Recreational marijuana backers can gather signatures for North Dakota ballot initiative
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Recreational marijuana backers can gather signatures for North Dakota ballot initiative

Associated Press  

BISMARCK, N.D. — A North Dakota ballot initiative group can gather signatures to put a proposal legalizing recreational marijuana to a statewide vote in the fall, the state’s top election official said Thursday, in the latest legalization effort in the conservative state. “We spend too many resources, we spend too much money, we criminalize behavior that’s more benign than alcohol consumption, and we have a mental health and true drug crisis going on in our communities, and we’re diverting law enforcement resources away from methamphetamine and fentanyl to make marijuana arrests,” Friese said. Republican Sen. Janne Myrdal said she is “firmly against” legalizing recreational marijuana, saying, “I just don’t believe in illicit drugs being legalized. “Other nations have gone and legalized all kinds of wrongdoings and things that are negative for young people, negative for the human body at large, and I just think we’re going in the wrong direction of saying, ‘Oh, well, people are going to do it anyway, so let’s just legalize it.’ That’s a faulty argument to me.” North Dakota voters approved of medical marijuana in 2016.

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History of this topic

Trio of ballot failures leads marijuana backers to refocus their efforts for recreational weed
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Trio of ballot failures leads marijuana backers to refocus their efforts for recreational weed

Associated Press  

The movement to legalize recreational marijuana has run into a wall of resistance, failing in all three states where it was on the ballot this year and leading proponents to weigh a tactical shift focused more on state legislatures and the federal government. It’s “going to be a potentially tougher hill to climb going forward to enact legalization in the …

South Dakota to Decide on Abortion Rights and Recreational Marijuana
1 month, 2 weeks ago

South Dakota to Decide on Abortion Rights and Recreational Marijuana

Associated Press  

South Dakota will hold a vote on Tuesday to decide whether to protect abortion rights and legalize recreational marijuana. The abortion rights measure would amend the state constitution to bar restrictions on terminating a pregnancy during its first 12 weeks. The recreational marijuana measure would legalize recreational use for those 21 and older, with up to 2 ounces in a …

Voters could make recreational cannabis legal in more than half of U.S. states
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Voters could make recreational cannabis legal in more than half of U.S. states

NPR  

Voters could make recreational cannabis legal in more than half of U.S. states toggle caption Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images Three more states are voting today on whether to legalize the recreational use of cannabis — and if more than one of the measures passes, it would mean a majority of U.S. states have recreational marijuana laws on the books. …

Florida rejects marijuana legalization measure, other states still pending
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Florida rejects marijuana legalization measure, other states still pending

Salon  

On Nov. 5, voters in four red states will cast their ballots for legalizing cannabis and marijuana, the extracts from the plant. “It’s certainly not crazy to think you might see some other very conservative Southern states follow along, if Florida adopts it.” North Dakota: Measure 5 In North Dakota, advocates are hoping the third time's a charm in legalizing …

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?
3 months, 1 week ago

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?

Associated Press  

The U.S. is divided when it comes to state and federal marijuana policy, but recent political developments could move the country toward a greater acceptance of cannabis. Both major presidential candidates have signaled support for a federal policy change to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, and voters in several additional states will get a say this fall on …

Medical Marijuana Legalization In Nebraska May Appear On November Ballot
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Medical Marijuana Legalization In Nebraska May Appear On November Ballot

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING OMAHA, Neb. — A group seeking to legalize marijuana for medical use in Nebraska has gathered enough signatures to get the issue before voters in November, the state’s top election official said Friday. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana announced earlier this year that it had gathered about 114,000 signatures — well more than the approximately 86,000 needed — …

Measures to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska can appear on November ballot, official says
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Measures to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska can appear on November ballot, official says

Associated Press  

— A group seeking to legalize marijuana for medical use in Nebraska has gathered enough signatures to get the issue before voters in November, the state’s top election official said Friday. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana announced earlier this year that it had gathered about 114,000 signatures — well more than the approximately 86,000 needed — for each of two petitions: …

North Dakota voters to weigh in again on marijuana legalization
4 months, 1 week ago

