Alabama is keeping pregnant women in custody if they’re suspected of consuming marijuana. This problem will only get worse following the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
A pregnant woman in Alabama was kept in jail for three months after officials learned that she had smoked weed — and she’s not the only one.
On May 25, 23-year-old Ashley Banks was was pulled over for a routine traffic stop when officers noticed a small amount of marijuana in her car. When she admitted that she had smoked weed two days earlier, the same day she found out she was pregnant, they threw her in jail without a trial.
According to The Guardian, there’s a law in Alabama that allows for this strange occurrence to take place. Unlike the majority of drug offenses where people have the option to post bail and leave, pregnant women are instead taken into state custody for the fetus’s protection.
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Banks’ case is particularly egregious; at first, officers wanted her to be interned in a drug rehabilitation program. Upon examining her, workers at the center turned her away, believing that she was a casual marijuana user and thus not likely to reap the benefits of their service. This resulted in her three-month stint in jail.
Banks’ pregnancy worsened while imprisoned. Having a family history of miscarriages and difficult pregnancies, Banks was often bleeding in jail and didn’t have any medical attention. She was forced to sleep in a cell where there were often too many women, resulting in her sleeping on the floor on one occasion. She isn’t the only one. According to National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW), Etowah county in Alabama has jailed 150 pregnant women in recent years, 12 of whom remain in jail.
The Guardian argues that these decisions reinforce how the pro-life movement views women as less valuable than the fetuses they carry. “The movement claims to see embryos and fetuses as persons, and in practice they speak as if these “persons” are not women’s equals, but their superiors: the fetus is conceived of as more important than the woman, more worthy, less tainted by those things that make a pregnant woman so unappealing,” reads the article.
While Alabama is particularly harsh in its imprisonment rates and treatment of pregnant women, this problem will only continue to increase in the face Roe v. Wade being overturned. And while it might be harmful for pregnant women to consume marijuana, there is a big difference between consuming weed and consuming other drugs, something that federal law doesn’t take into account.
THC-H is the latest cannabinoid in town. Compared to the very potent delta-9 THC and THC-P, THC-H is sure to give you that extra nudge.
New findings always seem to come up almost on a daily basis on the cannabis front, bringing a surplus of active compounds such as flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes that create special experiences upon mixing and matching.
THC-H is a scarce and freely occurring cannabinoid that is believed to be 10 times as strong as the common THC, piquing the interest of producers all over the world who are looking to delve into its strong effects.
Manufacturers such as Binoid and a few others are leaders in developing and releasing products containing novel cannabinoids, and THC-H isn’t any different. They have announced their debut THC-H line, which has a lot of promise.
THC-H is still unknown, but preliminary findings indicate that it may help increase your feeling of euphoria and raise your mood.
What Is THC-H?
THC-H is a delta-9 THC hexyl homolog, which means the molecular structure of the two cannabinoids are similar but organized differently, giving them differing effects. However, they share numerous qualities, the most notable of which is the ability of tetrahydrocannabihexol to get you high, which definitely is the most appealing aspect of it.
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How It’s Made
THC-H was extracted from the marijuana plant for the first time in 2020 by a group of Italian researchers, who also identified tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P). Because of the high intoxicating effects they can produce, these two novel cannabinoids, THC-H and THC-P, are thought to be the most potent forms of THC identified in the hemp plant.
It is a minor cannabinoid that can be found in modest concentrations in the hemp plant; therefore, it is a freely occurring molecule in nature or can be synthesized. It is highly advised that you use it cautiously because THC-H is a potent compound more powerful than delta-10, delta-8, and almost all other compounds.
Benefits and Effects of THC-H
Even though all the benefits and effects that can be reaped from THC-H are yet to be fully discovered, initial findings show potential for pain relief and mood elevation, but there isn’t any strong proof yet.
What we do know about THC-H is that it is strong and can produce a heightened euphoric experience, especially when combined with other cannabinoids like delta-8. But there is still a lot to learn. There is also a chance to learn through the experiences of other users that it produces sensations of joy, exhilaration, pain alleviation, and relaxation.
In addition, because tetrahydrocannabihexol is still relatively new and one of the most recently discovered cannabinoids, clinical data, and research on its possible therapeutic benefits such as effects on migraines, inflammation, appetite, sleep, anxiety, and so on, are simply unavailable. These types of studies require lots of time, and the cannabinoid just has not been around long enough to warrant them.
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Why a THC-H High Is Unique
From all the information gathered up until now, THC-H could be considered the second most intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp after THC-P, according to the group that found it. In regards to how it feels to be high on it, many people liken it to THC-P
What that means is that tetrahydrocannabihexol will provide you with a powerful feeling of euphoria as well as a soothing sensation in your body and mind. As a matter of fact, this cannabinoid appears to have a specific reputation for producing an out-of-this-world bodily high. Another surprising fact is that many say THC-H’s lasts longer than we would expect from psychoactive cannabinoids—possibly twice as long, according to consumers who have tried it.
