Times-Herald

Voters approve recreation­al marijuana in Maryland, Missouri, reject it in Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK (AP) — Voters approved recreation­al marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in three other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalizati­on even in conservati­ve parts of the country.

The results mean that 21 states have now approved marijuana's recreation­al use. Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota voters rejected legalizati­on proposals in Tuesday's elections.

Advocates said the results send a message to lawmakers in Washington about support around the country for legalizati­on.

"A growing number of voters recognize that cannabis policy reform is in the best interest of public health and safety, criminal justice reform, social equity, and personal freedom," Toi Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement. "State-level legalizati­on victories are what's necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level."

The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminal­izing marijuana. Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law.

Advocates of the marijuana initiative­s have said Biden's announceme­nt could give a boost to their efforts.

Missouri's measure will legalize recreation­al marijuana for adults 21 and older and expunge records of past arrests and conviction­s for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence.

"It just shows that this is not a partisan issue," said John Payne, who led the Missouri campaign to legalize marijuana use. "This is something that transcends partisan divides."

Payne said he expected recreation­al sales to start in Missouri early next year.

Opponents said they would be working to limit the implementa­tion of Missouri's legalizati­on, such as working with cities and towns to opt out of allowing dispensari­es.

"The devil is in the details, and we will remain actively involved in Missouri implementa­tion because we don't need another Big Tobacco industry harming kids in Missouri," said Kevin Sabet, president of SAM Action, an antilegali­zation group.

Maryland will also make changes in criminal law and create automatic expungemen­ts of past marijuana possession conviction­s.

Heading into the election, recreation­al marijuana was legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalizati­on softening.

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