What Are the Next States to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in 2022?

Gone are the days when predictions about state laws could be made based on the ruling party. The stereotypical belief that states are red or blue has been discarded over time, particularly in the talks about legalizing cannabis.

Everyone wants a piece of the pie.

There is a long list of states that could next legalize the use, possession, and cultivation of recreational cannabis in the United States. While some may have to do this through the ballot box, others can do so through their lawmakers. The point is, these states are pursuing the same thing, namely establishing a functioning recreational cannabis industry.

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The reluctance of the presidency and national lawmakers to decriminalize cannabis hasn’t stopped these states from joining the cannabis organization trend.

The legalization of cannabis remains a controversial issue, which is why most politicians are willing to let voters take the lead while they follow them.

The wind of cannabis legalization

The United States has come to a point where even the masses want cannabis to be legalized for recreational use. This year alone, about four states have legalized marijuana. These states include New York, Virginia, Connecticut, New Mexico. That makes the total number of states with recreational laws 19 states.

These states have rules and regulations that guide their leisure industries. There are official bodies that oversee the industry and conduct licensing processes. It’s all very organized. The states that recently approved their recreational laws are still building their industries and therefore cannot start operations until mid / late 2022.

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Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and any resident of states with legal cannabis will commit a criminal offense for illegally selling cannabis. You can only buy weed in designated locations, and the drug is only allowed to be consumed at home or in safe rooms.

These state governments have generated over $ 8 billion in tax revenue since the first state of Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014.

Some states that are taking steps to fully legalize cannabis have at least decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis. Such decriminalization laws impose small fines or parking tickets on offenders rather than prosecuting or imprisoning them. Law enforcement agencies can impose tougher penalties if an offender is caught with larger amounts of cannabis than allowed.

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There are 36 states with medical cannabis legislation. These states allow the use of marijuana for diseases such as epilepsy, pain, mental disorders, among others. The cultivation and sale of medical marijuana are regulated by official bodies that report directly to the state government.

States should legalize cannabis

These states were selected on the basis of discussions about them with a view to legislative process. Their existing laws and official statements from politicians in office or in office have also been reviewed to confirm whether they should be included on the list.

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There is very little that these states can do this year to approve their recreational legislation. 2022 holds great promise for leisure bills. Lawyers can put bills to the vote for the midterm elections, while lawmakers can sponsor their recreational activities during the 2022 legislatures to see them pass.

Maryland

The decision to legalize recreational cannabis will be presented to registered voters during midterm elections. State House spokeswoman Adrienne Jones has given assurances that the measure will be on the 2022 ballot.

Currently, the state has a medical cannabis program aimed at registered patients. The program is directed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.

Oklahoma

Cannabis advocates in the state are pushing to ensure they get the Recreational Cannabis Initiative when they vote in 2022. They recently announced that they have finalized the final language of the draft and will soon petition the state for the first time. The progress of this move will depend on their ability to collect signatures to put the bill to a vote.

Delaware

Patients have had access to an active medical cannabis program since 2011. Earlier this year, two House MPs tabled a bill to legalize recreational cannabis use. The legislature did not take up the bill and instead decided to postpone the vote to early 2022. The next legislative period is planned for January 2022.

Missouri

Legislators are currently in the process of revising the current medical marijuana program. There are also plans to hold a referendum for voters to approve adult marijuana in next year’s midterm elections. The state also has a law decriminalizing cannabis, which allows possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis. Offenders will only be fined.

Wyoming

An attempt in the legislature to pass a recovery law in 2020 failed. Cannabis advocates have just received state approval to put voters in a referendum to vote in 2022. You still need to collect the required number of signatures.

Ohio

The state legalized its medical law in 2016. Right now, cannabis advocates are working tirelessly to get recreational cannabis on ballots for the next year, while lawmakers are also trying to get a bill passed in the state legislature.

A few weeks ago, the Attorney General’s office approved the legislative language in a petition. It’s up to cannabis activists to collect enough signatures to get the law to a vote.

With these two channels, Ohio has more chances of getting a Rec bill through 2022.

Arkansas

The decision on recreational laws will be made by voters if cannabis advocates Arkansas True Grass can collect the necessary signatures to get initiation on the ballot in the upcoming midterm elections.

Final note

The above states are making every effort to ensure that their recreational cannabis bill is approved in the next year. There are other states that go behind the scenes without attracting the media.

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While all of this goes on, federal lawmakers are also working on a final draft for approving state cannabis reform policy.

2022 has a lot in store for the cannabis industry.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and was republished with permission.