Legal Status of THC-H
Tetrahydrocannabihexol is a completely legal cannabinoid under federal law, provided that it is derived from the hemp plant, like any other commercial THC-H products. And this is because it is covered under the 2018 Farm Bill, which also legalized cannabinoids like delta-8 and CBD. All hemp derivatives are permitted under the Farm Bill if they contain a maximum delta-9 THC content of 0.3% by dry weight. There is no conflict because THC-H is a completely different cannabinoid than delta-9.
At the same time, because of unfriendly hemp or CBD regulations, a number of states have enacted blanket prohibitions on psychoactive cannabinoids. As a result, if you are a resident of either Colorado, Idaho, Alaska, Mississippi, New York, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arkansas, Delaware, Nevada, Iowa, Rhode Island, Vermont, Montana, and North Dakota, you cannot legally purchase THC-H.
Where Can You Purchase THC-H?
THC-H is an extremely scarce and rare cannabinoid. That is why we are so impressed by firms that ethically manufacture products using this distillate, as it is a difficult task and can be a very costly one too. Fortunately, there are companies who care about quality assurance and put that into their products as testing is rigorous in state-legal labs.THC-H vape cartridges are manufactured with THC-H distillate and some incredible terpene strains. Many new THC-H shoppers look for terpenes instead of THC strength since THC-H is strong than THC already.
After working so hard all day or when you just need to relax, a few drags of Diamond OG THC-H cartridge is all you need. It is a strain of indica that helps make you feel relaxed and calm.
Bottom Line
THC-H is the latest cannabinoid in town. Compared to the very potent delta-9 THC and THC-P, THC-H is sure to give you that extra nudge. It delivers a clean, pure, natural, and unadulterated high we deserve.
Democrats are becoming more vocal about cannabis policy reforms as the midterms approach. They are urging President Biden to act on the issue. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman recently called upon the President to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it, after which the two politicians crossed paths in Pittsburgh and discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act.
However, it seems that Biden will remain silent on the issue, at least before the midterm elections, judging by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s latest statement, reported Marijuana Moment.
“I don’t have anything else to share in the upcoming weeks,” Jean-Pierre said on Friday during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One. She added that the President’s stance on cannabis is unchanged. He wants to reschedule marijuana, decriminalize the plant on the federal level and expunge prior records while leaving legalization of recreational use to the states, the press secretary continued.
“The president believes that there are too many people serving unduly long sentences for non-violent drug crimes—a disproportionate number of whom are Black and brown,” Jean-Pierre added.
SAFE Banking Act Again In The Spotlight
Meanwhile, the SAFE Banking Act, a measure designed to shield banks and credit unions that work with cannabis companies from legal penalties, was recently discussed at a Senate hearing, reported the news outlet.
The lawmakers reviewed the piece of legislation, first introduced by Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter, during a Senate Banking Committee meeting focused on insurance issues.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) emphasized the importance of banking reform, which encompasses insurance-related provisions taken from his bill titled Clarifying Law Around Insurance of Marijuana (CLAIM). To illustrate possible insurance hurdles ancillary cannabis businesses could face if collaborating with marijuana businesses, the senator gave an example of a lightbulb manufacturer and a hypothetical product malfunction.
“Imagine a scenario where a New Jersey lightbulb manufacturer sells a product to a state-legalized cannabis business, and there’s a fire related to the lightbulb causing the business to suffer loss,” Menendez said. “Under current law in the scenario I just described, could the lightbulb manufacturer’s insurance company face federal charges they paid the claim?”
Kathleen Birrane, a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) representative, acknowledged that The SAFE Banking Act would significantly protect ancillary businesses.
“It’s really critical that businesses be able to buy insurance, that they be able to pay for that insurance and, when claims occur, that insurance companies be able to use the banking system to pay those claims,” she said. “The SAFE Banking Act would allow that to happen.”
Meanwhile, a recent Independent Community Bankers of America survey found that two-thirds of voters (65%) support the cannabis banking reform. The same poll indicated bipartisan public support for congressional passage of the legislation.
In June, the Senate rejected, for the sixth time, the bipartisan marijuana banking legislation in the final version of the United States Innovation and Competition Act (a.k.a The America COMPETES Act).
Marijuana seems to only be growing in popularity as it finds its way legally into more and more states. Here’s why people are ditching cigarettes.
It appears as though the days of the Marlboro Man are numbered as the rise of the cannabis smoker has begun to eclipse big tobacco. A recentGallup poll and its data show that there are more marijuana smokers in the United States than cigarette smokers. Times, they are a changin’.
