how many states is marijuana legal 2022
How Many States Will Marijuana Be Legal in 2022?
How many states will marijuana be legal in 2022? Currently, 18 states have legalized marijuana for adult use and another three have medical regimes. Those that are still illegal include Kansas, Nebraska, and Idaho. Kansas recently increased penalties for marijuana-related crimes. Nebraska has reduced possession of the drug to a misdemeanor, but distribution is still illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Some anti-states, however, are preparing for this eventuality, and are currently considering measures to legalize marijuana. medical marijuana card ny fees waived
Colorado is on the forefront of legalization, having passed a ballot initiative in 2012 and has already opened its recreational market. But the state has no social equity measures. Marijuana business owners tend to be white, and there are no efforts to make the industry more diverse. However, Governor Jared Polis has recently signed legislation to establish a social equity program that will provide loans to communities hardest hit by the drug war.
Colorado’s medical marijuana market has been booming since recreational use was legalized there in 2011. A ballot initiative is expected to pass the state in early 2022. Missouri and Maryland may also join in. The Pennsylvania legislature, however, seems to be adamantly opposed to legalizing marijuana. And if those don’t pass, there are still many more states that will have to follow suit. In the meantime, Colorado lawmakers are working to draft regulations to govern the industry.
South Dakota, one of the most conservative states in the nation, has passed a law allowing adults over 21 to possess up to an ounce of cannabis for medical purposes. In the state of South Dakota, however, the Republican governor has filed a lawsuit against the recreational provision, and the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of legalization, but the law may be repealed in 2021. So, the question is: How many states will be legal in 2022?
Although the House passed the legislation in December, the Senate has not yet taken up the bill. However, lawmakers hope to bring the bill to the Senate this session. To pass the bill, ten Republicans and all Democrats must vote for it, but it’s unlikely to pass. In the meantime, pro-reform forces are working to place legal marijuana initiatives on the November 2022 ballot. When legalization does pass, a bill will be introduced to implement the new laws.
Whether marijuana will be legal in Maryland is not as certain as it used to be. Two bills recently passed the legislature, S 335 and SB 837. In both, the legislation was passed by a supermajority of three-fifths, but it failed to gain the necessary signatures. Fortunately, a second attempt will pass soon. It would be interesting to see how many states legalize marijuana in 2022.
Some proponents of legalization point to the economic benefits of marijuana. Legalization would create thousands of jobs and generate direct tax revenues. Furthermore, legalization would also reduce the costs associated with law enforcement. However, critics point to problems related to confusion among law enforcement and potential increases in homelessness and property values. Others cite the status quo as a valid reason for prohibition. If this happens in your state, you should be happy for your new freedoms.