Of the 15 states that have now enacted adult-use legalization, 13 have done so by voter initiative. Many states, however, do not offer a citizens’ initiative option — meaning that the only way to enact substantive marijuana reform is through the legislative process.
“Governor Northam has always been thoughtful in his approach to cannabis policy. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration and the legislature to ‘get this right.”
According to the poll, which surveyed voters last week, 54 percent of respondents endorse the measure and 38 percent oppose it. That is an uptick in support since pollsters last surveyed voters earlier this month, when only a plurality of respondents (49 percent) backed the measure.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe is the first Native American tribe to move forward to legalize marijuana use in a state that has yet to similarly regulate it.
Voters in five states: Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota will decide this Election Day on state wide ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana for either adult-use or medical purposes. According to the latest available polls, each of these measures currently holds a lead among voters.
“My commitment is that if I am leader [of the US Senate], I am going to do everything I can to put the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act on the floor of the Senate. The odds are very high it will pass.”
Among South Dakota Democrats, 73 percent expressed their intent to vote ‘yes’ for Amendment A, as do 58 percent of Independents. By contrast, only 34 percent of Republicans back the amendment.
State regulators have licensed 192 retailers thus far, with the first of those opening for business on Saturday.