By Noah White (AP)
A significantly changed climate for legal medical and adult-use marijuana could emerge in North America after voters decide this fall on new and amended legislation. Here are the significant measures to follow in the coming months.
Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program Launch (HB 523)
Sept. 8, 2018
Ohio House Bill 523 went into effect Sept. 8, 2016, legalizing medical cannabis for individuals with qualifying conditions. Administrative rules and a regulatory framework were developed over the course of two years. However, the licensing process has been delayed by more than 60 administrative appeals and five lawsuits. Ohio continues the rollout process for the medical marijuana program, but now the program could possibly be delayed past the deadline set for Sept. 8, 2018. Additionally, on Nov. 6, 2018, local governments across Ohio will have the opportunity to vote on reduced penalties for low-level marijuana possession.
Canada Recreational Legalization (Bill C-45)
Oct. 17, 2018
Recreational cannabis sales will become legal in Canada beginning Oct. 17, 2018. Provinces and territories will have complete authority over where and how the products will be sold to adults ages 19 and older. Adults ages 18 and older can buy in Alberta and Quebec.
Missouri Cannabis Ballot Initiative (Amendment 2)
Nov. 6, 2018
In Missouri, voters will weigh whether to approve the Missouri Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Services Initiative. Cannabis advocacy group New Approach Missouri petitioned for the ballot measure. The initiative would allow state-licensed physicians to recommend cannabis use as an alternative treatment option for patients with certain qualifying conditions. The initiative would also create a 4 percent sales tax on all cannabis sales. Revenue collected from the cannabis tax would be allocated specifically for providing health care services for military veterans.
Utah Cannabis Ballot Initiative (Proposition 2)
Nov. 6, 2018
In Utah, residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Medical Cannabis Act on Nov. 6, 2018. Cannabis advocacy group Utah Patients Coalition gathered signatures for the measure to ask voters whether to legalize cannabis for patients with qualifying medical conditions. Local governments would be prohibited from enacting zoning ordinances to ban cannabis business.
Michigan Ballot Initiative (Proposal 1)
Nov. 6, 2018
Michigan voters also will have the opportunity on Nov. 6, 2018, to determine whether to legalize recreational use of cannabis by adults ages 21 and older. The Michigan Marijuana Legalization Initiative was the result of a successful petition by the advocacy group Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. A tax would be levied on all recreational sales. Additionally, local governments would be allowed to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries.
North Dakota Ballot Initiative (Measure 3)
Nov. 6, 2018
North Dakota voters will decide on the Marijuana Legalization and Automatic Expungement Initiative on Nov. 6, 2018. Legalize ND, a local cannabis advocacy group, organized the ballot measure. If Measure 3 passes, adults ages 21 and older can possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes. The measure also creates an automatic expungement process for individuals with convictions for cannabis and other offenses for controlled substances once they have been legalized. Local governments would have the right to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries.
Illinois Opioid Alternative Pilot Program Launch (SB 1707)
Jan. 1, 2019
Republican Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed SB 1707, the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program, which will allow anyone previously diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition that can be treated with opioids to receive medical cannabis as an alternative treatment option. Additionally, mandatory background checks and fingerprinting no longer will be required for Illinois medical cannabis patients to participate in the program. SB 1707, signed into law Aug. 28, 2018, is effective Jan. 1, 2019.
Featured Image: “Sun Through Pipe” photo by Marissa Langston, taken on an off-road trail in a forest in Flagstaff, Arizona. Instagram: @supermex8
