Marijuana measures fail in three states

WASHINGTON – This year, marijuana laws were once again on the ballot in a handful of states.

Although still illegal under federal law, public approval of marijuana has grown significantly. Prior to this election, 24 states had legalized recreational marijuana, with Ohio voters last doing so in November 2023.

Here’s what voters in these four states decided about marijuana use:

Florida: rejected

Florida voters on Tuesday rejected ballot measures to legalize marijuana, handing victory to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who used state resources and campaigned heavily to defeat the issues.

The marijuana measure would have allowed people 21 and older to possess about 3 ounces of marijuana, and it would have allowed businesses that already grow and sell medical marijuana to sell it to them. The vote came as federal officials are moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

In September, the Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing the state’s voters to decide whether to legalize recreational use of marijuana, rejecting the attorney general’s arguments that the measures should be kept off the November ballot.

The amendment received more than 4.6 million ‘yes’ votes, or 55.9% of the total votes. But Florida needs amendments to reach 60% or more.

Nebraska, approved

Nebraska voters on Tuesday approved two measures that will create a system for the use and production of medical marijuana, if the measures survive an ongoing legal challenge.

The vote came after an uphill battle to get the measure on the ballot.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana announced earlier this year that it had collected about 114,000 signatures — well more than the roughly 86,000 needed — for each of two petitions: one that would allow marijuana for medical use and the other to ban medical marijuana. regulate the state’s marijuana industry. .

It was the third attempt by Nebraskans for medical marijuana to get the issue on the ballot.

North Dakota, rejected

North Dakota voters rejected legalizing recreational marijuana possession and use.

The legislative measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older to use at home and, if permitted, on the private property of others. The measure also outlines numerous production and processing regulations, prohibited uses – such as in public or in vehicles – and would allow growing plants at home.

The measure would establish maximum purchase and possession quantities of 1 ounce of dried leaves or flowers, 4 grams of cannabinoid concentrate, 1,500 milligrams of total THC in the form of a cannabis product and 300 milligrams of an edible product. It would allow for cannabis solutions, capsules, transdermal patches, concentrates, topical and edible products.

North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in 2016 but rejected recreational initiatives in 2018 and 2022.

South Dakota, rejected

South Dakota voters rejected legalizing recreational marijuana use in the state.

It is the third time that recreational use has been discussed.

In 2020, voters passed a measure that was ultimately rejected by the court. In 2022, voters defeated another attempt.

The measure would have legalized recreational marijuana for people 21 and older. The proposal included possession limits of up to 60 grams of marijuana in any form other than concentrated cannabis or cannabis products. The measure also allows the cultivation of plants, with restrictions.