We could see some big changes coming in the marijuana world, depending on the results of this week’s election. Five states have a question regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana on their ballot, while three more states have one about medical marijuana. This could mean big things for the marijuana industry, especially for smaller businesses because they are generally what makes up the marijuana industry thus far.
Let’s look at each state’s individual choice to be made on the ballot this week.
California
Proposition 64: This will allow California to follow in the footsteps of Colorado, Oregon, Washington State and DC, and Alaska, in that the adult use of marijuana (which means using it recreationally) would be legalized in the state. Each local government could make decisions on the taxes or banning of certain activities within their area, but otherwise, it would be legal to use in the state of California.
Nevada
The state of Nevada is voting for whether to allow legalized, recreational marijuana. Any revenue from this industry in Nevada would go towards the state’s elementary school funding. Medical marijuana is already legal in Nevada. This would additionally help the state because many people would come to Nevada to take advantage of this new law (like they already do with a variety of other things), not to mention the increase in tax revenue.
Maine
Maine is also voting for whether they will legalize recreational marijuana. Adults could have and buy marijuana (possession of 2.5 ounces would be allowed, which is 1.5 ounces more than the states of California and Nevada). The likelihood of Maine voting to approve this is fairly high, and the marijuana tax revenue will go toward creating jobs in a variety of industries (many of which are not tied directly to the marijuana trade).
Arizona
Proposition 205 would allow for recreational marijuana use by adults in areas that are private (rather than public areas). One ounce of marijuana could be legally possessed, and personal cultivation of six plants or less would also be allowed. The tax would be at 15%.
Massachusetts
Medical marijuana is already legal here, but now they are voting on whether recreational marijuana will be legal as well. Because of its high population, the tax revenue of the marijuana industry in Massachusetts could be extremely high — even higher than in Colorado where the population is lower, for example. Municipalities would have the ability to restrict the use of marijuana and commercial marijuana activities within their area if they so choose.
Florida, Arkansas, North Dakota
These three states are each deciding whether to allow medical marijuana to be legal, specifically the selling of medical marijuana. This would increase the number of jobs, as well as open the door for many entrepreneurs. Each state has its own specifics that would go into effect if their populations voted to legalize medical marijuana.
Florida, for example, will allow doctors to choose whether or not to prescribe marijuana — this has been voted on before and didn’t get passed. Perhaps this week will be the time for Florida to change its mind.
Arkansas has two ballots to specify which unique restrictions its population would like, assuming they vote for medical marijuana legalization. North Dakota, on the other hand, doesn’t have the question of legalizing medical marijuana on the ballot. Instead, they will decide whether medical marijuana can sometimes be used — specifically, for just about twelve different medical conditions.
“Robert Bergman has been on a personal journey of creating the perfect cannabis seeds for the last 20 years and through this has gathered extensive knowledge growing marijuana. Not only does Robert share his insights about growing marijuana, but also offers his insights on marijuana in the field of politics, market insights, activism, product development to further educate the public and support the further liberalization of the plant.“
