Make Your Voice Heard: 2024 Cannabis Ballot Initiatives
The 2024 election season is here, and for cannabis advocates across the country, there are exciting—and important—decisions to be made. This November, several states will be voting on cannabis-related ballot initiatives, giving communities a say in how cannabis is regulated, accessed, and used. Voting is your chance to help shape the future of cannabis policy, but it’s essential to understand what each initiative proposes. Let’s take a quick look at what’s on the ballot and why your vote matters.
2024 Cannabis Ballot Initiatives at a Glance
Several states are considering cannabis initiatives with unique focuses:
Florida Amendment 3:
Florida’s proposed amendment seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. Under the measure, individuals would be allowed to possess up to three ounces of cannabis, including five grams in concentrate form. The measure does not permit home cultivation and does not address expungement for past cannabis-related offenses. Adult-use cannabis would be sold through existing medical cannabis dispensaries, creating a pathway for commercial sales in Florida. The state legislature may allow other entities to cultivate and distribute cannabis products.
Learn more about this initiative on Ballotpedia.
South Dakota Initiated Measure 29:
Initiated Measure 29 aims to legalize the recreational use, possession, and distribution of cannabis for adults 21 and older. Under this measure, individuals could possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis, 16 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 1,600 mg of THC in cannabis products. It also allows the cultivation of up to six plants per person, with a maximum of 12 per household, provided the plants are kept in a locked, private space out of public view. The measure maintains restrictions on use for individuals under 21 and prohibits cannabis use in specific public areas. Additionally, employers can set their own rules regarding cannabis use by employees.
For more details on this initiative, visit Ballotpedia.
North Dakota’s Initiated Measure 5:
This measure seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. The initiative allows individuals to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower, four grams of concentrates, and 300mg of edibles, as well as 1,500mg of THC in cannabinoid products. Additionally, individuals may cultivate three plants, with a household limit of six. The measure mandates the establishment of cannabis regulations by the Department of Health and Human Services by October 1, 2025, including licensing up to seven cultivation facilities and 18 retail outlets, paving the way for a regulated cannabis market in the state.
For more details on this initiative, visit Ballotpedia.
Nebraska Initiatives 437 and 438:
Nebraska's 2024 ballot features Initiatives 437 and 438, which are interrelated measures that must both pass for either to take effect. Initiative 437 aims to decriminalize the possession of up to five ounces of cannabis if prescribed by a healthcare practitioner for medical reasons. Initiative 438 seeks to establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, which would oversee the medical cannabis industry by creating a regulatory board. This board would manage the possession, manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of medical cannabis. The initiatives are supported by Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis, led by advocates emphasizing safe access for patients.
For more details on this initiative, visit Ballotpedia.
Each initiative brings a different approach to cannabis policy, so its crucial for voters to understand what’s at stake in their own states.
Why Voting on Cannabis Initiatives Matters
Making your voice heard with your vote is vital to contributing to a more responsible, accessible, and fair cannabis landscape. Each initiative is a step forward in the ongoing movement toward cannabis reform, and your voice can make a real difference. However, not all cannabis laws are created equal, so it's important to do your research. It's important to evaluate whether the proposed ballot measure will positively impact those who need access to cannabis and have been affected by criminalization. While the ballot initiatives may vary from state to state, each vote is important to help build toward a future where cannabis policy reflects the needs and values of local communities.
Get Informed and Get Ready to Vote
Staying informed is key, and resources like Ballotpedia, The Marijuana Policy Project, and NORML’s Voter Guide can help you learn more about the details of each initiative and the positions of local candidates. Knowing the positions of local candidates is crucial because these individuals will make decisions that directly affect your community. Many times, cannabis laws and other significant policies are passed without a public vote, meaning elected officials have substantial power to shape legislation. Understanding where candidates stand on important issues allows you to make informed choices that align with your values and priorities. When you’re ready, check out vote.org’s Polling Place Locator to find your nearest polling place.
This Tuesday, make your voice heard—vote for the change you want to see in cannabis policy.
*DISCLAIMER: Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. UCG Inc. encourages responsible, legal cannabis use of its products and brands, including the award-winning Dabstract® brand.