Maryland and Missouri have become the 20th and 21st states to approve recreational marijuana use.
“Maryland voters have overwhelmingly rejected the failed policy of prohibition and voted for the common sense policy of legalization,” National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Executive Director Erik Altieri said. “For far too many decades, Maryland’s prohibition has been an utter failure and which has had devastating consequences on already marginalized communities in the state. By voting for legalization, Marylanders have rejected the failed ideas of the past and have chosen to reform their laws to protect civil liberties and promote racial justice.”
Authorities indicated via Maryland law adults will be legally permitted to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and/or 12 grams of cannabis concentrates beginning in July 2023.
Adults will also be permitted to grow up to two cannabis plants in their homes for personal use.
Missouri has legalized the possession, cultivation, and licensed retail sale of cannabis for persons 21 years and older.
Per Missouri’s measure, adults will be able to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and home-cultivate up to six flowering plants, six immature plants, and six plants under 14 inches for personal use, and the legislation establishes a state program to automatically review and expunge criminal records for eligible non-violent marijuana-related marijuana offenses.
“Missourians have clearly demonstrated that support for ending prohibition isn’t relegated to the coasts or deep blue states, but that it is a common sense position that resonates with all Americans,” Altieri said. “With the approval of Amendment 3, Missouri voters rejected the failed ideas of the past and elected to chart a new path oriented on justice and sound public policy.”