Next year is poised to be another banner year for cannabis legalization. Think back to 2016, which was a phenomenal year for legalization, with California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada voting in marijuana; 2018 looks to be just as exciting.
Here are three states at the ready to legalize in 2018:
First up we have Michigan, which will likely have a ballot vote rather than legislation. If there wasn’t to be a ballot vote, legislation would likely pass, however, signature gathering is already completed and the petition turned in for a legalization vote. We have the Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol to thank for that.
The votes are likely to be there awaiting the ballot measure. Latest polling shows Michigan residents at 58 percent in favor of cannabis legalization. A number that has been on the rise for years now. They will still need to advertise, but MPP and some investors seem to have it covered.
Next up is the Garden State, New Jersey. The least popular governor in the history of the US, Chris Christie is finally leaving office and New Jerseyites voted in Governor Elect Phil Murphy to replace him. While Christie seemed to do everything he could to make the medical marijuana program as difficult to navigate as possible, Murphy campaigned on the platform that he would legalize recreational cannabis in his first 100 days in office.
There is the chance that the legislation could be shot down at the state house, however, the latest polling in New Jersey shows 59 percent approval of the plant, so let’s hope lawmakers listen to their community.
Vermont seems like it should already be legal and selling medicated Ben & Jerry’s at the corner stores, but they’re not there yet. Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill after getting nervous about drugged driving and teen use. Even after the bill was amended to address the concerns, the House voted it down.
The measure is still alive and kicking though, and Gov. Scott says that he will sign it this legislative round. The bill is expected to pass in early January 2018, which would make Vermont the first state to legalize via legislation alone.
