Two New States Legalize Cannabis

Amid all the drama, close races, and supposed red waves of the midterm election, it can be easy to forget the unsung hero at the end of every vote cast: the ballot measures. After the smattering of candidates and offices, almost every state included at least one referendum-style "yes or no" question posed to their populace. Several important measures were passed on Tuesday, including several states prohibiting slavery as a form of punishment, Michigan and Vermont guaranteeing the right to abortion in their states, and Alabama ratifying a new version of their constitution that removes racist language. 

The referendums that many in the cannabis space had their eyes on were the five states that put legalization on the ballot: North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Missouri, and Maryland. Several races were close, but, in the end, ND, SD, and AR all failed to meet the 50% requirement by a few thousand votes. Maryland passed theirs easily with more than two-thirds of the state voting in favor. The big surprise of the night, however, was Missouri. Historically a very red state with incredibly conservative policies and legislation, the stoners in St. Louis and Kansas City came out in droves and managed to be just enough to pass the threshold. 

Image from Alaska Public Media

This marks a huge victory for proponents of legalization, with Missouri being one of the first predominantly right-leaning states to fully legalize recreational cannabis use. This inspires a lot of hope for future legislation and referendums in the future, with many in red areas having previously given up on the idea that they would ever be able to smoke freely in their home states. In addition, Maryland and Missouri represent the 20th and 21st fully recreational states along with D.C. With another 17 states having legalized medical cannabis use, the pressure on Congress to act federally intensifies. 

Once these new laws are drafted and take effect in 2023, Missouri specifically included language in their ballot measure that would expunge the records of those convicted of minor possession offenses and allow those incarcerated for such offenses to petition for release. Hopefully, Maryland follows suit as so many other states have done to right the wrongs that so many have been affected by from unjust and unfair cannabis policy. 

With Colorado also on the precipice of successfully passing its own ballot measure that would legalize the use of some hallucinogens like psilocybin mushrooms, the future is looking bright. Though there is still much work to do, each month seems to bring more good news. Here's to a freer and slightly higher country.