Maryland and Missouri Voters Approve Cannabis Legalization Measures
Maryland and Missouri voters have approved measures to legalize cannabis, becoming the 20th and 21st states to do so, paving the way for new regulatory frameworks
Key Points
- 1Maryland and Missouri voters approve cannabis legalization
- 2Maryland allows possession of up to 1.5 ounces and cultivation of two plants
- 3Missouri permits possession of up to three ounces and cultivation with registration
- 4Both states address past cannabis convictions with expungement and resentencing
- 5New regulations prioritize social equity and use tax revenue for public benefits
Voters in Maryland and Missouri have made a decisive move by approving referendums to legalize cannabis, marking them as the 20th and 21st U.S. states to do so. This significant step reflects a growing trend across the nation toward embracing cannabis reform. The passage of these measures sets the stage for the implementation of adult-use cannabis programs, which will require the establishment of detailed regulatory frameworks
In Maryland, the new legislation allows adults to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, with a decriminalization threshold set at 2.5 ounces. Additionally, adults aged 21 and over are permitted to cultivate up to two cannabis plants for personal use and can gift cannabis without financial transactions. The law also addresses past convictions, providing automatic expungement for offenses now legalized and offering pathways for resentencing for those currently incarcerated
Missouri's legalization measure permits adults to buy and possess up to three ounces of cannabis. It also allows for the cultivation of up to six flowering plants, six immature plants, and six clones per person, contingent upon obtaining a registration card. The initiative includes a 6% sales tax on recreational cannabis, with revenue earmarked for veteran healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and the state's public defense system
The broader implications of these legalizations are significant, as they contribute to the national dialogue on cannabis policy and criminal justice reform. Missouri's initiative, for instance, prioritizes social equity by ensuring that microbusiness licenses are distributed through a lottery system that favors low-income applicants and those disproportionately affected by drug criminalization. This approach aims to rectify some of the social injustices associated with previous cannabis laws
While Maryland and Missouri celebrate this legislative progress, other states like Arkansas and the Dakotas have rejected similar measures. However, the momentum in states like Texas, where five cities have approved cannabis decriminalization proposals, indicates a shifting perspective on cannabis across the United States. This evolving landscape suggests that more states may soon follow suit, further transforming the national cannabis policy