Voters in Three States to Decide on Legalizing Marijuana Possession
On Tuesday, voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota will head to the polls to decide whether to legalize marijuana possession. This comes as 24 states have already legalized recreational marijuana, with 13 of those states doing so through ballot measures.
Florida, which legalized medical marijuana in 2016, is considering a measure that would allow adults 21 and older to possess and use marijuana without penalty. The proposal requires a supermajority of 60% to pass, and polling shows that 60% of likely voters support the measure. However, Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns about the potential impact on public spaces.
In North Dakota, voters will consider a proposal to legalize marijuana for recreational use, following two previous failed attempts. The measure would allow adults 21 and older to possess marijuana without criminal penalty, and would also establish a system for regulating and taxing the drug.
South Dakota, which previously approved a measure to legalize recreational marijuana in 2020, will consider a revised proposal that would allow residents to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and grow their own plants for personal use. However, polling shows that a majority of voters are opposed to the measure.
Nebraska, meanwhile, is considering a proposal to legalize medical marijuana, which would make it the 39th state to do so. The state currently allows possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana without arrest, but possessing small amounts can come with a $300 fine.
While many states have decriminalized marijuana possession, it remains a federal crime punishable by up to a year in jail. If any of these states pass their respective measures, it could pave the way for further legalization efforts at the federal level.
