Marijuana Legalization Fails in Florida as Other States Approve Citizen Voting Amendments
Voters Reject Proposed Amendment 2
Florida voters have rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Amendment 2 was defeated by a margin of 58% to 42%, with 98% of precincts reporting. The amendment needed 60% of the vote to pass.
Florida's Marijuana Laws Remain Unchanged
The defeat of Amendment 2 means that Florida's marijuana laws will remain unchanged. Recreational marijuana will remain illegal, and medical marijuana will only be available to patients with certain qualifying conditions.
Other States Legalize Marijuana
While Florida voters rejected marijuana legalization, voters in several other states approved similar measures. In Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota, voters approved amendments to legalize recreational marijuana. Mississippi voters approved an amendment to legalize medical marijuana.
Arizona
Arizona's Proposition 207 legalizes the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. It also allows for the sale of marijuana through licensed dispensaries. The proposition passed with 60% of the vote.
Montana
Montana's Initiative 190 legalizes the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. It also allows for the sale of marijuana through licensed dispensaries. The initiative passed with 57% of the vote.
New Jersey
New Jersey's Public Question 1 legalizes the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. It also allows for the sale of marijuana through licensed dispensaries. The question passed with 67% of the vote.
South Dakota
South Dakota's Amendment A legalizes the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. It also allows for the sale of marijuana through licensed dispensaries. The amendment passed with 54% of the vote.
Mississippi
Mississippi's Initiative 65 legalizes the use of medical marijuana for patients with certain qualifying conditions. The initiative passed with 74% of the vote.
Implications for Florida
The defeat of Amendment 2 is a setback for marijuana legalization advocates in Florida. However, the passage of similar measures in other states shows that there is growing support for legalization across the country. It is possible that Florida voters will reconsider legalization in the future.
