Marijuana Legalization 2016 Election Results
Nine states had measures on their ballots this 2016 election regarding legalizing marijuana. Some were voting to legalize recreational marijuana and some voted to legalize medicinal marijuana. As of Wednesday morning after the election, eight of the nine measures had been approved; just one was rejected. Most significantly, recreational marijuana was legalized in California – this will affect 40 million Americans. With conflicting reports about long-term effects of recreational marijuana use, there are some who are definitely concerned. After Tuesday night, a majority of the United States now has access to legalized medicinal and/or recreational marijuana. Those who are in favor of legal and recreational marijuana are hopeful the trend of support will continue to grow.
The results are as follows:
- ARKANSAS: Approved legalized marijuana for certain medical conditions, medicinal dispensaries, state regulatory agency
- ARIZONA: Rejected up to 1 ounce of marijuana for private consumption for anyone 21 and over, up to 12 plants per residence, state regulatory agency, 15 percent tax on top of existing sales tax
- CALIFORNIA: Approved up to 1 ounce of marijuana for private consumption for anyone 21 and over, up to 6 plants per residence, state regulatory agency, 15 percent tax on top of existing sales tax, cultivation tax
- FLORIDA: Approved legalized marijuana for cancer, epilepsy, HIV, PTSD, and other conditions, medicinal dispensaries, regulation by Florida Department of Health
- MAINE: Approved up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for private consumption for anyone 21 and over, retail sales, 10 percent tax, up to 6 flowering plants, 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings per residence, regulation by Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
- MASSACHUSETTS: Approved up to 1 ounce of marijuana for private consumption for anyone 21 and over, up to 12 plants per residence, state regulatory agency, retail sales, 3.75 percent tax on top of existing sales tax
- MONTANA: Although medicinal marijuana use is already legal in Montana, the state approved giving patients easier access to marijuana and allows providers to hire employees to cultivate, dispense and transport medical marijuana.
- NEVADA: Approved up to 1 ounce of marijuana for private consumption for anyone 21 and over, up to 6 plants per residence for anyone who doesn’t live within 25 miles of dispensary, regulation from Nevada Department of Taxation, additional 15 percent tax for growers, with revenue going toward state’s education system
- NORTH DAKOTA: Approved legalizing marijuana to treat cancer, epilepsy, HIV, PTSD, chronic back pain and other conditions, medicinal dispensaries, and up to 8 plants per residence for anyone who doesn’t live within 40 miles of dispensary, regulation by North Dakota Department of Health
Source: Newsweek.com