Marijuana Battle: D-Day for U.S. States
Posted by Sagar Satapathy on November 04, 2014.
November 4 may turn out to be historic for four states in the U.S.A, as they vote on the issue of legalization of marijuana. Oregon, Alaska and District of Columbia will decide whether to allow recreational marijuana or not. Only Colorado and Washington state have so far approved recreational marijuana.
Florida will decide on the issue of medical marijuana, while Michigan, Maine, New Mexico and Guam have started local initiatives on pot issue. 10 counties in Michigan, including Huntington Woods, Berkley, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, Clare, Harrison, Frankfurt, Onaway, Port Huron and Lapeer will vote on decriminalization measures.
We had seen hectic activities in these states in the last few weeks to mobilize opinion in favor of marijuana. There have been some opposition to these ballot measures, but it seems final voting could result in loosening the restrictions on pot. Pro-Marijuana activists have called pot less toxic and less addictive even than alcohol.
In Alaska, medical marijuana is legal, but people here want to use pot for recreational purpose too. Two recent surveys showed contradictory results. One poll found 57% of the respondents supporting the move. However, the second poll showed only 43% supporting the measure, while 53% voting against it.
All eyes are on Oregon, which had rejected the move to legalize marijuana by 56%-44% voting in 2012. However, the situation is very different this time. The Drug Policy Alliance has been working hard to garner support for Measure 91. If we believe the surveys and polls, the chances of pot getting legalized in Oregon stand at 50:50.
The District of Columbia will vote on a measure, which would allow people to possess up to 2 oz. of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants at home. The measure may get people's nod, predict the local surveys published on various media platforms. On the other hand, Florida is all set to become the 24th state in the U.S.A. to allow medical marijuana. The constitutional amendment requires 60% supermajority. The polls have predicted a win for the amendment, but they are unsure whether the required number of votes could be achieved or not.
