Is cannabis legalization faltering across America?

As the winds of change sweep through the United States, many states have lifted their bans on recreational cannabis. However, not every state has embraced the green wave with open arms. Despite the growing popularity of cannabis and its proven medicinal benefits, some states remain opposed to legalizing recreational use. Whether it’s about public health, public safety, or a reluctance to break tradition, these states have chosen to swim against legalization. So while some states are paving the way towards more enlightened cannabis use, others remain firmly anchored in the past.

Recently, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma voted against legalizing recreational cannabis, showing that not all US states are welcoming cannabis legalization with open arms.

Arkansas

The Arkansas state legislature has proposed Edition 4, which aims to legalize cannabis for personal use by adults. This change would authorize licensed commercial establishments to grow and sell cannabis while also regulating their activities. The amendment would legalize one ounce of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older under Arkansas state law while recognizing that the drug is still illegal under federal law. It would also allow medical marijuana cardholders to purchase recreational cannabis without adding that amount to what they can purchase for medicinal purposes.

However, the preliminary vote count shows that over 56% of Arkansas voters rejected Issue 4, which aimed to legalize cannabis. This means that the change would not take effect. It’s worth noting that Arkansas voters approved the use of medical marijuana back in 2016.

The legalization of recreational marijuana has met with opposition from the Arkansas Family Council Action Committee because it could escalate petty criminal activity and fuel dependency. This faction and other groups attempted to enlist the support of influential political figures such as former Vice President Mike Pence and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to thwart the proposal.

North Dakota

Measure 2 was proposed to sanction adult use of cannabis in North Dakota and give persons 21 and older the right to possess a limited amount of derivative cannabis. In addition, the measure proposes a framework to protect users, impose restrictions and penalties and define the rights of employers in relation to the use of cannabis products.

North Dakota voters strongly rejected Measure 2, with approximately 55% opposed to legalizing cannabis, although 99% of the votes were counted. Opposition to marijuana was evident even in the more progressive areas of the state. The New York Times reported that Burleigh County, which includes the state capital Bismarck, voted 58% against legalization.

While Cass County, where the city of Fargo is located, had a more positive response, it was not enough to counterbalance the conservative parts of the state. The voting measure was similar to a bill passed by the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2021.

Similar to the Arkansas Amendment, the initiative proposed legalizing the possession of one ounce of marijuana for persons age 21 and older, with the additional provision of allowing residents to grow up to three plants in their homes. North Dakota voters also rejected cannabis legalization in the 2018 midterm elections.

South Dakota

Measure 27 is a legislative initiative in South Dakota that proposes the legalization of cannabis for adults 21 and older. The measure allows South Dakotans to possess one ounce of marijuana or eight grams of marijuana concentrate and supply those amounts to other adults without compensation. Additionally, residents of cities or counties without a licensed marijuana dealer would have the right to grow up to three plants per person, or six plants per household.

The ballot initiative prioritizes an employer’s right to maintain drug-free workplace policies and refrains from mandating shelters for employees’ marijuana use. Private property owners can prohibit the cultivation or use of marijuana on their property. The proposal also imposes small administrative penalties on people who grow marijuana without ensuring it is out of sight or closed to the public. Finally, it allows penalties for adults who smoke marijuana in public areas.

After 99% of the expected votes were tallied, voters in South Dakota eventually rejected Measure 27, with nearly 53% voting against legalizing marijuana possession and use for persons age 21 and older, NBC reported. The voting initiative should have worked out the state’s expected regulatory policy. According to the Marijuana Movement, the policy suggested that state and local governments could ban use in structures “owned, leased, or occupied” by a government agency.

South Dakota voters had previously expressed support for legalizing marijuana in 2020, with 54% of voters approving the move. However, a legal challenge led by Governor Noem stymied the reform’s progress. According to a faculty member at Northern Kentucky University, Kreit, many South Dakota residents appreciate Governor Noem’s views. Though Noem secured re-election significantly, she told voters she would not again obstruct marijuana legalization if the initiative were passed. However, she has also been observed encouraging individuals to vote against the election measure in campaign advertisements.

Oklahoma

Legalization of recreational marijuana was also denied by Oklahoma voters after a last-minute wave of opposition from religious leaders, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors. If approved, Oklahoma would become the 22nd state to legalize adult cannabis use, joining conservative states like Montana and Missouri that have approved similar measures in recent years.

The proposal met opposition from Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt and numerous GOP lawmakers, with almost every Republican senator opposing it. The “No” campaign was led by former FBI agent and former Republican Gov. Frank Keating along with Terri White, who previously headed the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Pat McFerron, a Republican political strategist who led the opposition campaign, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, noting that voters’ decision was a clear sign that they disapproved of the medical system’s relaxing undertones. He believed the election result reflected voter dissatisfaction with the overly relaxing nature of the state medical system. McFerron also noted that voters recognized the criminal elements associated with the system and the need to address mental health concerns in the state.

Diploma

Marijuana legalization has become an increasingly contentious issue in the United States, with some states welcoming it and others vehemently opposed. The results of recent elections in Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma show Americans are divided over cannabis reform.

While some states have taken steps toward legalization, others have maintained the status quo. Regardless of the outcome of this election, it’s clear that the conversation about marijuana reform will continue to evolve as more states speak out on the issue.

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