Though 2016 offers the public two rather lack-luster candidates, one who is clueless about online security and is still under an FBI investigation, and the other who can’t stop tweeting indiscreetly, faces 25,000 lawsuits for business misconduct and is so utterly-uncouth it would be an insult to the English language to list all of the ways he is unfit to be President, there are still very important reasons to get out and vote, especially if you want to see legal cannabis in your state.
In an election which could “determine the future of pot in America,” a total of nine states will be voting on cannabis-related issues. The Cannabist reports that “Five states — Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada — will consider legalizing the recreational use of pot. Three others — Florida, Arkansas and North Dakota — will decide whether to permit marijuana for medical purposes. Montana will weigh whether to ease restrictions on an existing medical marijuana law.” Should those five states all vote to legalize the adult use of cannabis, fully 25% of Americans will live in states with legalized cannabis. Tom Angell, founder of the advocacy group Marijuana Majority, has commented on the “unprecedented number of marijuana initiatives on ballots this year,” and his website which tracks support for legalization is showing 88% of Americans supporting medical cannabis and 58% supporting adult use.
Just taped an interview with CBS This Morning about unprecedented number of marijuana initiatives on ballots this year. Should air Monday.
— Tom Angell (@tomangell) October 27, 2016
Nate Bradley, Executive Director of the California Cannabis Industry Association
“The passage of Proposition 64 will allow a regulated and professionalized cannabis industry to expand tenfold. I expect there will be millions of new jobs added to the nation’s economy.”
Derek Peterson, CEO of Terra Tech
“The growth of the cannabis industry is inextricably linked to regulations surrounding the plant on municipal, state and federal levels. While cannabis is still listed on the federal drug schedule, the numerous legalization measures set to be voted on in November will likely play a major role in the growth of the space. California’s legalization measure, Prop 64, is quite likely to pass, in which case we’ll likely see the creation of a tremendous number of new job opportunities, ancillary markets, and innovative businesses throughout the state. It’s my hope that California voters will look at Prop 64 as the comprehensive, safe and sensible ballot measure that it is and vote in its support next month.”
Pantelis Ataliotis, President of Dr. Dabber
“Nevada’s cannabis industry, while it’s certainly growing at an admirable rate, will expand to a tremendous size if Question 2 passes in the state. We’ve had a 400% increase in staff since January 1st as demand in the cannabis industry continues to grow, and I find it very unlikely that the trend towards general growth in the space will slow down anytime soon, especially if states such as Nevada legalize recreational cannabis.”
John Ryan, Director of United Life Science
“Based on our experience, when hemp was legalized in Kentucky this led to the initial deployment of $4M into the state which increased farmland productivity. We also spent a considerable amount of capital buying equipment from local stores and purveyors in very rural areas. We’ve now raised another tranche of significant capital and have added 6 full time payroll positions in KY, as well as 2 part time positions, and 2 in California. I would assume that further legislative endeavors will only increase the amount of investment in the space therefore creating income for local economies, jobs, and the potential of taxable revenues.”
Steve Gormley, CEO at Seventh Point LLC
“This November, voters in 9 states will decide on a wide array of propositions concerning recreational and medical marijuana. Voters in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada will determine whether adults have the right to use recreational marijuana. Voters in Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota will decide if patients with illnesses best treated with cannabis products will be allowed legal access to their medicine. In all 9 states, lawyers will make a killing as a result of the potential new laws. I think it will take some time for the measures, if passed, to generate meaningful growth in the jobs within the industry. I certainly think California will likely be the biggest beneficiary on the jobs front, assuming Prop 64 passes.”
Anthony Franciosi, Founder of Honest Marijuana
“I find it quite likely that at least one state-specific legalization ballot measure will pass next month, if not more. Colorado’s industry at large, not to mention its entrepreneurial spirit, grew a tremendous degree when the adult recreational use of cannabis was made legal, and I have every reason to believe that other states such as California and Nevada will see similar gains.”
An Update on Arkansas:
Until 24 hours ago, Arkansas had two competing cannabis legalization initiatives, Issue 6 and Issue 7. The Arkansas Supreme Court just “invalidated Issue 7 because it found that supporters did not gather enough qualified signatures. The court disallowed more than 12,000 signatures, leaving 65,412 valid signatures. That fell 2,465 short of the required number.” This may be a blessing in disguise for supporters of medical cannabis in Arkansas, as having two legalization bills on the ballot would undoubtedly split the ticket and result in neither one getting the needed majority to become law. Supporters of Issue 7 are being pragmatic. According to KFSM 5 News, “Arkansans for Compassionate Care, which wrote [Issue 7], is urging voters to vote for the other medical marijuana measure that is still on the ballot.”