“In a healthy democracy, those with competing visions on public policy vie for voters’ support and abide by their voting decisions. However, it is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether. Whether or not one personally supports or opposes cannabis legalization, these cynical and undemocratic tactics ought to be a cause of deep concern.”
Voters yesterday decided on a number of state and local ballot initiatives specific to marijuana policies.
Seventy-two percent of Democrats, 65 percent of Independents, and 56 percent of Republicans expressed support for the ballot question in the latest poll. Overall, only 29 percent of New Jerseyans opposed the measure.
“Sixty-six percent of respondents — including 77 percent of Democrats, 58 percent of Independents, and 56 percent of Republicans — said that they support adult-use legalization.”
Majorities of Democrats (78 percent), Independents (63 percent), and Republicans (57 percent) back the 2020 ballot measure.
Voters in three Ohio municipalities on Election Day approved local ballot measures depenalizing minor marijuana possession offenses.
Voters in Ohio and Wisconsin approved a series of binding and non-binding local marijuana reform initiatives on Election Day.
Legislators in a number of states are pushing forward measures to delay the enactment of several voter-initiated marijuana laws. NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri called the efforts “an affront to the democratic process.” He added: “Voters have lived with the failings of marijuana prohibition for far too long already. Lawmakers have a responsibility to abide by the will of the voters and to do so in a timely manner.”