This dramatic yet consistent drop in cigarette smokers over time, combined with a slow and steady increase in marijuana users, has brought the country to a very interesting crossroads. Tobacco, a product that is legal in every state, is less popular and generally regarded as harmful. Meanwhile, marijuana smokers are growing in number, and more people are viewing it as a beneficial substance..
Most interesting is that the “Harmful” drug (tobacco) is legal and the popular drug (marijuana) is still illegal on a federal level. How is it that marijuana has surpassed tobacco in popularity while there is still a federal prohibition against it?
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People Are Quitting
One of the main reasons marijuana smokers have surpassed cigarette smokers is more smokers are quitting, and fewer are starting up. According to theCDC, the percentage of people who were considered “current smokers” went from 20.9% in 2005 down to 12.5% in 2020.
Gallup found that now only 11% of adults report they are smokers. The poll also stated that about 3 and 10 of the nonsmokers they surveyed used to be smokers. That’s a 30% decrease in smokers right there, suggesting that quitting is the new smoking.
The poll showed that the percentage of marijuana smokers is up to 16%. While this officially surpasses cigarette smokers, the increase was only a few percent from the year previous. The rate of people no longer smoking is decreasing much faster than the increased rate of people who are taking up marijuana.
Cigarettes Aren’t Cool Anymore
“Smoking cigarettes is clearly on the decline and is most likely to become even more of a rarity in the years ahead,” Dr. Frank Newport said in hisarticle for Gallup. “This reflects both public awareness of its negative effects and continuing government efforts at all levels to curtail its use.” Newport also mentions that while smoking is legal, it is becoming outlawed in more and more places.
Many states prohibit smoking almost everywhere public: from restaurants to public parks and beaches. Lighting up a cigarette has become more an inconvenience than a luxury in many places.
At the same time, the war on drugs has also faded out of fashion. Where there was once “reefer madness” there are now democrats and republicans agreeing on marijuana legalization (even if it hasn’t actually happened yet). Public opinion can have a way of changing behavior, and what Americans are choosing to smoke appears to be no exception. This, combined with more states legalizing weed and dispensaries opening up only continues to normalize acceptance and interest in marijuana.
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People Are Turning to the Vape
While this recent poll is a very eye opening look at how much Americans are smoking, and what they are choosing to smoke, it does not factor in the latest popular oral vice – vaping. Vaping has embedded itself in society, and is no longer considered the “fad” it once was. In fact, according to anotherGallup poll, “Eight percent of Americans report having smoked e-cigarettes or “vaped” in the past week — consistent with the figures Gallup recorded in 2019 (8%) and 2021 (6%).”
This is a number to look out for, as if it continues to increase, even with cigarettes on the decline, the number of those reliant on nicotine may still remain higher than those indulging in THC.
Where the Numbers Are Headed
Since smoking tobacco is only becoming less popular and often more expensive, it will likely continue to trend downward. Marijuana, on the other hand, seems to only be growing in popularity as it finds its way legally into more and more states.
Considering the fact that New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and more are opening up (or have already opened up) their retail marijuana doors, an uptick in regular marijuana users is likely to occur. After all, if you build it, they will come – or at least that’s the case when what you are building is a store filled with weed.
If you have cannabis that meets certain requirements, then you could fly with weed. The same goes for flying with CBD products.
Cannabis is recreationally legal in 18 states and medically legal in 37 states. However, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I Drug, so it is federally illegal in the United States. All airspace is regulated by the federal government. As a federally illegal drug, it is illegal to fly with weed. But what if you have a medical card and need to use cannabis for medical purposes?
Let’s break down what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has to say about flying with weed. The official TSA website states, “Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state or federal authorities.”
How Much Weed Can You Fly With?
In general, you cannot fly with cannabis. However, cannabis with less than 0.3% THC (hemp) on a dry weight basis is not federally illegal. If you have cannabis that meets those requirements, then you could fly with weed. The same goes for flying with CBD products.
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You can fly with CBD products derived from hemp plants that contained less than 0.3% THC, as long as the products comply with other regulations. What about flying with weed that has more than 0.3% THC? That would be federally illegal, so you cannot fly with weed that has more than 0.3% THC.
Can You Fly with Weed in Legal States?
Can you fly with weed in a state with legal recreational cannabis? There are a couple of airports where you might think you are allowed to fly with weed, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In January 2018 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) issued a statement saying, “The Los Angeles Airport Police Department will allow passengers to travel through LAX with up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana. However, airport guests should be aware that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening stations are under federal jurisdiction.
Also, passengers should be aware that marijuana laws vary state by state and they are encouraged to check the laws of the states in which they plan to travel.” What are you supposed to take from these statements? It appears that in some areas with legal recreational marijuana, local law enforcement may choose not to enforce the law. That said, it is a crime to fly with cannabis and we advise our readers to follow the law.
