Cannabis and the 2018 Midterm Elections

2018 Midterm Election Aftermath

This is an important time in cannabis history all around the world. In the past two weeks, we’ve seen major changes internationally, and the 2018 midterm elections brought even more good news for the cannabis community. Here’s what’s happening around the globe, and here at home.

Global Legalization: Canada and Mexico

In recent weeks, we have seen some incredible advances towards global acceptance for cannabis. In October, our neighbors to the north, Canada, became the second nation to legalize marijuana after Uruguay. This achievement has shown us that there is a reason out there in an unsure world. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada tweeted on June 19th, 2018, “It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate,”. [1]

Shortly after the big news from the north, Mexico Supreme court officials ruled that cannabis prohibition is unconstitutional. Froylán Enciso, a drug policy researcher at Mexico’s social sciences institute, stated “The rulings pave the way for adults to use marijuana in any way they see fit. We aren’t just talking about recreational use. The court has found that marijuana can be used for rituals, for recreational use, for medical use, at work, for scientific investigations. For any adult use and that it cannot be penalized.” [2]

Now with Mexico and Canada on board, it seems that the United States is in between one danky sandwich. Hopefully, we will follow by example, but there will always be the question of how and when. Decriminalization is a massive step in Mexico, but full legalization like seen in Canada has to be the goal. All around the world, we’ll be watching Canada to see how their laws and regulations shape up, and for good or worse, more countries will likely follow.

Michigan, Missouri, and Utah

Voters in Michigan have spoken! Citizens of Michigan voted to legalize recreational marijuana, making Michigan the 10th state to do so. The executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, Steve Hawkins stated, “Voters have once again sent a message loud and clear that it is time to legalize and regulate marijuana. The victory in Michigan highlights just how widespread support is for marijuana policy reform. This issue does not only enjoy strong support on the coasts but also in the Midwest and all throughout the country.” [3] Proposal 18-1, will allow adults 21 or older to consume and possess marijuana, as well as grow up to 12 plants! Probably the biggest win for cannabis in this midterms, Michigan is a wildly important state politically and is a great stepping stone towards federal changes.

Missouri and Utah both passed bills in favor of medical marijuana. In the past, we have seen medical states eventually turn into recreational. Not all states pass marijuana laws, in North Dakota’s almost 60% of voters decided not to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

Jeff Sessions Resigns!

According to early reports from Washington, Attorney general Jeff Sessions has just submitted his official resignation on 11/7. Marijuana’s long-standing foe has finally left office. In a letter to the white house, Jeff Sessions wrote, “At your request, I am submitting my resignation.” and President Trump, “We are pleased to announce that Matthew G. Whitaker, Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Department of Justice, will become our new Acting Attorney General of the United States. He will serve our Country well …We thank Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date”. [4]

Pot Stocks started to rise. According to CNBC, “Shares of major marijuana companies rallied after Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned Wednesday… Canada-based Tilray closed up 30 percent while Canopy Growth and Aurora Cannabis rose 8.1 percent and 9 percent respectively. Cronos Group added 8.4 percent.” [5] With the increasing global acceptance of cannabis, it won’t be long before we start seeing some radical advancements for medical and recreational uses here in the states and overseas. With Jeff Sessions out of the way and cannabis acceptance is becoming more and more popular. Its all is a waiting game now…