What the results of the U.S. election mean for cannabis legalization
America is walking the green path as far as cannabis activists are concerned. The presidential election results could make November 2020 a day of memorable impact on cannabis activists and users. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic is the fight for leadership of the USA, and the election results today are a poignant moment for cannabis users.
The American public is aware that cannabis and other substances are not only for getting high. The CEO of SIVA Enterprises, Avis Bulbulyan, believes that this time is just the tipping point for drug policy absent from federal reform.
While the nation waited for a final result of the November Presidential election, it became crystal clear that drugs were a winner this year, as measures that represented the legalization of marijuana and also the decriminalization of other drugs won a significant victory in these states:
New Jersey
Would legalize adult-use marijuana for those 21 or older. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the cannabis market, and all sales of cannabis products would be subjected to state sales tax.
South Dakota
Medical use of cannabis would be granted to qualifying patients, including minors. Medical use will include the delivery, use, cultivation, and manufacturing (for residents of the state) of cannabis and cannabis-based products, which will help to alleviate or treat debilitating medical conditions certified by a physician.
Arizona
Limited marijuana possession, use, and cultivation for adults 21 or older and the amending criminal penalties for cannabis possession are about to come into effect. The law would prohibit cannabis smoking in public places and include a 16% excise tax on cannabis sales would be used to fund public programs. Expungements of cannabis offences would also be allowed.
Montana
This measure would see the possession of limited amounts of cannabis for adults 21 and over become legal. The Montana Department of Revenue will be required to regulate and license the cultivation, transportation, and sale of cannabis-infused products. Licensed labs would be necessary to test cannabis-infused products and marijuana for potency and contaminants. There will be no advertising of cannabis and related products.
Mississippi
Initiative 65 would allow qualified patients to use medical cannabis. Medicinal cannabis would be available only by licensed treatment centers. Initiative 65A would be a constitutional amendment that would be an alternative measure to No. 65, and it will establish the medical use of cannabis by a qualified person living with debilitating conditions.
Washington DC
This state legalized some form of cannabis use. Small amounts of harder drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, became violations that were not punishable by jail time in Oregon. The voters from Washington D.C. and Oregon approved measures to allow for the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms.
All-in
Dakota became the first state where the voters said yes to both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis simultaneously.
This year's election results clearly indicate it is time to acknowledge the support for the legalization of cannabis across the country. Erik Altieri, the executive director of NORML, stated that the success of the initiatives has proven that cannabis legalization is not a blue state issue but an issue supported by most Americans, no matter what party they support.
Final thoughts
Voters in the United States of America have approved several statewide ballot proposals that would legalize the distribution and use of cannabis for adult recreational use and medicinal purposes. The election results today give a clear indication that cannabis legalization is of interest to all voters, regardless of their political persuasions.
