Deep Dive: Voters in some of the most conservative states to weigh in on recreational pot

Image: Stephen Groves/AP

Recreational cannabis could be legal in half the country by next year. This can only happen if the 5 states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass. 

Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational cannabis. This would bring the total to 24 states with legalized recreational cannabis.

Three highlights  from the article are listed below. 

Why So Late to the Game? 

 Since recreational cannabis was approved a decade ago, prohibition has fallen across the country, from populous states like California and New York and smaller rural ones like Maine and Vermont.

States in the South have not legalized cannabis for recreational use, but many have enacted medical cannabis programs. Polls show a majority favor legalization compared to even a few years ago. 

Which States Look Promising?

 The states that already have medical in place have a good chance of recreational legalization.  This includes states like Maryland and Missouri already established and thriving medical programs.

States like South Dakota, Missouri, & Oklahoma have the support. Unfortunately they have hurdles from being challenged by the Senate or being left off the ballot entirely. Because of these hurdles, referendums will be put in place to prevent that.

What About Arkansas & North Dakota?

 The group, New Approach North Dakota, submitted more than the required 15,582 valid petition signatures to get a measure on the November general election ballot. Supporters submitted 23,368 valid signatures.

The Arkansas Supreme court overturned the States decision to block the measure from the November ballot. Responsible Growth Arkansas deserves credit for helping the people of Arkansas decide. Just like North Dakota, the group was able to get enough signatures to be added to the ballot.

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Whether these 5 states vote yes on legalizing recreational cannabis, The advocacy groups working in these states show promise with getting the information out. I agree with Cannabis policy advocate Mason Tvert, who thinks history shows the more people hear details about legalization, the more they tend to support it.

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Voters in some of the most conservative states to weigh in on recreational pot [NPR]