A Crucial Election Season for Legalizing Marijuana and Ending the Drug War

On November 4, voters across the country will have a chance to accelerate the unprecedented momentum to legalize marijuana and end the wider drug war. Voter initiatives – primarily reforming or repealing marijuana laws – appear on the ballots in seven states, at least 17 municipalities, and one U.S. territory. Here are a few of the key ones that we’ve been deeply involved with:

• Oregon: Passage of Measure 91 would make Oregon the third state to legally regulate marijuana.
• Alaska: Measure 2 would make Alaska the first red state to legalize marijuana for adult use.
• Florida: Amendment 2, the only statewide medical marijuana initiative this year, would be the first comprehensive medical marijuana law in the South.
• California: Proposition 47 would take a significant step toward reducing mass incarceration by changing six low-level, nonviolent offenses (including simple drug possession) from felonies to misdemeanors.
• District of Columbia: Initiative 71 would make it legal for adults to possess and cultivate small amounts of marijuana in our nation’s capital.
• New Jersey: Public Question No. 1 asks voters to approve comprehensive bail reform that will significantly reduce incarceration for low-level drug law violations.
• New Mexico: Voters in Bernalillo (Albuquerque) and Santa Fe Counties will decide if their county should affirm marijuana decriminalization efforts.