Marijuana was once thought of as a harmful substance. But that is no longer the case. 2022 ballot measures reflect its increasing acceptance in society.
Recent research shows marijuana offers several health benefits. This is especially true of the cannabis constituent CBD which is not psychoactive and can be effective in reducing stress and pain and may address more serious health issues.
Many states are making efforts to legalize marijuana in various capacities due to research showing its beneficial effects. Several 2022 marijuana ballot measures included various proposed changes to legislation which would legalize marijuana in different states. This article will discuss those ballot measures and their outcomes.
What are the Various 2022 Marijuana Ballot Measures?
Several 2022 marijuana ballot measures were considered in this year’s election. These include the following.
Maryland Amendment 4
Maryland amendment 4 is the first of the 2022 marijuana ballot measures on the list. It amended the Maryland Constitution to add a new article which would allow people 21 years and older to possess, use, and distribute marijuana. Previously, the state allowed marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes only under a 2013 law. In April 2014, legislation was passed allowing for possession of 10 grams of marijuana or less.
The amendment was introduced as a House Bill by Delegate Luke Clippinger in January 2022. It was approved by the State House in February 2022 and passed by the Senate in April 2022.
Question 4 was on the ballot in the November 8, 2022 election and received a 66.1% yes vote vs. a 33.9% no vote. As a result, marijuana will be legalized for marijuana residents over 21 starting July 2023.
Arkansas Issue 4
Arkansas issue 4 was one of the 2022 marijuana ballot measures being considered.
Issue 4 was introduced to allow for the commercial sale of marijuana with a 10% sales tax. 15% of the taxes would be used to fund an annual stipend for law enforcement officers certified by the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in good standing.
Adults 21 and over would be permitted to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Businesses that sold marijuana would be able to continue to do so and would also have the option of opening a second location for commercial sales. An addition 40 businesses would be chosen by lottery to obtain a license for marijuana sales.
However, the issue was shot down with 56.3% of people voting against it and 42.7% voting for it.
South Dakota Measure 27
South Dakota Measure 27 was introduced to legalize the use and possession of recreational marijuana, marijuana accessories and paraphernalia. It would allow individuals over 21 to possess and distribute up to one ounce of marijuana.
It would also allow individuals who lived outside of a jurisdiction where a licensed marijuana store operated to grow up to three marijuana plants (up to six per property) as long as the plants were locked up and kept out of public view.
However, this was one of the 2022 marijuana ballot measures to be shot down in the November 2022 election with a no vote of 52% against a yes vote of 47%
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3 was another one of the 2022 marijuana ballot measures being considered. It was created to legalize the purchase, possession, use, delivery, manufacturing, and sale of marijuana products by individuals 21 and over. It would also put a 6% sales tax on marijuana.
It would allow people convicted of nonviolent marijuana related crimes to be released from custody and/or to expunge prior convictions from their record.
Previously, marijuana was legal in the state for medical use only. It was taxed at 4% with funds allocated towards healthcare services for veterans. Possession of marijuana was decriminalized, but it was punishable by a fine and it was considered a criminal misdemeanor.
The amendment passed in the November 2022 election with a vote of 53.09% for and 46.91% against.
North Dakota Measure 2
Another of the 2022 marijuana ballot measures under consideration was North Dakota Measure 2. The was designed to legalize the personal use of marijuana for individuals over 21 years old. It would allow people to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and to grow at least three marijuana plants in their home.
It would also require the Department of Health and Human Services or another government agency to put marijuana regulations in place that would regulate the production and distribution of marijuana by October 1, 2023. The department may have potentially licensed seven cultivation facilities and 18 marijuana retailers.
However, the bill was rejected in the November election. It received a 54.95% no vote against a 45.5% yes vote.
Colorado Proposition 122
Proposition 122 decriminalized several hallucinogenic/entheogenic plants and fungi that were previously classified as schedule 1 drugs for individuals 21 and over. These include:
- Ibogaine
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
- Mescaline (excluding peyote)
- Psilocybin
- Psilocin
Anyone who was previously convicted of a crime related to the possession or personal use of these drugs would be eligible to have their records sealed.
The legislation would also:
- Create a natural medicine services program to set guidelines for the supervised use of the substances
- Set regulations for the growth, distribution, and sale of the substances
- Create the Natural Medicine Advisory Board to promote the rules and implement regulated access to the substances
The proposition was one of the 2022 marijuana ballot measures approved yielding a 53.19% yes vote verses a 46.81% no vote in the November election.
Conclusion
Navigating the current legislation regarding marijuana use can be confusing. The outcomes of these 2022 marijuana ballot measures will give you a better idea on where you stand.
The changing laws also leave the marijuana market highly unregulated. This makes it difficult to determine the purity and potency of the items you are purchasing. If you are looking for products you can trust, Safe Coast Safe Access is a reputable source.
South Coast Safe Access is an Orange County, CA licensed medical and recreational marijuana dispensary. We strive to offer customers the best selection, reliable service, and high-quality products. We offer pharmaceutical grade cannabis for individuals 18+ with a medical recommendation, and all products to individuals 21+ with a government issued ID.
We welcome you to come to us with any questions you may have concerning the 2022 marijuana ballot measures. We look forward to hearing from you!
