With four new states legalizing medical marijuana and another four voting to tax and regulate marijuana for recreational use, 2016 was a major year for U.S. marijuana policy reform. That momentum looks poised to carry on into 2017, with numerous states already moving forward with medical or recreational cannabis measures this year.
Maryland – Maryland is one state that seems to be moving quickly toward legalization. In a news conference on January 30, lawmakers proposed an amendment to the state’s constitution that, if approved, will let voters decide in 2018 whether or not marijuana should be legalized. If it passes, Maryland could become the first state in the region with a “full-fledged” legal marijuana market.
According to The Baltimore Sun, it’s likely that Maryland residents will legalize marijuana if given the choice. David Moon, a Montgomery County Democrat who is leading the charge on the proposed amendment, told the publication, “it’s a matter of when.” He added, “[i]t’s become very clear that this is no longer a fringe issue. It’s totally mainstream.”
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New Mexico – On Monday (February 6), a proposal to legalize adult use of marijuana in New Mexico got the go ahead from the first of three committees it needs to get through before it reaches a floor vote.
The Daily Chronic notes that the bill was first approved by the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee in January, and is now waiting for a review from the House Business and Industry Committee.
If passed, it will allow adults over 21 to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana in public and 2 ounces at home. The bill will also allow adults to grow up to six marijuana plants at home, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. Under the bill, retail sales will begin in 2019, and will be subject to a 15-percent sales tax; local communities will be allowed to impose an extra 5-percent sales tax.
Arizona – Arizona’s Proposition 205 would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and consume it in private. Adults would also be able to grow up to six plants in an enclosed, locked space. Retail sales would be subject to a 15% excise tax and the tax receipts would be used to implement the measure. Of the additional revenue, 80% would be distributed to the school system. The Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimates that the initiative will raise more than $123 million in annual revenue for the states and give more than $55 million per year to the schools. Arizona voters are also late bloomers. Back in July, only 39% were in favor, but now a poll by Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News found 50% are in favor.
Nevada – According to a recent poll by the Las Vegas Review Journal, the outcome is too close to call. 47% said they would vote yes, while 46% said they would vote no. With a 3.5% margin of error, the decision could go either way. On the political side of support, Democratic politicians are mostly in favor, while Republican leaders are fighting the measure. If the measure passes, Arcview Market Research estimates that the Nevada market could grow from $121.6 million in 2016 in legal sales to $630 million by 2020.
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