With the 2020 presidential election finally behind us, Americans around the country are breathing in the hope of a brighter future ahead despite our differences.
We, at MYDX, are particularly excited about the future of marijuana legalization. Officially we are counting our victories in 15 states that approved recreational use of marijuana and 3 states that have approved medicinal use.
Here is the breakdown of what’s happening in a few of these states:
Montana
With tens of thousands of signatures gathered, Montana set out early in the year to make certain that the question of legalization would be placed on the ballot. Their efforts were deemed a major success despite opposition.
Two measures passed in this state that worked jointly to legalize pot. One establishes a 20% tax on marijuana purchases and the option for individual counties to disallow dispensaries to set up shop. The other measure establishes 21 as the minimum legal age to purchase and possess marijuana.
In addition, possession or use of up to 1 ounce was approved.
Beginning January 1, 2021, residents will be allowed to possess, use, and grow.
New Jersey
Medical use is already legalized in the state of New Jersey. With this already in place, voters overwhelmingly agreed to legalize recreational use and set the legal age to 21.
However, This law won’t go into effect until January 1, and voters and weed enthusiasts alike are still awaiting news on how much weed a person can purchase and possess and who is allowed to sell it. In addition, a 6.625 percent sales tax will be placed.
South Dakota
Two initiatives were passed in South Dakota — one approving the sale and use of recreational marijuana and another to pass medical marijuana.
One establishes a medical cannabis program and registration system for people with qualifying conditions to treat.
The other legalizes the recreational age for 21 years of age and allows the possession of pot up to 1 ounce.
This is a huge victory for marijuana use in the state of South Dakota, as they skipped ahead of many states that have followed a multi-path year toward legalization, which usually starts with decriminalization, then medical use, and then recreational. South Dakota is the first state to complete all these steps at once.
Arizona
Despite Arizona Gov Doug Ducey asking voters to vote ‘no’, weed is now legalized recreationally. It was already legalized for medicinal use. As other states above, the law allows anyone 21 years or older to purchase or possess 1 ounce of marijuana. Retail sales of the drug will be available as early as March of next year and people will also be allowed to grow up to six plants at home.
This proposition passed also allows those with certain marijuana crimes to seek expungement of their records.
Mississippi
Mississippi is introducing the legal use of medical marijuana in the state, with nearly 75% of voters approving its passage. This will allow doctors to prescribe pot for 22 health conditions, such as cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and sickle-cell anemia.
This program will go into effect in August 2021.
Legalization & MYDX
With the growing legalization and usage of cannabis growing by the year, our main priority at MYDX is to provide you with safe and effective tools to keep you enjoying your weed in every legal state. Test your weed using our CannaDx, the state-of-the-art portable cannabis analyzer, and know your weed’s chemical profile and composition. You can relax knowing your weed is safe for use by having access to a lab in the palm of your hands!
