Guam Medical Marijuana Initiative Headed for Victory, Becomes First U.S. Territory to Approve Medical Marijuana

Guam's medical marijuana initiative is headed for victory, making it the first U.S. territory to approve such a law.  The polls there closed more than 18 hours ago, and with 56 of 58 precincts reporting the initiative shows 56% support.  

"That’s great news, and a positive omen, for marijuana reform efforts across the country," said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. "Guam is quite conservative politically, and home to a significant U.S. military presence, so this resounding victory is a confirmation of medical marijuana's broad support across the political spectrum."

Today, 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 marijuana laws – appear on the ballot in seven states, at least 17 municipalities, and one U.S. territory. 

• 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.

DPA staff are available for English and Spanish-language interviews in California, Oregon, Washington, D.C., Colorado, New Jersey, New Mexico and New York City.