North Dakota voters to weigh in again on marijuana legalization

Associated Press  

BISMARCK, N.D. — A ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota has qualified for the November election, the state’s top election official said Monday. North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana in 2016 but rejected recreational initiatives in 2018 and 2022. “The people of North Dakota soundly rejected the idea of recreational marijuana in 2018 and 2022, but here …

Group files petitions to put recreational marijuana on North Dakota’s November ballot
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Group files petitions to put recreational marijuana on North Dakota’s November ballot

Live Mint  

BISMARCK, N.D. — Organizers of a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota submitted petition signatures on Monday, likely setting up another statewide vote on the issue that voters and state lawmakers have previously defeated. The 20-page statutory measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older to use at their homes and, if permitted, on others’ …

Group files petitions to put recreational marijuana on North Dakota’s November ballot
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Group files petitions to put recreational marijuana on North Dakota’s November ballot

Associated Press  

BISMARCK, N.D. — Organizers of a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota submitted petition signatures on Monday, likely setting up another statewide vote on the issue that voters and state lawmakers have previously defeated. The 20-page statutory measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older to use at their homes and, if permitted, on others’ …

North Carolina Senate gives initial approval to legalizing medical marijuana
6 months ago

North Carolina Senate gives initial approval to legalizing medical marijuana

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina got a step closer to legalizing medical marijuana on Thursday when the state Senate gave it its initial approval. Legalizing medical marijuana for qualifying patients with a “debilitating medical condition” was added to a bill on Wednesday that originally focused on creating further state regulations for federally legal hemp products. Sen. Bill Rabon, a Republican …

North Carolina revives the possibility of legalizing medical marijuana
6 months ago

North Carolina revives the possibility of legalizing medical marijuana

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina senators are pushing to legalize medical marijuana again, but it’s unclear if the state House will approve it. A Senate bill that was originally intended to add state regulations to hemp products experienced a major facelift on Wednesday when lawmakers added a provision legalizing medical marijuana. The hemp regulations bill was suddenly sent back to …

New Hampshire remains New England’s lone holdout against legalizing recreational marijuana
6 months, 1 week ago

New Hampshire remains New England’s lone holdout against legalizing recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in New Hampshire died on the House floor Thursday after advancing further than ever in New England’s only holdout state. He described it as “the most intrusive big-government marijuana program proposed anywhere in the country, one that ignores free market principles, will stifle innovation in an emerging industry and tie future generations …

3rd try at approving recreational marijuana in South Dakota makes the ballot
6 months, 2 weeks ago

3rd try at approving recreational marijuana in South Dakota makes the ballot

Associated Press  

South Dakota voters will decide again whether to legalize recreational marijuana, an issue with a frustrating history for backers of the ballot initiative in the conservative state. Opponent Jim Kinyon, chairperson of Protecting South Dakota Kids, said the state’s voters already had a say on the issue and rejected recreational marijuana back in 2022. “How many times does the state …

Recreational marijuana backers try to overcome rocky history in South Dakota
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Recreational marijuana backers try to overcome rocky history in South Dakota

Associated Press  

Advocates of legalizing recreational marijuana in South Dakota, a mission with a rocky history, submitted thousands of signatures to election officials on Tuesday in the hopes of once again getting the issue on the conservative state’s November ballot. Twenty-four states have legalized recreational marijuana, including as recently as November 2023 in Ohio, but “no state has as interesting or rocky …

As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?
7 months, 2 weeks ago

As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?

