How The Midterms Shaped The Cannabis Industry
Five states voted on statewide ballot initiatives to legalize adult use cannabis
From stunning upsets to long-forecasted blowouts, the results of this year’s midterm elections are sure to mold policy at the federal, state, and local levels for years to come. And while the spotlight of the 2022 midterms seemed to overlook the cannabis industry, several states voted on ballot initiatives that will alter the size, scope, and momentum of America’s marijuana movement.
Five states voted on statewide ballot initiatives to legalize adult use cannabis: Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota. But while it often seems that the cannabis industry is consistently expanding at a continuous rate, only two out of five states passed their initiatives.
Maryland made history during the 2022 midterms in more ways than one, becoming the 20th state to legalize adult use cannabis, and just the second south of the Mason-Dixon line. In addition to this, the passed ballot amendment will also provide expungement opportunities for people with cannabis-related offenses on their record, and cap possession of cannabis plants at two per person. This ballot initiative had long been expected to pass, resulting in minimal outside spending from cannabis advocacy groups.
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