Eight More States Projected to Legalize Marijuana

Since their legalization of marijuana, it is reported ong>that Colorado has generated $76 million in marijuana taxes and fees, and Washington has earned over $26 million in excise taxes. Main St. predicts that a few other areas of the country will follow suit and welcome marijuana law reform. After noting voting and policy trends, analysts reveal eight more states they project to legalize cannabis.  See if you live in one of them.

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California

California had several initiatives on city and county ballots in the midterm election. Most of the agendas were aimed at improving local regulations, but there were some who wanted to restrict the use of “medical marijuana-related activity.”

Florida

On June 16, Governor Rick Scott signed a bill that that allows limited access to cannabinol, or CBD, for treatment of cancer and other illness. A public petition campaign’s efforts landed an amendment on the legalization of medical marijuana on the Florida 2014 midterm election ballot. The amendment required 60% of the vote to pass, but voters fell slightly short (58% to 42%).

Maine

Maine had local measures on the ballot in 2014’s midterm election in Lewiston and South Portland to make possession of up to one ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age or older. In Lewiston, the voter results were 55% to 45% against the legislation, but South Portland’s votes were in favor 52% to 48%.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts didn’t have any measures on the midterm election ballot regarding marijuana, but it did pose a public policy question on the topic to

some districts within the state: “Shall the State Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana in the same manner as alcohol?”

Michigan

Michigan’s midterm election ballot contained 11 local decriminalization measures for marijuana. Voters moved in favor of the measure in six of these areas.

Minnesota

Legislation in Minnesota passed to provide access to medical marijuana stocks for a small range of conditions, including cancer and epilepsy. The passing of the bill was a compromise between House, Senate and Democrat Governor Mark Dayton, permitting use only to those with medical conditions approved by the law.

New Mexico

New Mexico residents had non-binding polling questions on decriminalization of marijuana in Bernalillo County and Santa Fe County during the midterm elections. Voters favored 57 to 42 in Bernalillio and 73 to 27 in Santa Fe.

New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act, a law which allows doctors to prescribe non-smokable forms of marijuana to those with serious ailments, including cancer, AIDS and Parkinson’s disease.