Associated Press  

As the U.S. government moves toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, there may be little immediate impact in the dozen states that have not already legalized cannabis for widespread medical or recreational use by adults. Following two previous failed attempts, a Nebraska group is gathering signatures to get two measures onto this year’s ballot: one to legalize medical …

US' Ohio votes to legalise marijuana for adult recreational use
1 year, 1 month ago

US' Ohio votes to legalise marijuana for adult recreational use

Hindustan Times  

Ohio voters approved a proposal legalizing recreational marijuana on Tuesday, defying Republican legislative leaders who had failed to pass the proposed law. Passage of Issue 2 makes Ohio the 24th state to allow adult cannabis use for non-medical purposes. Opponents also raised concerns about the tax structure, which earmarks none of the earnings for Ohio counties that administer social services …

Voters in North Carolina tribe back adult use of marijuana in referendum
1 year, 3 months ago

Voters in North Carolina tribe back adult use of marijuana in referendum

Associated Press  

CHEROKEE, N.C. — Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have backed overwhelmingly the adult use of marijuana on their tribal land, even as they await the opening of a dispensary for those who seek it for medicinal use. Unofficial results show that 70% of voters said “yes” Thursday in a referendum that opens the door to the western …

A marijuana legalization question will be on Ohio’s fall ballot after lawmakers failed to act on it
1 year, 4 months ago

A marijuana legalization question will be on Ohio’s fall ballot after lawmakers failed to act on it

Associated Press  

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A proposal to legalize recreational adult use of marijuana in Ohio was cleared Wednesday to appear on statewide ballots this fall after the Republican-led state Legislature failed to act on it. Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose determined that the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol had submitted 127,772 valid signatures, more than the 124,046 needed to …

What to know as recreational marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1
1 year, 4 months ago

What to know as recreational marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesotans can legally possess and grow their own marijuana for recreational purposes starting Tuesday, Aug. 1, subject to limits meant to keep a lid on things while the state sets up a full-blown legal cannabis industry. Farmers, like members of the public, can’t legally move cannabis across state lines amid the ongoing federal ban. Here’s a look at …

Ohio marijuana legalization question falls short on signatures for fall ballot, gets 10 more days
1 year, 4 months ago

Ohio marijuana legalization question falls short on signatures for fall ballot, gets 10 more days

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A proposal to legalize adult …

Western North Carolina tribe to vote on broader legalization of adult use of marijuana
1 year, 5 months ago

Western North Carolina tribe to vote on broader legalization of adult use of marijuana

Associated Press  

CHEROKEE, N.C. — Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote in September on whether they want to legalize marijuana possession and sales on tribal lands for anyone 21 and older — not just for those seeking it for medical use that the North Carolina tribe had already authorized. “If our voters say no, they don’t want adult …

Minnesota governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana starting in August
1 year, 6 months ago

Minnesota governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana starting in August

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minnesota — Surrounded by dozens of cheering people in green clothes, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill Tuesday to legalize recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21 starting in August, making Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize the substance for adults. “For me personally, it’s very wonderful to see a dream of yours over …

Governor’s new stance revives New Hampshire marijuana effort
1 year, 7 months ago

Governor’s new stance revives New Hampshire marijuana effort

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Gov. The House Commerce Committee voted Tuesday to amend an unrelated bill as a vehicle for a new plan where the state regulates marijuana the same way it controls the sale of wine and liquor, in line with what the Republican governor and potential presidential candidate outlined. The latest measure is similar to a plan lawmakers considered …

Minnesota lights up! Lawmakers make the land of 10,000 lakes 23rd state to legalize ‘recreational marijuana’
1 year, 7 months ago

Minnesota lights up! Lawmakers make the land of 10,000 lakes 23rd state to legalize ‘recreational marijuana’

Hindustan Times  

In a groundbreaking move, Minnesota has joined the ranks of states embracing the legalization of recreational marijuana. Senators in the state passed a bill over the weekend, making Minnesota the 23rd state to allow adults over the age of 21 to partake in the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. House and Senate cannabis bill authors Rep. Zack Stephenson and …

Negotiators finalize details of bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota
1 year, 7 months ago

Negotiators finalize details of bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — House and Senate negotiators wrapped up work Tuesday on the details of a bill to legalize recreational marijuana for adults in Minnesota, setting the stage for final votes in the closing days of the legislative session. It will still take staffers a day or two to prepare the final bill language, the Democratic chairs of the …

New Hampshire governor offers path to legalize marijuana
1 year, 7 months ago

New Hampshire governor offers path to legalize marijuana

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — A day after New Hampshire legislators rejected the latest attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, Gov. “In the past, I said now is not the time to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire,” Sununu said in a statement. Sununu said that this path “helps to keep substances away from kids by ensuring the state of New …

