Election Recap: Voters Approve Marijuana Access Laws In 9 States

Marijuana Laws Of 2016

As part of an outcome of this year’s gripping election season, several states have implemented new laws that increase legal access to medical and recreational Marijuana.

Recreational Marijuana was voted to be legalized in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada on Election Day. Meanwhile, residents in Florida, North Dakota, Montana, and Arkansas approved medical Marijuana initiatives that further extend the drug to patients with certain medical conditions. Under these new state laws, adults who choose to use Marijuana recreationally in these states won’t face harsh legal consequences. And for many patients, medical Marijuana helps relieve their medical conditions without the side effects associated with some medications.

While many are rejoicing over the drug’s decriminalization in these states, it’s important to remember that Marijuana is still widely recognized as an addictive substance by health professionals. It’s possible to become dependent on Marijuana, which can lead to personal life consequences and health complications.

See our breakdown of each state’s new Marijuana laws below.

States With Medical Marijuana Law Changes

Florida

Floridian voters approved Amendment 2 on Tuesday, broadening access to medical Marijuana beyond the current Cannabis oil restriction. The state also increased the number of medical conditions that qualify for the drug, including cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

North Dakota

An overwhelming majority of North Dakota voters approved Measure 5, permitting the use of Marijuana for medical purposes. Patients with prior physician approval and a valid identification card can possess and obtain the drug from state-licensed dispensaries. A vast number of patients can qualify for the drug if they suffer from the following medical conditions: cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, cachexia, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, and hepatitis C.

Montana

The passage of Initiative 182 marks a new beginning for Marijuana dispensaries in the state of Montana. Back in August, Montana’s dispensaries were forced to close their doors by a state Supreme Court order, leaving thousands of registered patients with no legal way of obtaining the drug. Under the new initiative, Montana’s dispensaries will re-open to patients. The state Supreme Court order, which restricted Marijuana providers to a maximum of 3 patients per year, will be repealed and replaced by a new limit of 25 patients per year.

Arkansas

With voter approval of Issue 6 on Tuesday, qualified patients in Arkansas can legally purchase and possess medical Marijuana. At-home cultivation will not be permitted under the new law; however, state legislators will be licensing up to 40 state dispensaries and up to 8 marijuana cultivators. The new law will be taking effect on Nov. 9, 2017, and state legislators will have 120 days after the law’s enactment to introduce program regulations. Qualifying medical conditions will also be determined at that time.

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States With Recreational Marijuana Law Changes

California

Golden State voters approved Proposition 64, making California the most populous state to legalize Marijuana for recreational use. The new law would permit California adults 21 years and older to possess, purchase, and use up to 1 ounce of cannabis and allow individuals to grow as many as 6 plants. Prop 64 will also allow retail sales of Marijuana and impose a 15% tax.

Massachusetts

The passage of Question 4 will legalize Marijuana in Massachusetts for recreational use starting Dec. 15, 2016. Under the new law, adults in Massachusetts aged 21 and older can possess, purchase, and use up to 1 ounce of Marijuana as well as cultivate up to 12 mature plants.

Maine

Maine’s new recreational Marijuana law will allow people to possess up to 2.5 ounces of Marijuana, effective mid-December. The law will also permit cultivation, but with certain limits – no more than 6 mature plants (fully flowered) and 12 immature plants (seedlings) at any given time.

Nevada

In Nevada, a majority of voters chose yes on Question 2 – a decision that extends the recreational use of Marijuana to adults over age 21. As of Jan. 1, Nevada residents can possess up to 1 ounce of Marijuana and can purchase from a licensed Marijuana retail dispensary. People can also grow up to 6 plants in their home – but only if they do not reside within 25 miles of a Marijuana retail location. Only currently licensed medical Marijuana dispensaries will be allowed to apply for recreational sales licenses.

How The New Marijuana Laws Could Impact Addiction And Recovery

Many people are satisfied with the new Marijuana laws being put into place. However, as Marijuana’s legal medical and recreational use gains traction, some people question the effects the drug’s acceptance may have on society. Studies show that states with medical and/or legalization laws have higher rates of Marijuana use than states without those laws. This means that there are more people who could develop negative patterns of abuse in the future. Before using Marijuana legally in these states, it’s important to understand the risks associated with a Marijuana dependency, like:

• Memory impairment
• Increased appetite
• Slowed reaction time
• Paranoia
• Decreased motivation

If there ever comes a time when you or someone you love becomes dependent on Marijuana, there is help available. Contact a treatment provider to discover available treatment options.