Which states legalized cannabis in the United States in November 2016?

In addition to choosing their president, citizens in 9 states voted on November 8, 2016, for the recreational or medical legalization of cannabis. A review of this crucial night for the future of legal weed, state by state.

Recreational cannabis for 4 new states

California

The California has legalized recreational cannabis to 55.5 %.  Proposition 64 allows citizens to grow up to six plants and carry small amounts of marijuana on their person. Recreational cannabis dispensaries will now be authorized, and consumers will be able to smoke freely in licensed establishments. In addition, penalties for minor cannabis offenses will be reviewed or even dismissed effective immediately. The first recreational cannabis dispensaries will open on January 1, 2018.

 Maine

The vote on the campaign to regulate cannabis like alcohol was extremely close in Maine. In the end, legalization won with 50.5% of the vote. In this state, the law will take effect within 40 days, and dispensaries will be able to sell the product starting August 1, 2017. The state will impose a flat tax of 10% on every recreational cannabis transaction. Local authorities will also be able to set their own policies on the matter. A county may refuse to allow a dispensary or choose to raise taxes within its jurisdiction.

Massachusetts

Cannabis is now fully legal in Massachusetts. Approved by 53.5% of voters, Question 4 will allow for the opening of recreational cannabis dispensaries. The state has set transaction taxes at 3.5%. As in Maine, localities will be able to set their own cannabis policies. Consumers will be allowed to grow six plants and possess up to 280 grams of cannabis at home. The law takes effect in December, and the first dispensaries will be able to sell recreational cannabis starting in October 2017.

Nevada

The state of Nevada has also legalized recreational cannabis as of 5:38 PM. People will now be able to smoke cannabis freely in Las Vegas. Subject to a 15% tax, recreational cannabis sales will be permitted starting January 1, 2018. The state is giving itself a year to lay the groundwork. Consumers may grow six plants or more if no dispensary is established within a 40-kilometer radius.

Arizona

It took one to stand out from the crowd. Last night, 52.3% of voters rejected the proposal to fully legalize cannabis. People with a medical cannabis license will still be able to obtain it legally from dispensaries. Personal cultivation remains illegal.

With four out of five states that voted on it emerging victorious, a new threshold has been crossed for recreational cannabis consumers.

4/4 for medical cannabis

Florida

In this key state, the vote in favor of medical cannabis received 71% of the votes. Patients suffering from glaucoma, cancer, HIV, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, and multiple sclerosis will be able to treat their conditions with cannabis. This list also includes patients with Parkinson’s disease and Crohn’s disease. Authorizations will be issued by specialists to prevent abuse. Personal cultivation remains illegal, and the Department of Health will issue licenses to medical cannabis producers and sellers.

North Dakota

Measure 5 also scored a major victory in North Dakota, garnering 63.7% of the vote. Patients with prescriptions from specialists will be able to obtain their medication at a dispensary starting in March. Patients living within a 65-kilometer radius of a dispensary will be able to grow their own medication.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, 53.1% of voters supported medical cannabis. Patients suffering from the conditions listed above will be able to obtain cannabis. The state has set a limit of 40 dispensaries and 8 licensed producers within its borders. The first dispensaries are expected to open in the spring of 2017.

Montana

Medical cannabis also wins in Montana. Although cannabis treatments were already authorized there, regulations were strict and inconsistent. Now dispensaries can serve more than 3 clients at a time and can register their employees and producers. However, the state reserves the right to carry out surprise inspections of prescribing doctors, producers, and retailers. The law will take effect on June 30, 2017.

Only 1 of the 9 states involved in cannabis issues refused a change in situation. It remains to be seen if Donald Trump will use his power to influence the current cannabis regulation. As a reminder, the federal government can, at any time, override the laws of generally independent states and thus prohibit any use of cannabis. Its latest positions on the subject were, however, to let each state legislate as it saw fit.