On Tuesday, four states had the opportunity to vote on the legalization of marijuana. Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota each considered measures to legalize recreational marijuana, while Nebraska voters weighed in on both recreational and medical use.
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Here’s the latest on each measure, including vote counts and details on what each one would have achieved.
Florida
In Florida, Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana, fell short. The final vote was 55.9% in favor and 44.1% against, missing the required 60% approval threshold. Decision Desk HQ and the Associated Press both called the race Tuesday.
Amendment 3 would have allowed adults 21 and older to legally possess, purchase, and use marijuana for non-medical purposes. It also would have permitted medical marijuana treatment centers and other licensed entities to cultivate, process, and sell marijuana products.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, voters passed two separate initiatives related to medical marijuana.
Initiative Measure 437, which received 70.7% support, allows for the legal use, possession, and acquisition of up to 5 ounces of cannabis for medical purposes, provided there's a written recommendation from a healthcare provider.
Initiative Measure 438, which passed with 66.9% approval, legalizes the possession, manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of medical cannabis through registered private entities. This measure also establishes the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the industry. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal in Nebraska.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, voters were presented with Initiated Measure 5, which would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over, creating a regulatory framework for its sale and consumption. Medical marijuana is already permitted in the state, but this measure would have taken things a step further.
As of Wednesday morning, with over 99% of votes counted, the "No" vote leads at 52.5% compared to 47.5%. The Associated Press called the race, confirming that the measure was turned down.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 29 aimed to legalize recreational marijuana, allowing adults 21 and older to possess, grow, ingest, and distribute marijuana and related paraphernalia. As of Wednesday morning, with 87.65% of the vote counted, the measure appears likely to fail, with "No" votes leading at 56.5% compared to 43.5%.
Each state’s vote reflects unique attitudes toward marijuana legislation, showing the ongoing divide across the country on recreational and medical cannabis legalization.
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