America's marijuana map How it might change after the midterms
Four states across American are on the eve of introducing new cannabis legislation
America’s slow burn towards cannabis legalisation continues at the midterms as four states will vote on ballots featuring medicinal and recreational initiatives. Michigan and North Dakota will decide whether to make the drug legal while Utah and Missouri will vote on its medicinal uses. Polls are suggesting that all four ballots are likely to pass.
With two-thirds of Americans now pro-legalisation, it's fair to say that attitudes have relaxed since the fears of 'Reefer Madness' in the late 1930s, making marijuana a rare issue where party politics don't divide. This should result in an easy win politically to please constituents and generate a lot in tax revenue.
Despite Canada recently legalising marijuana at a national level, America is still yet to progress past the state-level. However, at the midterms, voters will be able to push America further towards its tipping point on federally legalised cannabis. Until then, here’s the current lay of the land.
Where it's legal for recreational use
These nine states and Washington DC have already legalized weed. Although Washington DC and Vermont are yet to legalise sales, you are allowed to grow and possess your own.
Where it's legal for medical purposes
Twenty-two additional states allow doctors to prescribe cannabis to patients who have PSTD, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, cancer or other medical conditions.
The states about to vote on cannabis leglisation
These are the four states that will vote on 6 November. If they pass in Michigan and North Dakota, 1 in 4 Americans will have legal access to weed. Meanwhile, if Utah and Missouri pass their ballots, medical marijuana will accessible in over 50% of all states.
