Ballot initiatives are a practical way to pass marijuana legalization in states that allow them to change laws.
Eleven of the 19 states that have legalized adult use did it via ballot initiatives. The rest, and most recent, are the result of legislation moving through state chambers and signed by supportive governors. The latest state to succeed in this fashion was Rhode Island. A similar effort in Delaware ended with a veto.
So far three states - Maryland, Missouri and South Dakota - have confirmed cannabis initiaives in November. According to NORML, four more states are hoping to qualify.
ON THE 2022 BALLOT
Maryland
Like in New Jersey, the legislature punted the issue to voters, who will get to weigh in at the ballot in November. If passed, the Maryland Marijuana Legalization Amendment would amend the Maryland constitution.
Missouri
The Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Amendment 3) would amend the Missouri Constitution if it passes. It's being supported by the Legal Missouri 2022 PAC. The Act allows for home grow (6 plant) and would institute a 6% state sales tax.
South Dakota
Meassure 27 (the Marijuana Legalization Amendment) is on the 2022 ballot. In 2020, voters passed Amendment A by a 53% margin, but it was overturned by state courts.
PROPOSED 2022 INITIATIVES
Arkansas
Despite more than enough signatures submitted by Responsible Growth Arkansas, the state's Booard of Elections rejected the Arkansas Marijuana Legalization Initiative on a technicality. The campaign has filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court.
Nebraksa
Two initiatives are vying for the November ballot: The Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, which protects patients with serious health conditions and their caregivers from arrest, and the Medical Cannabis Commission Act, Petition signatures have been submitted.
North Dakota
Petition signatures for the Marijuana Legalization Initiative have been submitted for the 2022 ballot.
Oklahoma
Two initiatives are vying for the November ballot. They have the same name - The Marijuana Legalization Initiative - but only SQ 819 is a constitutional amendment. Petition signatures ave been submitted for the 2022 ballot.
SIDEBAR
States That Have Legalized Adult Use
Via Ballot Initiatives
Alaska, Arizona, California. Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
Via Legislation
Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia
This article was originally posted on June 16. It has been updated several times.
