This November, five U.S. states will vote on measures related to legalizing recreational or medical cannabis, with Florida proposing the largest recreational market expansion. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have publicly supported cannabis legalization, with Trump backing Florida's initiative and Harris advocating for national legalization and creating opportunities in the cannabis industry.
The first U.S. state to legalize cannabis, Colorado, did so 12 years ago. This November, five states will vote whether they want to change their laws on the matter.
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Florida will vote for a proposed measure that will see a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older.
Medical cannabis companies already authorized to grow medical cannabis, and who are heavily financing the pro-legalization campaign, would be able to transition their operations to the recreational market and sell to adults over 21.
Florida is already the largest medical cannabis market in the U.S., with more than 871,000 registered patients who will no doubt vote in favor, although the new law would not permit home cultivation.
North Dakota’s measure will again ask voters whether they want to legalize the production, sale, and consumption of recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older.
Currently, only medical cannabis is legal in North Dakota.
The proposed measure in South Dakota, which will be up for vote on November 5, would legalize the distribution, possession, and consumption of recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older.
Adults would be allowed to possess up to two ounces (56 grams) of cannabis and grow up to six cannabis plants, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.
Medical cannabis is already legal in South Dakota.
Two medical cannabis bills are up for vote on November 5 in Nebraska.
Initiative 437 would allow individuals, with a written recommendation from a healthcare provider, to possess up to five ounces (140 grams) of medical cannabis without facing legal penalties.
Initiative 438, titled the Medical Marijuana Regulation Initiative, proposes to remove penalties for the possession, distribution, delivery, and dispensing of cannabis for medical use.
The measure also provides for the creation of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which would oversee the regulation of therapeutic cannabis use in the state.
Both medical and recreational cannabis are illegal in Nebraska, making this vote a potential first for the state.
Here’s the current status of cannabis laws ahead of the general election vote.
Leading up to the presidential vote, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have both expressed their views on cannabis legalization.
“I think it’s time to end unnecessary arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of personal-use cannabis,” Donald Trump said in a message posted on TruthSocial on September 8, adding that he would vote “yes” on Florida’s proposed measure.
In her “Opportunity Agenda,” published on October 14, Ms. Harris stated that she plans to “legalize recreational marijuana and create opportunities for Black Americans to succeed in this new industry.”
At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 substance, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Independent of any state vote, the DEA has announced its intention to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III to recognize its medical use.
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