Voters in Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon and South Dakota passed statewide ballot measures favoring marijuana legalization Tuesday.
Arizona voters passed Arizona Proposition 207, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and over. Under this new legislation, adults will be able to purchase no more than one ounce of marijuana at a time and grow no more than six marijuana plants for personal use. In addition, those previously convicted of certain marijuana-related crimes will have the opportunity to expunge their criminal record beginning on July 12, 2021.
Mississippi Ballot Measure 1 allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This measure only applies to debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Under this measure, qualifying patients can possess no more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana per 14 days.
Montana’s ballot contained two constitutional amendments relating to the legalization of marijuana. Montana CI-118 allows the legislature to establish the legal age for purchasing or possessing marijuana. Montana CI-190 individuals over the age of 21 may possess no more than one ounce of marijuana or eight grams of marijuana concentrate. In addition, individuals may not grow more than four marijuana plants for personal use. Further, non-medical marijuana will be taxed at 20 percent of its retail price.
New Jersey voters passed Public Question 1, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and over. Marijuana products will be subject to the state sales tax, which can be changed upon authorization by the legislature.
Oregon Measure 110 seeks to reclassify personal drug possession. Possession of a controlled substance in Schedule I-IV was reclassified to a Class E violation, with a punishment of a $100 fine or a completed health assessment. This measure also established a drug addiction treatment program, funded by the state’s marijuana tax revenue.
South Dakota voters passed both a ballot measure and constitutional amendment. South Dakota Initiated Measure 26 seeks to legalize medical marijuana for qualifying patients, including minors. Qualifying individuals must obtain a registration card from the State Department of Health and cannot possess more than three ounces of marijuana. South Dakota Constitutional Amendment A legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 years or older. Individuals can possess up to one ounce of marijuana. This amendment imposes a 15 percent sales tax on marijuana and requires the Legislature to pass laws relating to the sale of hemp.
