce and all marijuana to be tested at a facility “for potency of products and for the presence of pesticides” and subject to random inspection.
Dakota del Sur
South Dakotans will vote against a measure to legalize cannabis in the state, Trends Wide reports. Legalization for the recreational use of marijuana had been approved in South Dakota in 2020, but the results were annulled by the state courts.
Under the measure proposed on the 2022 ballot, possession of marijuana up to one ounce would have been legal. It would also have legalized the possession of marijuana paraphernalia, its use and distribution.
