Maryland and Missouri legalize cannabis

Voters in Maryland and Missouri on Tuesday approved a referendum to legalize cannabis in the state. The 2 states become the 20th and 21st US states to legalize cannabis.

Now that the measures have been approved by the voters, the next step is to implement the basic regulations for the adult-use cannabis program.

For the Maryland, the purchase and possession of up to 1.5 ounce of cannabis (42 grams) will be legal for adults. The legislation will also remove criminal penalties for possession of up to 2.5 ounces. Adults aged 21 and over will be allowed to grow up to two plants for personal use and to offer cannabis without remuneration.

Previous convictions for behavior made legal by the proposed legislation will be automatically expunged, and those currently in prison for such offenses will be eligible for resentencing. Under the legislation, people convicted of possession with intent to distribute cannabis can apply to the courts for expungement three years after serving their sentence.

In the Missouri, Under the new law, adults aged 21 and over will be able to purchase and possess up to three ounces of cannabis.

They will also be able to grow up to six flowering cannabis plants, six immature plants and six clones if they obtain a registration card.

The initiative will impose a 6% tax on recreational cannabis sales and use the proceeds to facilitate the automatic expungement of individuals with certain non-violent cannabis-related offenses on their criminal records.

The remainder of the proceeds will be allocated to veterans' healthcare, substance abuse treatment and the state's public defense system.

Regulators will be required to issue at least 144 micro-business licenses through a lottery system, with priority given to low-income applicants and people who have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of drugs.

Missouri made history tonight! We will be the 20th state to legalize, tax, regulate adult-use marijuana! Congrats to everyone who worked so hard to get us here! #YesOn3 @LegalMo22 pic.twitter.com/HrFZxdUXiO

- MoCannTrade (@mocanntrade) November 9, 2022

Existing medical cannabis dispensaries will also be the first to be able to start serving adult consumers with a dual license.

L’Arkansas and North and South Dakota have rejected legalization initiatives. 5 Texas cities have approved proposals to decriminalize cannabis.