The 2024 election cycle is nearly done. As millions of Americans head to the polls, everything from the presidency to local tax increases is on the table. For cannabis voters, reform is on the ballot in several states and communities. Nationwide legalization may also be at stake since both major party presidential candidates have expressed a desire for federal reform.
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Curious about where cannabis is being debated on Election Day? You may want to watch these races.
States tackling adult-use legalization
Cannabis is legal in the vast majority of states, but there are still a few holdouts. This year three states have adult-use legalization on the ballot: Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Some advocates argue it’s also at stake in New Hampshire, where the governor’s two contenders have vastly divergent views on reform. Democrat Joyce Craig has said she’ll enact reform, while Republican Kelly Ayotte is opposed to any sort of legalization.
Florida is considered the biggest cannabis measure, with tens of millions of dollars pouring into both sides of the debate. The Sunshine State is currently the nation’s biggest medical market. Many believe it could see a renewed Green Rush should legalization be enacted. Amendment 3 needs a 60 percent supermajority to pass, and polls indicate the measure may have the support it needs, but it’ll be tight.
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Voters in South Dakota are teeing up legalization a second time; a similar measure passed in 2020 but was overturned by the State Supreme Court. The initiative currently only has 45 percent support. In neighboring North Dakota, an adult-use measure is also polling around 45 percent in favor, making the outlook less optimistic for pro-pot advocates.
Nebraska eyes medical marijuana
There are two medical cannabis measures on the Nebraska ballot this year: The Patient Protection Act and The Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. The first would ensure medical marijuana patients and their doctors are free from persecution. The second would create a statewide medical cannabis industry.
Polls indicate 59 percent of Nebraska voters support legalizing medical cannabis. The news is a welcome sign for organizers behind the initiatives, but they are likely cautiously optimistic given Nebraska Governor Jim Pellin’s opposition to the measure.
Federal reform takes center stage
While Americans may not see a cannabis question on the federal ballot, both major party presidential candidates have outlined their plans for the plant should they win the White House.
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Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to legalize cannabis nationwide should she win the election. Meanwhile, GOP nominee former President Donald Trump indicated that he supports current rescheduling efforts and states’ right to regulate as they see fit. It’s unclear how reform would actually play out under either candidate, but 2024 marks the first time both the Republican and Democratic nominees favor meaningful change.
With the election finish line in sight, millions of Americans are anxious to see the results. While major races do not have a clear victor, pot stands to gain significant ground whichever way the ballots are counted.