New Hampshire Senate rejects marijuana legalization bill, leaving state an outlier in New England
1 year, 7 months ago

New Hampshire Senate rejects marijuana legalization bill, leaving state an outlier in New England

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Senate rejected a marijuana legalization bill Thursday, leaving it the only state in New England that makes smoking pot recreationally a crime. Republican Senate President Jeb Bradley said the time isn’t right to legalize marijuana, as the state combats a drug addiction and overdose crisis. House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm said the push to …

Senate vote puts Minnesota on path to legalizing marijuana
1 year, 7 months ago

Senate vote puts Minnesota on path to legalizing marijuana

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate voted Friday to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, but the bill requires more work and negotiations before it can become law. There are several differences between the Senate bill and the companion version that passed the House 71-59 on Tuesday, so a House-Senate conference committee will need to resolve them before final votes …

Marijuana legalization advancing in Minnesota Legislature
1 year, 7 months ago

Marijuana legalization advancing in Minnesota Legislature

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Recreational marijuana could soon be legalized and regulated in Minnesota under bills that are entering the final rounds of debate at the Legislature. “Today is a big day because we are now at the five-yard line” for legalizing cannabis, the lead author, Democratic Rep. Zack Stephenson, of Coon Rapids, said at a news conference ahead of …

Delaware governor says he won’t block marijuana legalization
1 year, 8 months ago

Delaware governor says he won’t block marijuana legalization

Associated Press  

John Carney said Friday that he will allow bills legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in the state and authorizing the establishment of a state-licensed and regulated cannabis industry to become law without his signature. It’s time to move on.” “I remain concerned about the consequences of a recreational marijuana industry in our state,” Carney added. The legalization bill allows …

Delaware lawmakers give final approval to marijuana bills
1 year, 8 months ago

Delaware lawmakers give final approval to marijuana bills

Associated Press  

— The Delaware Senate gave final approval Tuesday to bills legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in the state and authorizing the establishment of a state-licensed and regulated cannabis industry, setting up a potential battle with Democratic Gov. Buckson, however, led the opposition to the industry-creation bill that calls for state officials to issue up to 30 initial retail marijuana …

Minnesota bill to legalize marijuana gets major rewrite
1 year, 9 months ago

Minnesota bill to legalize marijuana gets major rewrite

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for adults in Minnesota underwent a major rewrite Tuesday with the addition of new language to regulate and protect the state’s burgeoning industry in low-potency edibles and drinkables. “It has had incredible costs for our communities, especially for communities of color.” The 142-page amendment adopted Tuesday deals extensively with regulatory and …

What’s next for marijuana legalization after Oklahoma vote?
1 year, 9 months ago

What’s next for marijuana legalization after Oklahoma vote?

Associated Press  

In just over a decade since voters approved state constitutional amendments to make recreational marijuana legal in Colorado and Washington, 19 other states have followed suit. But voters in Oklahoma, where faith leaders, law enforcement and most of the state’s GOP leaders campaigned against legalization, on Tuesday rejected a ballot measure that would have legalized it. Kevin Stitt and much …

Delaware House approves legalizing recreational marijuana
1 year, 9 months ago

Delaware House approves legalizing recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

— The Delaware House has once again approved a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana use by adults in the state. John Carney vetoed a legalization bill last year, and House members failed to muster the three-fifths majority needed to override the veto. Opponents argue that legalization will lead to increased marijuana use among teens and young adults and expressed …

New Hampshire House gives initial marijuana legalization OK
1 year, 10 months ago

New Hampshire House gives initial marijuana legalization OK

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — A bipartisan bill to legalize recreational marijuana in New Hampshire passed its first big test Wednesday. Supporters hope New Hampshire will join 21 other states, including the rest of New England, in legalizing the drug, though the bill still has a long way to go. Most of the tax revenue would go toward reducing the state’s pension …

