There are marijuana-related initiatives on the ballots in numerous cities and states, but just three would take the step of fully legalizing recreational marijuana.
At the start of 2012, not a single state had legalized recreational marijuana. In the 12 years since, 24 states have passed laws allowing those 21 and older to legally possess marijuana. That number could jump to 27 tomorrow, depending on the results of elections in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Below is a brief look at these three measures.
Florida
Amendment 3 in Florida would allow those 21 and over to legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis and five grams of marijuana concentrates, which they could purchase from a licensed marijuana retail outlet.
According to recent polling, including a University of North Florida survey, the measure has strong support, with 66% of likely voters backing the amendment and only 30% opposed. This level of support comfortably surpasses the 60% threshold required for constitutional amendments in Florida, but opposition groups, including one led by Governor Ron DeSantis, has made a strong push in recent weeks to pitch the initiative as dangerous to the community and to kids.
Smart & Safe Florida, the main group behind this push, has amassed around $150 million in contributions, making it the most well-funded marijuana legalization effort in the nation’s history.
North Dakota
Measure 5 in North Dakota would also legalize recreational marijuana for those aged 21 and older. Under this proposal, individuals would be able to possess up to one ounce of cannabis, four grams of concentrate, and up to 300 milligrams of edible products. The measure sets the groundwork for a regulated marijuana market, with licensing provisions and limits on the number of retail and cultivation licenses issued by the state.
Polling indicates a close race: 45% of likely voters support the measure, while 40% oppose it, and 15% remain undecided.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s Measure 29, as with Florida and North Dakota’s measure, would legalize the possession of up to two ounces of marijuana for those 21 and older, who could also grow up to 12 plants for personal use. The initiative also proposes a licensing structure for marijuana businesses, aiming to create a regulated market in the state.
Although South Dakotans approved a similar measure in 2020, it was later overturned by the state’s Supreme Court. In 2022, another attempt failed narrowly, with some attributing this to reduced voter turnout in a non-presidential election year. Now, advocates believe the measure’s revised language and its appearance on the 2024 presidential ballot will improve its chances, offering voters another opportunity to reshape cannabis policy in South Dakota.
For a complete breakdown of state and local marijuana initiatives being voted on tomorrow, click here.
