Maryland and Missouri Legalize Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis

Published: Nov 10, 2022
By: Allison Levinson
Share

As part of the 2022 mid-term elections, voters in Maryland and Missouri have approved legislation to legalize recreational adult-use cannabis. With this vote, the states become the 20th and 21st to do so.

Across the country, adult-use recreational cannabis was on the ballot in five states, seeing mixed results.

Maryland

On Maryland’s ballot, Question 4 proposed amending the state’s constitution to legalize cannabis use by adults aged 21 and older and allowing the General Assembly to set a tax rate on its sale. The measure passed 65.5% voting in favor, with a total of 965,120 votes according to the Associated Press (“AP”).

The ruling will go into effect on July 1, 2023, when possession of up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and growing up to two plants will become legal for adults. Commercial sales will not open immediately, as lawmakers still need to establish an official framework for businesses and licenses.

Missouri

In Missouri, Ballot Measure 3 amended the state constitution to legalize cannabis for adults aged 21 and older and set a 6% sales tax on sales. Additionally, it expunges both arrest and conviction records of non-violent offenses, except for driving under the influence and sales to minors. It passed with 53.1% voting in favor, with a total of 1,089,326 votes according to the AP.

Under the ruling, adults are able to possess up to three ounces of cannabis, as well as up to six flowering plants, six immature plants, and six plants under 14 inches for their own personal use.

Other State Ballot Results

Similar legislation was rejected in both Arkansas and North Dakota with 56.4% and 54.9% voting ‘no’ on the ballot measures, respectively. South Dakota voted against a proposed ballot measure legalizing cannabis possession of up to an ounce of cannabis with 52.9% voting No.

Currently, on a national level, two out of three adults support legalizing marijuana, according to the results of a survey conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute.