It’s been 12 years since some states first legalized marijuana — but laws still vary across the country.
This November, five states are asking voters to decide whether or not they want to change marijuana laws.
Florida, South Dakota and North Dakota are putting the decision to legalize recreational use of weed for adults up for vote.
Nebraska is asking voters about medicinal marijuana in two separate ballot measures.
In Oregon, where recreational use of the drug is legal, the state is asking voters about unionization in the industry.
Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have expressed similar views on the legalization of marijuana.
“I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” Trump said in a Sept. 8 TruthSocial post, adding that would vote “yes” on Florida’s ballot measure.
In Harris’s “Opportunity Agenda,” released on Oct. 14, she said she plans on “legalizing recreational marijuana and creating opportunities for Black Americans to succeed in this new industry.”
Federally, marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA announced plans to reclassify the drug to a Schedule III, recognizing cannabis for medical use, according to an April.
Here’s a breakdown of the six ballot measures up for vote in states this November.
Florida Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization
Florida’s ballot measure proposes a constitutional amendment that would legalize the use of recreational marijuana for adults 21 years and older.
Additionally, it would allow for the cultivation, manufacturing and sales of cannabis and accessories associated with recreational use.
In Florida, medicinal marijuana is legal but recreational use is not.
A “yes” vote supports the legalization of recreational marijuana for people 21 years or older.
A “no” opposes legalizing marijuana for recreational use by people 21 years of age or older.
South Dakota Initiated Measure 29, Marijuana Legalization
Recreational distribution, possession and use of marijuana would be legal for adults 21 years and older under South Dakota’s ballot measure that’s up for vote on Nov. 5.
Adults would be allowed to possess up to two ounces of weed and could own up to six marijuana plants. Households would be limited to no more than 12 cannabis plants.
Medicinal marijuana is legal in South Dakota, but recreational use is currently prohibited.
A “yes” vote supports the legalization of recreational marijuana for adult use.
A “no” vote opposes legalizing marijuana for recreational use by people 21 years of age or older.
Oregon Measure 119, Unionization of Cannabis Workers
Though the use of recreational cannabis is legal in Oregon, a ballot measure will ask voters to decide if cannabis employers should be required to remain “neutral” when talking to employees about unions and collective bargaining.
Under Oregon law, employees have the right to organize and collective bargaining. If passed, this measure would change how employers can communicate about it.
A “yes” vote supports the requirement that cannabis employers remain neutral when communicating about labor organizations and collective bargaining to employees.
A “no” vote opposes the requirement that cannabis employers remain neutral on collective bargaining. Employees would still have the right to organize and collective bargaining.
North Dakota Initiated Measure 5, Marijuana Legalization
North Dakota’s ballot measure asks voters if they want to legalize the production, sale and use of recreational marijuana for people 21 years and older.
Currently, only medicinal marijuana is legal in North Dakota.
A “yes” vote supports the legalization of recreational marijuana for adult use.
A “no” vote opposes legalizing marijuana for recreational use by people 21 years of age or older.
Nebraska
Two ballot measures about medical marijuana are up for vote Nov. 5 in Nebraska.
Initiative 437, Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative
The ballot initiative would allow people, with written recommendation from a healthcare provider, to possess up to five ounces of medicinal marijuana without legal penalty.
A “yes” vote supports the decriminalization of medical marijuana for those possessing up to five ounces with a written recommendation from a healthcare provider.
A “no” vote opposes possession of medical marijuana.
Initiative 438, Medical Marijuana Regulation Initiative
Nebraska’s second marijuana ballot measure would repeal penalties for possessing, distributing, delivering and dispensing medical marijuana.
The measure also establishes the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate medical marijuana in the state.
Both medicinal and recreational marijuana are illegal in Nebraska.
A “yes” vote supports the decriminalization of manufacturing and distributing medical marijuana.
A “no” vote opposes the repealing penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of medical marijuana and the establishment of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.
H/T: www.miamiherald.com
