The votes are coming in, and it’s time to see what 2024 means for cannabis lovers like you. From local measures to national policies, this year’s election could be a game-changer for anyone who believes in a little herbal freedom. Whether you’re in a state where weed’s still a bit of a gray area or you’re looking to see expanded rights and better pricing, this election’s outcomes could impact everything from where you buy to how much you’ll pay—and maybe even what you can grow at home.
So, what just happened? We’re breaking down the most important wins and losses in this year’s races, focusing on the stuff that’ll actually make a difference to the cannabis community. From legalization pushes to psychedelics, here’s what cannabis voters need to know about the new political landscape. Will 2024 finally be the year cannabis goes fully mainstream? Let’s dig in and see what the results mean for your stash, your rights, and your next dispensary visit.
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President of the United States: Trump wins.
Although the President-elect has expressed his support for state-level legalization, he didn’t expend political capital to deliver cannabis law reform during his prior term.
Control of the Senate: Republican
Republicans took control of the upper legislative chamber Tuesday, picking up two seats, AP reports.
Despite promises from Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer—the US Senate has blocked cannabis law reform passed by the House. Neither party has passed legalization in the Senate when they held power over it. It’s unclear exactly how either party controlling the Senate would result in gains for cannabis voters.
Control of the House of Representatives: To be determined
Numerous flavors of cannabis law reform have passed out of the House under both Democrat and Republican control. But they’ve died in the Senate. The parties are split on legalization over things like taxes, banking, regulations, special treatment for certain groups, and other facets of winding down the war on weed.
Up next will be a public DEA hearing on moving cannabis to schedule III.
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President Biden announces marijuana will move to Schedule III
Florida’s Amendment 3: Failed
With 85% of ballots counted at the time of polls closing, Florida Amendment 3 is not meeting the 60% threshold to pass. According to ABC News in Tampa Bay, Amendment 3 is projected to fail. It would have legalized 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 5 grams of hash for all adults 21 and up. Florida continues to have a relatively liberal medical cannabis program.
“Tonight, a strong majority of Floridians voted in support of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults,” Smart & Safe Florida said in a statement. “While the results of Amendment 3 did not clear the 60 percent threshold, we are eager to work with the governor and legislative leaders who agree with us on decriminalizing recreational marijuana for adults, addressing public consumption, continuing our focus on child safety, and expanding access to safe marijuana through home grow.”
At the US Cannabis Council, Chief of Policy David Culver said the fight continues. “Anywhere else, [55% of the vote] would have meant a victory, but Florida requires a supermajority, and the state’s governor spent tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to defeat the measure. This isn’t the end in Florida, it’s just the beginning since we’ve now seen how strongly the push for legalization resonates in the state.”
Kentucky medical cannabis: Expanded
Kentucky voters moved to implement medical cannabis access.
NewLake Capital Partners CEO Anthony Coniglio pointed out: “In Kentucky where the state legislature passed a medical marijuana bill in 2023, voters in more than 100 cities and counties voted to allow cannabis businesses to operate in their region. As of Wednesday morning, none of those jurisdictions voted against cannabis.”
Massachusetts psychedelics legalization: Failed
Massachusetts psychedelics legalization Question 4 is heading to defeat. With most of the votes counted, the Question failed 56 no to 43 yes.
Nebraska medical cannabis: Passed!
Nebraska voted to pass two related medical marijuana measures: One will allow health care professionals to recommend marijuana, and the other implements a medical market.
North Dakota cannabis legalization: Failed
With 89% of the vote counted, North Dakota’s legalization Measure 5 is trailing in the polls 46 to 54.
Oregon pot unions: Passed!
Early returns show that Oregon Measure 119, which will encourage more unions in the state’s cannabis economy, has passed.
South Dakota cannabis legalization: Failed
South Dakota legalization Measure 29 has failed—60% no to 35% yes. The measure had been polling below the threshold for success.
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State and local races of note
Several state and local races will play a role in spreading cannabis freedom. Among them, Marijuana Moment is tracking three cities in Texas: Dallas, Bastrop, and Lockhart. Dallas and Bastrop, TX have passed their decriminalization measure. Legalizing cannabis in cities can percolate up to bigger changes in state capitols.
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