The Votes are in: Recreational Cannabis is Now Legal in These States

By: Buz Deliere | November 10, 2022

This year, cannabis legalization was on the ballot in five states. Voters in Maryland and Missouri voted to approve a proposal that would legalize recreational cannabis. While it failed narrowly elsewhere with North Dakota voters opting against legalization and South Dakota's measure also failing. Arkansas saw its initiative defeated by opponents with vote tallies coming in at 56% against and only 44% for legalization.

That means it's finally time to break out your bong! Maryland and Missouri have joined 19 other states that offer legal recreational cannabis for their residents.

Maryland

Marylanders have passed a historic referendum to legalize cannabis. The initiative, which was approved by a majority of 66% in Maryland, triggered the implementation of separate legislation defining possession limits and facilitating expungement for those convicted of lower-level crimes related to cannabis.

Starting in July 2023, adults will be legally permitted to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and/or 12 grams of concentrated cannabis.

Missouri

The people have spoken, and they’ve given their verdict on cannabis in Missouri. With nearly 53% voting yes to legalizing it for people ages 21 or older.

On December 8th, adults will be able to legally possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and home-cultivate six flowering plants, six immature, and six seedling plants. More great news for those previously convicted of non-violent marijuana-related charges. From here on out your criminal record should no longer reflect these convictions as they are automatically expunged after implementation day.

Texas

Over 400,000 Texans in city limits want to legalize cannabis. The people have spoken and their voices were heard, voters in the Texas cities of Denton, Elgin, Harker Heights, Killeen, and San Marcos supported new measures that decriminalized cannabis misdemeanors.

With ever-growing support and cannabis becoming more accepted throughout the U.S. expect to see more states adopting decriminalization or even legalization.