In addition to voting for the president, governor, and legislative and executive branches, voters could also have their say on other measures that affected state constitutions.
By legalization of marijuana to psychedelic decriminalizationvoters had their say on a series of initiatives that could reform the national approach to drug policy. Recent polls show growing support for the legalization of marijuanaimmediately majority of Americans now in favor of ending federal prohibition.
This trend extends beyond cannabiswith increasing interest in reforming laws surrounding psychedelics and other substances. The passage of measures decriminalizing psychedelics in Oregon and Washington DC in previous elections paved the way for similar initiatives in other states.
California
While California has not voted on legalizing recreational marijuana (since it’s already legal), the voters passed Proposal 36. This measure allows charges for possession of certain drugs and increases penalties for some drug and theft crimes
Florida
Florida voters rejected amendment 3which would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The measure did not reach the required 60% threshold for approval, meaning it remains legal only for medical use.
Massachusetts
Voters rejected Question 4which would have legalized natural psychedelics. The measure was rejected with 57% against
North Dakota
Voters rejected Measure 5, which would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. This marks the third time North Dakota voters have rejected an initiative to legalize recreational marijuanaafter previous rejections in 2018 and 2022.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, voters rejected initiated measure 29which would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. This marks the third time in recent years that South Dakota voters have rejected an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana.