Marijuana remains illegal on the federal level. However, recreational and medical cannabis ballot initiatives seek to make it available to people on a state-by-state basis.
Arizona, Mississippi, New Jersey, Montana, and South Dakota residents voted on cannabis legalization measures this past election day — and every measure passed. Here’s what you need to know:
- Arizona: Medical marijuana has been legal in Arizona for a decade. Proposition 207 now allows adults 21 and older to purchase and use regulated cannabis. It’s worth noting that adults won’t be able to purchase cannabis for recreational purposes until March 2021 or later.
- Mississippi: There wasn’t a recreational cannabis ballot initiative in Mississippi this year. However, residents did approve a provision to allow patients with debilitating medical conditions to use medical marijuana beginning in 2021.
- New Jersey: New Jersey residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana. It will become legal for adults 21 and older on January 1, 2021. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2010 (although the registry didn’t open until 2012).
- Montana: Two ballot provisions to legalize adult-use marijuana passed in Montana. Montana residents age 21 and older will be allowed to use marijuana starting January 1, 2021. Medical marijuana is already legal.
- South Dakota: State voters passed recreational and medical cannabis provisions on election day. The new legislation takes effect on July 1, 2021. South Dakota is the first state to legalize adult-use cannabis and medical marijuana in the same year.
The Takeaway
Medical cannabis is becoming more widely available. That’s good news for individuals living with chronic pain and debilitating medical conditions across the nation.
However, it can take years before cannabis is accessible to consumers and patients in newly-regulated states. Work with a qualified medical marijuana physician in your area to learn more about obtaining an MMJ card and using medical cannabis.
Are you looking to get an MMJ card in Florida? Give us a call at 727-209-5470 to schedule a consultation. Access Marijuana RX welcomes patients from St. Petersburg, Tampa, and across Florida.