What early primary victories tell us about possible cannabis reform

The Midterm Primary Season is officially in full swing. Several big races have already been completed and there is a lot to unpack when analyzing the results and profit margins.

Several states that haven’t legalized marijuana for recreational use or any use now have their official candidates running in November’s elections. There are both incumbents who are unlikely to offer much change to current policy, and newcomers who could completely change the direction of marijuana policy in their states.

Here are some notable highlights from the states that have already decided their primary elections and how they could impact the future of cannabis.

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Texas

Texas can’t stay out of the news these days when it comes to many of the current political issues. Marijuana is no exception. While conservative Texas Gov. Greg Abbott won his primary by a wide margin, he now faces a worthy opponent in Democratic opponent Beto O’Rourke.

O’Rourke also won his primary by a wide margin and, unlike Abbott, is a big supporter of marijuana legalization. According to his campaign website, “When I’m governor, we will legalize marijuana and erase the records of those arrested for marijuana possession.”

While Texas almost always leans Republican, O’Rourke will likely provide some of the toughest competition Republicans have seen in recent history. If he causes a stir, it could completely change how marijuana legislation evolves in the state.

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Austin votes to decriminalize weed

A staggering 85% of Austin voters backed a measure to decriminalize marijuana. The ordinance, which will become law, will prohibit Austin police officers from issuing subpoenas or making arrests for possession of Class A or Class B marijuana offenses, except in certain circumstances.

RELATED: Beto O’Rourke: “Republicans Like to Get High Just as Much as Democrats”

This measure can only change laws in Austin, but remember that Austin is the capital of Texas. Changes like these could spark debate and bring the issue to the main stage during the general election.

Pennsylvania

The Republican Senate primary may have come too close, but the Democratic primary was a landslide victory for John Fetterman.

Fetterman has been very open about campaigning for the legalization of marijuana. Some point to his victory as sending a message that states and Americans in general are itching to legalize marijuana.

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RELATED: Sen. candidate John Fetterman: ‘It’s high time we pulled ourselves together and legalized weed’

“John’s overwhelming victory in the primary should send a message to candidates of all political persuasions across the country,” said Erik Altieri, executive director of NORML PAC. As the Republican race heads toward an uncertain balance and Fetterman emerges as a formidable contender, Altieri believes this win sends a message to the establishment: “Face the right side of history or lose to someone with the guts of his.” Conviction. ”

Other races to watch

Ohio Senate Race

Republican top winner and best-selling author of “Hillbilly Elegy” JD Vance will be up against Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan. While Vance hasn’t been outspoken about legalizing cannabis, Ryan has. Ryan is pro-marijuana legalization and also voted for the MORE Act.

North Carolina Senate Race

Many eyes are on North Carolina’s Senate race as current Senator Richard Burr retires. Democratic primary winner Cheri Beasley would become the first black woman to serve as a North Carolina senator. Beasley also said on Twitter, “It’s high time we legalized and regulated cannabis in NC.”

It’s high time we legalized and regulated cannabis in NC. This measure will strengthen our economy, help family farms and reform the criminal justice system.https://t.co/HpxyV8h1bh

— Cheri Beasley (@CheriBeasleyNC) July 11, 2021

The primary calendar is filled with elections scattered over the next few months. There are many more close races and several more states whose marijuana legalization could depend on the results of November’s election night.