U.S. States Prepare for Key Cannabis Ballot Measures in November

LOS ANGELES- Voters in several U.S. states will soon weigh in on significant cannabis-related ballot initiatives, potentially leading to broader legalization nationwide. On November 5, 2024, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Oregon will vote on measures addressing either recreational or medical cannabis, adding momentum to the movement for reform across state legislatures.

In Florida, Amendment 3 seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and over, allowing the purchase of up to three ounces and five grams of concentrate. A 60% majority vote is needed for passage. Polling indicates the measure is likely to pass, though opposition groups, such as Floridians Against Recreational Marijuana, have raised substantial funds to campaign against it​.

North Dakota’s Measure 5 also proposes legalizing recreational cannabis, enabling adults to possess limited amounts and cultivate small quantities at home. This follows previous unsuccessful initiatives in the state, where past measures were defeated in 2018 and 2022. Polling remains mixed, with a significant portion of undecided voters who could influence the outcome.

South Dakota’s Measure 29 will reintroduce a recreational cannabis initiative. After a similar measure was invalidated by the courts in 2020 and a narrower initiative failed in 2022, this year’s proposal allows limited possession and cultivation without establishing a commercial market, aiming to address concerns about complexity in the original bill​.

Nebraska is considering two medical cannabis initiatives, marking the state’s first serious step toward legalizing medical use after previous efforts stalled. These initiatives would create a medical cannabis program, regulated by a new commission, and allow patients to possess limited quantities with medical recommendations. Support for medical cannabis is reportedly strong, with 70% of Nebraskans in favor according to early 2024 polling​.

Arkansas, already with a medical cannabis program, will vote on expanding patient access by permitting home cultivation, telehealth consultations, and other reforms to ease restrictions on patients. The proposal has gathered substantial public support, with recent polls showing a favorable outlook​.

These votes highlight a shifting landscape in U.S. cannabis policy, where approximately half the states have already enacted some form of legalization. If approved, these measures could significantly increase the number of states with legal cannabis, aligning with broader trends in public support for reform across the nation.