New marijuana legalization bill gets New Hampshire hearing
1 year, 10 months ago

New marijuana legalization bill gets New Hampshire hearing

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.h. — The New Hampshire Legislature is once again debating recreational use of marijuana but efforts to legalize it still face significant hurdles. “It’s clear communities, families, retirement security and the economy will be stronger once we legalize cannabis in New Hampshire,” he said. Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski, speaking on behalf of an association of 160 chiefs, said …

Minnesota lawmakers start down path to legalizing marijuana
1 year, 11 months ago

Minnesota lawmakers start down path to legalizing marijuana

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature embarked on a path toward legalizing recreational marijuana for adults Wednesday when a legislative committee held the first hearing of the year on a bill that backers say is designed to avoid the pitfalls experienced by states that have already legalized it. “Minnesotans deserve the freedom and respect to make responsible decisions about …

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states
2 years, 1 month ago

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states

Associated Press  

— Law-abiding marijuana enthusiasts could find themselves in a bit of a predicament following voter approval of a recreational cannabis initiative in Missouri. Maryland residents will have to wait even longer — until the middle of next year — before a recreational marijuana measure approved this past week can take effect. After Democratic victories in last week’s legislative and gubernatorial …

Walz says Minnesota Legislature could legalize pot in 2023
2 years, 1 month ago

Walz says Minnesota Legislature could legalize pot in 2023

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The chances for legalizing recreational marijuana in Minnesota got a huge boost from the Democratic sweep in the state’s elections, and Gov Tim Walz confirmed Friday that he told former Gov. “He would legalize cannabis, whereas Republicans are the ones stopping it.” Interviewed on WCCO Radio on Friday, Walz confirmed the conversation and indicated that Ventura …

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in three other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “Now they know that …

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “It’s pretty clear North …

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana

Firstpost  

The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana Arkansas: Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalization in even the most conservative parts of the country. The …

Marijuana legalization on the ballot in these states: Here’s what voters decided
2 years, 1 month ago

Marijuana legalization on the ballot in these states: Here’s what voters decided

CNN  

Washington CNN — Ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana use will fail in three states and pass in two, CNN projects, as momentum has grown nationwide to push for lifting penalties once associated with cannabis. Here’s what voters decided in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota on Tuesday: Arkansas Arkansas voters on Tuesday will reject a constitutional amendment …

US midterms: Legalising marijuana on the ballot in five states
2 years, 1 month ago

US midterms: Legalising marijuana on the ballot in five states

Al Jazeera  

Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North and South Dakota deciding whether to OK recreational marijuana measures. Voters in five US states are deciding on election day whether to approve recreational cannabis, a move that could signal a major shift towards legalisation in even the most conservative parts of the country. The initiative has drawn the criticism of traditional legalisation opponents …

EXPLAINED: Which US States Put Marijuana On The Ballot in 2022?
2 years, 1 month ago

EXPLAINED: Which US States Put Marijuana On The Ballot in 2022?

News 18  

Recreational marijuana could be legal in half the country if the handful of states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass them. Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. The Arkansas Supreme Court cleared the way in September for voters to consider whether people …

EXPLAINER: Which states put marijuana on the ballot in 2022?
2 years, 1 month ago

EXPLAINER: Which states put marijuana on the ballot in 2022?

Associated Press  

Recreational marijuana could be legal in half the country if the handful of states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass them. Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. — The Arkansas Supreme Court cleared the way in September for voters to consider whether …

Will South Dakota OK pot again after 1st measure reversed?
2 years, 2 months ago

Will South Dakota OK pot again after 1st measure reversed?

Associated Press  

— When it comes to marijuana, South Dakota has been a leader among its Great Plains neighbors: one of the first to legalize recreational use, the first to approve both medical and recreational forms on the same ballot and the only one to have its recreational measure reversed. In South Dakota, Schweich’s campaign is using the messages that won over …

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives

Associated Press  

— There are few surprises expected on Election Day in solidly Republican Arkansas, where Donald Trump’s former press secretary is heavily favored in the race for governor and other GOP candidates are considered locks. President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will pardon thousands of people for simple marijuana possession has shined a new spotlight on the legalization efforts in …

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