Recreational marijuana could be legalized in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota should voters cast their vote in favor of state cannabis measures and ballot initiatives. And according to news reports, mixed results are predicted for adult-use marijuana legalization ballot measures.
What’s Inside The Bag: A Brief Look At Each State
Before the big day arrives, it’s important to reflect on public predictions. According to numerous reports, news sites and industry experts, predictions are mixed, with three of the five states’ predictions looking bleak. However, it’s too early to tell, and hopes for the legalization of adult-use weed shouldn’t go up in smoke just yet.
Missouri Prediction: Inconclusive
For now, recent polls show a 50-50 result for Missouri. “Even so, an average of the Missouri polls gives the measure a 50-50 chance of passing.” So, neither in favor nor against; this state remains on the fence. Should results see a pass, “Missouri’s Amendment 3 would allow adults to purchase and possess up to three ounces of cannabis and, with a license, cultivate up to six flowering marijuana plants, six immature plants and six clones. A 6% sales tax on recreational cannabis would be imposed, with revenue going toward substance treatment programs, veterans’ health care and the state’s public defender system.”
Maryland Prediction: Pass
Maryland voters seem to be in favor of the measures, with positive outcomes predicted for the legalization of adult-use pot in this state. The news site reports, “Two polls in Maryland show a majority of voters support Question 4, which would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older in 2023 and direct Maryland legislators to pass legislation establishing a regulatory framework governing a new recreational market.” Added to this, “Convictions for possession of up to 2.5 ounces would be automatically expunged, while individuals with convictions for possession with intent to distribute could petition the courts for expungement three years after completing their sentence.”
Arkansas Prediction: Fail
Projections for Arkansas’s Issue 4 first looked positive, but now, with dwindling percentages in the polls, predictions are looking toward failure. Right now, it looks as if the measure will not be passed. “The measure would allow adults to purchase up to an ounce of cannabis from licensed retailers. It would also implement a 10% sales tax on cannabis sales.”
North And South Dakota Prediction: Fail
The same can be said for North and South Dakota, with projections seeing unfavorable results and a failure to pass the ballot initiatives. “Recreational marijuana legalization in North and South Dakota doesn’t seem likely this year,” explains the news report.
For now, it looks likely that Measure 2 will not be passed, and adults in North Dakota will not be able to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis and four grams of marijuana concentrate. Neither does it look likely that they will be allowed to cultivate up to three plants for personal use.
In South Dakota, it’s predicted that Measure 27 will not be passed, and adults will not be allowed to purchase and possess up to an ounce of cannabis nor cultivate three plants for their own personal use.
Politics Need Follow-Ups, Projections Need To Be Made, And Pot Needs To Be On Hand Throughout
With a close eye kept on these political events, we’ve got our pot ready to smoke should we find our nerves shot with anticipation for what is to come. More updates to follow after Election Day, with the above-mentioned predictions then graded and comparisons made with results from 2020.
Enjoyed that first hit? Come chill with us every week at the Friday Sesh for a freshly packed bowl of the week’s best cannabis news!
