Voters in four states decided on marijuana legalization measures this election, with Nebraska emerging as the only state to pass its proposed initiatives. Nebraskans approved Measures 437 and 438, which will legalize and regulate medical marijuana statewide. This move aligns Nebraska with neighboring Iowa and South Dakota, where medical cannabis is already allowed. Wyoming permits CBD and low-THC products, while Colorado and Missouri have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana.
Meanwhile, voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota turned down recreational marijuana legalization. This marks the third time both Dakotas have voted on the issue. South Dakota voters previously approved recreational marijuana in 2020, but the measure was ultimately overturned by the state’s Supreme Court following a challenge.
Nebraska is also facing legal challenges regarding the medical marijuana measures, with a trial underway to determine the validity of tens of thousands of signatures on each measure’s petition.
As of this year, nearly half of U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, or both.