Marijuana legalization measures pass in 5 states

The measures passed in all five states that had pot legalization on the ballot.

November 4, 2020, 11:38 AM

Five states will now legalize marijuana for both recreational and medical use.

A majority of New Jersey and Arizona residents voted yes on ballot measures to make recreational marijuana legal. Voters in South Dakota approved marijuana for medical use.

Lawmakers in New Jersey will now have to draft and pass legislation for implementing the new policy. The Arizona Department of Health Services will be responsible for adopting that state's rules.

Mississippi voters approved an initiative to establish a medical marijuana program for patients with debilitating conditions.

PHOTO: A marijuana leaf grows on a plant at a cannabis grow in Gardena, Calif., May 20, 2019.
A marijuana leaf grows on a plant at a cannabis grow in Gardena, Calif., May 20, 2019.
Richard Vogel/AP, FILE

Voters in Montana voted for two initiatives to legalize, regulate and tax recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, according to the Great Falls Tribune.

Eleven other states and the District of Columbia already allowed legal recreational marijuana use prior to Election Day.

South Dakota has a second ballot measure that would legalize recreational marijuana, but the votes are still being counted.

Related Topics