Law & Politics

November Elections: The State of Legalization in the U.S. 2014, Source: http://blog.norml.org/2014/11/03/marijuana-midterm-smoke-the-vote-november-4th/This November’s general elections were of great importance to weedists in the States, as 3 different states and the capital: Oregon, Alaska, Florida and Washington D.C. voted on measures to loosen restrictions on cannabis use. So what is the fate of our favorite herb in these 4 locations after polls closed? Let’s check the results.

Oregon (recreational)

Oregon attempted recreational legalization back in 2012 but Oregon voters rejected a measure to legalize pot 56% to 44%, a close race but still a loss. Luckily for Oregon tokers, more legalization proponents have been at work in Oregon this year, focusing more on young voters who typically don’t come out to non presidential elections. “The young and young at heart are going to be important for us to pass this measure,” said Brad Reed, a spokesman for Oregon’s Yes on Measure 91 campaign. Thanks to the efforts of activists, Oregon passed the legalization bill, making recreational cannabis available for purchase to individuals over 21, and also allowing for Oregon residents to grow up to four of their own plants. Congrats Oregon!

Florida (medical)

In Florida the situation for medical cannabis was a little less hopeful, thanks to a state constitutional amendment which required a super-majority of 60% of voters to pass. The medical marijuana legalization issue was also a large platform of interest in the gubernatorial elections, with party candidates split in opinions with Democrat Charlie Crist advocating for MMJ legalization and Republican Rick Scott in favor of continued prohibition. Unfortunately the bill failed, with latest projections showing 58% in approval, with 42% against, still a majority but not quite enough. Florida’s legalization would have made it the first state to allow cannabis use in the South, sadly they stuck with the tradition of cannabis prohibition in this election. Strike one. Sorry Florida, maybe next time.

Washington D.C. (recreational)

Washington D.C. legalization advocates framed their argument from a social justice perspective in this election, arguing that legalization would bring an end to arrests and discrimination against partakers of the ganj, specifically young black men. Thankfully the D.C. election was another victory for weedists, with latest polls showing a 65-29.5 percent lead as of 9:09 p.m. ET. With the bill passed, D.C. residents may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow up to six of their own plants. The measure did not however, delineate a process by which cannabis can be bought and sold, so city officials will likely be responsible for coming up with regulations and taxation outlines.

Alaska (recreational)

This election is the third attempt by Alaskan voters to legalize cannabis. Well, the results are in, and Alaska has become the fourth state (+ D.C.) now to legalize marijuana on a recreational basis for adults aged 21 and older. Measure 2 allows for the possession, sale and use of recreational marijuana, with adults allowed to posses up to 1 ounce and grow for personal use up to 6 plants (with only 3 mature at a time). Congrats Alaska!

After today’s polls we’ve had some wins and some losses. But despite Florida’s failure to legalize cannabis we should look at today as an overall victory, after all, cannabis is legal in three states it previously wasn’t. So grab some friends, light up, and soak up the ambiance of victory as we collectively celebrate the ground that cannabis has gained in the ongoing fight for legalization.