Marijuana on the Ballot, Part 1

Marijuana reform is gaining momentum. In addition to the 23 states that have some sort of marijuana regulation in place, many more are signing up to have their pro-pot stance appear on the 2016 ballot.  Here are just a few states looking to get cannabis on the ballot and what you can do to help make it happen. Stay tuned for more...

• Industrial Hemp Farming Initiative

  Set in action by the non-profit group Hemp Our World, the Arizona Industrial Hemp Farming initiative is a tentative ballot measure that would establish an industrial hemp committee to regulate the farming of industrial hemp.

• Marijuana Legalization Initiative

  This initiative would regulate and tax recreational marijuana sales within the state of Arizona. In order to reach the 2016 ballot, the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol (introduced by the Marijuana Policy Project) must collect a total of 230,000 signatures. They have collected 70,000 thus far.

• Hemp and Marijuana Legalization Amendment

  This citizen-initiated constitutional amendment would regulate the cultivation, production, sale and use of any part of the cannabis plant for anyone 21 years old and older. The Petition can be signed through Arkansas C.A.L.M, sponsor of the amendment.

• Cannabis Legalization Initiative

  The Cannabis Legalization Initiative would regulate marijuana use and sale for those over the age of 21 and free non-violent marijuana offenders of any wrongdoing based on regulations set forth by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. At least 365,880 signatures must be collected by January 4, 2016 to be on the ballot.

• Medical Marijuana Access Initiative

  This publically-backed proposal to amend the constitution would bar state and local officials from restricting access to medical marijuana including a doctor’s ability to make marijuana recommendations. 585,407 signatures are required by December 16, 2015 in order for the Medical Marijuana Access Initiative (also known as the Compassionate and Sensible Access Act) to land on the 2016 ballot.

• Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative

  This publically-supported move to amend the constitution would make it legal for patients with debilitating medical conditions to acquire and consume cannabis. This is the second time this initiative has made its way onto a Florida ballot having only narrowly missed the 60% minimum support needed for approval. In order to appear on the ballot, United for Care must receive almost 700,000 signatures.

• Marijuana Legalization Amendment

  The initiative, proposed by legislation, aims to regulate marijuana production and sales to anyone over 21 years old. Tax revenue gathered from cannabis sales would help fund regulation, education and transportation. In order to pass, the initiative must receive two-thirds support from both chambers of the Georgia government.

• Medical Marijuana Initiative

  This state statute, introduced by New Approach Idaho, would legalize marijuana for anyone over the age of 21 within the state. In order to make the 2016 ballot, a total of 6% of registered voters must sign the petition in all 18 regions.

• Legalize Marijuana Initiative

  Upon voter approval, this home-grown initiative would regulate marijuana legal for anyone 21 years old and. The petition, created by Legalize Maine, must collect 61,123 signatures (10% of the voting population) to make it onto the ballot.

• Marijuana Legalization Initiative

  This measure would regulate adult marijuana sales similar to alcohol. The initiative requires 75,542 signatures to certify the ballot and is supported by groups like the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol and the Marijuana Policy Project.

Marijuana can heal our nation, relieve people of unforgiving pain, free those who have been caught in the system and stimulate our struggling economy. You, too, can support the marijuana movement by getting involved with local marijuana organizations, signing petitions and sharing your support on social media.

Will your state have marijuana on the 2016 ballot?

Photo Credit: Minnesota NORML (license)