Several states in the US had recreational marijuana on the ballot. Maryland and Missouri became the 20th and 21st states to legalize adult use marijuana on Tuesday. However, efforts for marijuana reform failed in Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Maryland voters have approved an amendment legalizing recreational marijuana for those 21 years and older. The amendment will go into effect on July 1, 2023 and allow possession of up to 1.5 ounces or two plants. Possession of small amounts of marijuana has already been considered a non-criminal offense in Maryland. According to reports, the amendment will also allow those previously convicted of possession and intent to distribute marijuana to apply for expungement of their records.
Missouri voters have lifted the state's ban on marijuana, allowing individuals over the age of 21 to use it for personal use. The initiative permits individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and permits those convicted of non-violent crimes related to marijuana to apply for release from prison, probation, or parole, as well as have their records expunged.
Voters in North Dakota have rejected a citizen-initiated ballot measure that aimed to allow those over the age of 21 to use marijuana in various forms. The measure would have allowed possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and mandated that all marijuana undergo testing for potency and pesticides in a facility, as well as random inspections.
South Dakota residents have also rejected the legalization of marijuana in the state. In 2020, South Dakota passed a measure legalizing recreational marijuana use, but it was subsequently invalidated by the state's courts. Under a proposed 2022 ballot measure, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana would be legal. It would also legalize possession of marijuana paraphernalia, use, and distribution.
In addition, voters in Arkansas rejected an amendment that would have allowed adults to possess and consume marijuana for recreational purposes and licensed facilities to sell it. If passed, this amendment would have made the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana legal and some tax revenue from marijuana sales would have gone towards funding law enforcement efforts.
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