Five U.S. States to Vote on Cannabis Legalization in November 2022 Elections
Five U.S. states will vote on cannabis legalization in the November 2022 elections, with measures covering possession, retail sales, and regulatory frameworks
Key Points
- 1Five states to vote on cannabis legalization in November 2022
- 2Arkansas campaign gathers double the needed signatures for ballot
- 3Maryland measure includes regulatory framework and governor support
- 4Missouri's proposal includes retail sales and expungement of offenses
- 5South Dakota revisits legalization after previous measure overturned
In the upcoming November 2022 elections, voters in five U.S. states will decide on the legalization of cannabis for adult use. These states include Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota, each presenting measures that could significantly alter their respective cannabis laws. The proposals range from allowing possession and retail sales to establishing regulatory frameworks and expunging past convictions
Arkansas has made significant strides with its Responsible Growth Arkansas campaign, which successfully gathered 193,000 signatures—more than double the required amount—to qualify its cannabis amendment for the ballot. The proposed measure would permit adults to possess up to one ounce of cannabis but does not allow home cultivation. A February poll indicated that 54% of Arkansas residents support this legalization effort
Maryland's proposed legalization measure, which will appear on the ballot, seeks to legalize adult possession starting July 2023. The state legislature is tasked with creating a regulatory framework, a process already initiated by House Bill 837. Governor Larry Hogan has expressed his support, stating he would sign the bill if voters approve the measure. A recent poll shows 62% of Maryland voters favor legalization
Missouri's initiative, led by Legal Missouri, proposes a constitutional amendment allowing retail sales and taxing cannabis at 6%, with an optional local tax of 3%. The measure also includes provisions for expunging non-violent marijuana offenses. Meanwhile, North Dakota's New Approach North Dakota group gathered nearly 26,000 signatures to place their legalization measure on the ballot, which includes possession limits and home cultivation rights
South Dakota's initiative comes after a previous legalization effort was overturned by the state's Supreme Court. The new measure focuses on civil liberties, allowing personal possession and limited home cultivation while reducing related criminal penalties. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to align state laws with public opinion, which previously showed strong support for legalization