Marijuana Measures Fall Short in Three States
In the 2024 election, several states considered measures to legalize marijuana, but voters in three states ultimately rejected the initiatives. Despite growing public support for marijuana legalization, Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota all failed to pass measures to allow recreational use of the drug.
In Florida, a ballot measure that would have allowed individuals 21 and older to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana was rejected. The measure would have also allowed businesses already growing and selling medical marijuana to sell it to recreational users. Although the measure received over 55% of the vote, it fell short of the 60% required to pass.
Nebraska, on the other hand, approved two measures that will create a system for the use and manufacture of medical marijuana, pending the outcome of an ongoing legal challenge. This marks the third time Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has attempted to get the issue on the ballot.
North Dakota and South Dakota both rejected measures to legalize recreational marijuana. In North Dakota, the measure would have allowed individuals 21 and older to use and possess marijuana at home and on private property, with regulations on production and processing. In South Dakota, the measure would have legalized recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older, with possession limits and cultivation restrictions.
These results come as federal officials are considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Despite the setbacks, public support for marijuana legalization continues to grow, and advocates may continue to push for changes at the state and federal levels.
