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Marijuana Victories in the 2018 Midterms

| Nov 9, 2018 | Business And Corporate Law

Marijuana legislation experienced major victories during this week’s midterm election. Across the nation, several key measures passed, and with the Democrats taking over the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers are more confident that federal marijuana reform is near.
This is great news for marijuana business and business owners.

Notable Wins From The 2018 Midterm Election:

  • Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to approve a recreational marijuana program and permit commercial cultivation and sales
  • Missouri approved an initiative to allow medical marijuana, as did the state of Utah
  • Voters in several Ohio cities approved local marijuana decriminalization measures, and a number of Wisconsin counties and cities strongly approved non-binding ballot questions calling for marijuana reform

While voters in other states, such as North Dakota, did not approve a measure to allow recreational marijuana, additional change may be on the horizon.  Several pro-legalization governors will be appointed to office next year which could pave the way for many marijuana bills to be signed into law.  Last month, U.S. Representative, Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), published a memo, “Blueprint to Legalize Marijuana” in which he outlined a detailed plan for Democrats to enact the end of federal marijuana prohibition in 2019. It’s not clear whether Democratic leaders will embrace the idea, but a look at polling on the issue should give them the sense that marijuana reform is a popular issue with bipartisan support.

In all, the November 6 midterm election was a success for the marijuana communities. The Cannabis team at JDSA Law is committed to following marijuana reform, and will keep you updated as changes continue to unfold.