This is a big year for cannabis. In addition to medical use, recreational use is currently on the ballot in 9 states. More than half of Americans believe that Marijuana should be legalized. AT this current time more than half of the country allows Marijuana for medical use. Voters will now decide on legalizing cannabis for recreational use in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Voters will also weigh in on allowing Marijuana for medical use in Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota and Montana.
The reason so many are in support of legalization is partly due to Colorado. Places like Colorado are setting a precedent for other states. By regulating the drug and taxing it, you are bringing in revenue. Last year over $800 million dollars were brought in from sales of the product. An article in the Denver Post shows sales skyrocketed to $100 million dollars in one month.The pattern is showing an uptick in sales month to month. There are currently three types of taxes on recreational cannabis, the 2.9% sales tax, 10% special marijuana sales tax, and 15% excise tax.
Cannabis is currently legal in 18 out of 50 states. Although it still has a long way to go, just last week the Drug and Enforcement Administration denied the request to change its Schedule I. classification. Schedule I. is defined as a controlled substance. Which means in places like Washington DC, a person can carry up to two ounces of cannabis but it’s still illegal to buy it. This is also an area where people want to see policy change. By decriminalizing marijuana, states will save millions in legal fees and other associated fees with arresting users. Below we have listed states where it’s legal for medical versus recreational.
Along with the DEA, many statewide communities are against legalization, claiming that Marijuana is a gateway drug. There are also claims that children have more access to the drug if it’s legalized. Many have argued the complete opposite citing millions of children are hospitalized a year due to reaching into their parents medicine cabinet for over the counter drugs. Needless to say, the popular vote will prevail.
