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2024 Cannabis Ballot Initiatives

As Americans prepare to vote this November, the spotlight will be on the ​presidential election. However, many states will also feature various ballot ​initiatives covering issues such as health and wellness, gambling, hunting, ​and cannabis legalization.

Currently, 38 states have legalized medical cannabis use, and 24 have ​legalized recreational use. This means 74% of Americans reside in states ​where some form of cannabis use is legal. This year, Florida, North Dakota, ​and South Dakota are considering new measures to legalize cannabis, each ​with unique challenges and progress.

Florida

Florida's Amendment 3, which aims to legalize recreational marijuana, ​appears likely to pass in the November general election, according to recent ​polls. The Florida Politics Poll (June 26-29) showed 64% support among 1,065 ​likely voters, while the Fox News Poll (June 1-4) reported 66% support among ​1,075 registered voters. This growing support indicates a positive trend ​toward legalization.

Amendment 3 would legalize the possession and purchase of up to 3 ounces ​of marijuana, and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates for adults 21 and ​older. Existing medical marijuana licensees would be permitted to produce ​and sell cannabis products, with state regulation allowing potential new ​market entrants. If passed, the amendment would take effect six months ​after election day.

Despite the increasing support, Governor Ron DeSantis opposes Amendment ​3, citing concerns about its broadness and potential negative impact on the ​state's quality of life. He references Colorado's experience with legalization ​as a cautionary tale.

Ken Griffin, a major supporter of Governor DeSantis, has donated $12 million ​to oppose Amendment 3. The "Vote No on 3" campaign, backed by DeSantis ​and managed by his close allies, argues that the amendment is deceptive ​and would lead to increased public marijuana use, addiction risks, and crime. ​In contrast, Smart & Safe Florida, the group sponsoring the amendment, has ​raised over $66 million, mainly from Trulieve, a licensed marijuana dispensary.

On Sunday, 9/9/24, Trump spoke out on his site Truth Social in support of ​cannabis reform, both in Florida and on the federal legal. He wrote: “As ​President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of ​marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug and work with Congress to pass common-​sense laws, including safe banking for state-authorized companies, and ​supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so ​well for their citizens.”

Our next blog will focus on rescheduling initiatives and the impacts of the ​presidential election on the cannabis industry. With Florida’s cannabis ​amendment on the ballot and the governor’s implied veto right over the ​amendment, this thrust of support from the Republican party’s nominee is at ​least hopeful.

North Dakota

For the third time since 2018, North Dakota voters will be tasked with voting ​on legalizing recreational cannabis use in the state.

“A big part of this is the educational piece,” Steve Bakken, chairman of the ​sponsoring committee, said. “Getting the public, elected officials and ​everyone educated on the real measure and the real ramifications are, that’s ​where the lift starts.”

The recreational marijuana measure in North Dakota is described as more ​conservative than previous attempts to fit into the state's culture. ​Supporters emphasize that it is not overly permissive, with strict limits on the ​amount of cannabis individuals can possess and grow.

Law enforcement groups in North Dakota, which previously opposed similar ​measures, have not yet taken a position. However, some officers remain ​opposed, citing concerns about increased crime and drug trafficking. ​Opponents, including the Brighter Future Alliance and some medical ​professionals, argue that legalizing marijuana could have adverse effects on ​public health and safety, referencing past failed attempts to pass similar ​measures in the state.

South Dakota

Advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana in South Dakota have ​submitted around 29,000 signatures to get the issue on the November ballot, ​needing 17,508 valid signatures for qualification. The state's journey with ​marijuana legalization has been tumultuous. In 2020, voters approved a ​measure to legalize recreational marijuana, but the state Supreme Court ​struck it down. A 2022 attempt also failed.

Matthew Schweich, Director of South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws ​Campaign, highlighted reasons to support the measure, such as redirecting ​law enforcement resources, increasing access for those struggling to obtain ​medical marijuana, and generating new tax revenue and jobs. He argued that ​if alcohol is legal, it makes no sense to punish people for using cannabis, ​which he believes is less harmful.

However, opposition remains strong, with Protecting South Dakota Kids ​arguing that legalization would lead to higher crime rates, increased suicide ​rates, traffic fatalities, workplace injuries, and mental health problems. If the ​measure passes, supporters plan to work with the Legislature to establish ​comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as states like Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota navigate ​the complex path to cannabis legalization, the outcomes of these initiatives ​could significantly impact state policies and reflect broader national trends. ​Moreover, evidenced by both Trump's and Harris’ commentary in support of ​broader cannabis reform, the federal landscape surrounding cannabis seems ​to be accelerating. The cannabis industry is maturing in front of our eyes, yet ​the general public is overlooking the opportunity.

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