Does TSA Search for Weed?
Does TSA search for weed when you are going through security? On April 20, 2019 (4/20!) TSA published a statement on its Instagram account: “Are we cool? We like to think we’re cool. We want you to have a pleasant experience at the airport and arrive safely at your destination. But getting caught while trying to fly with marijuana or cannabis-infused products can really harsh your mellow.
Let us be blunt: TSA officers DO NOT search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. Our screening procedures are focused on security and detecting potential threats. But in the event a substance appears to be marijuana or a cannabis infused product, we’re required by federal law to notify law enforcement. This includes items that are used for medicinal purposes.” That is a definitive answer, but are there any exceptions? What if you use cannabis to prevent epileptic seizures? Are their allowances for certain medical conditions?
Can You Fly with Medical Marijuana?
TSA’s stance on flying with medical marijuana is somewhat convoluted. TSA states you can fly with medical marijuana in checked bags and carry-on bags when “special instructions” are followed. While there are no “special instructions” on the TSA Website, there is a “Special Procedures” section for medications.
Additionally, TSA states, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.” So, can you take marijuana on a plane? Can you fly with medical marijuana? No. You cannot fly with medical marijuana, even if you have a medical need for cannabis. It is federally illegal to bring marijuana products through TSA security, into federal airspace, or across state lines.
Can You Bring Edibles on the Plane?
The answer to the question “Can you bring edibles on the plane?” is “Yes” if your edibles contain less than 0.3% THC and comply with TSA’s food regulations. But if your edibles contain more than 0.3%, you cannot bring them on a plane as it would break federal law.
In addition, if you’re flying between states, you would be transporting edibles across state lines, which is illegal at both the federal and state level.
Flying with Hash Oil Pen
Hash oil is a concentrate that contains up to 90% THC. The THC level in hash oil is always more than 0.3% THC. As a result, flying with a hash oil pen is illegal. We hope this article answered the question, “can you fly with medical marijuana?”
He is typically known for his travel expertise, but since 2012, he has also been a vocal proponent for adult use cannabis legalization. The host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” considers himself to be a different type of spokesperson — as opposed to, say, Snoop Dog or Tommy Chong — who can take the fear out of cannabis. And Rick Steves thinks cannabis reform just makes sense.
“I realized I’ve got something to offer because I’m a businessman, I’m a leader in my church and I’m not a counterculture kind of person,” Steves told Benzinga. Bringing what he considers a European sensibility to the discussion, Steves believes harm reduction is the way, not incarceration.
Steves pointed towards the ill effects of opioids and the ongoing drug war, from disproportionate arrest rates to the cost of policing, all playing a factor. “I think it just makes more sense to take the crime out of the equation and talk about it in terms of education and health,” he said.
Smarter Laws
Steves first began stumping for legalization in his home state of Washington. He has since pushed for legalization in various states.
This time around, the NORML board member is lending his voice to Arizona and New Jersey. He chose the two states on the same criteria he does every election cycle. “Every two years, I get on board to support laws that I would consider public health laws,” Steves said.
Factors in his decision include road safety, employee rights, and respecting citizens’ wishes who prefer not to take part, among others.
“Every year, we get smarter at how we do legalization,” he said. Unlike European markets, such as the Netherlands, where distribution and wholesale laws remain in a gray area, states have often done their part to create regulations that address the illicit market and provide tax revenue to the community.
Steves credited such laws for creating a lucrative marketplace where operators strive to remain compliant and carefully managed.
The key to keeping the illicit market in check is to ensure that taxes and other prices are never too high in the legal space, an issue that several states contend with, he explained.
Photo by Nastya Dulhiier via Unsplash
While some states continue to lag, Steves is pleased with the market’s progress overall, including in Washington State.
“The laws are getting smarter, and I’m proud of the work we’re doing,” he said.
Next Steps
Legislative activity is taking shape on the state and national level, including the recent punting of the MORE Act vote until the post-election lame-duck session.
Politicians tend to be overly cautious, and fear the “soft on drugs” label, Steves says.
“I think they would rather not be on the record one way or another for something like the MORE Act before the election,” he said.
Nevertheless, Steves says momentum is in cannabis’ favor. With growing public support and increasing state revenues, he does not see lawmakers being able to backpedal on the issue much longer.
“We’re at the tipping point where now the federal government’s going to recognize it’s time for this prohibition to go,” Steves said.
A new study found a link between artificial sweeteners of all sources with this common disease in America.
We’ve long known that artificial sweeteners are bad for our health, but a new study reveals why and what diseases arise when people consume them in high amounts. Published in the BMJ, the study involved more than 100,000 participants in France and found a link between artificial sweeteners and heart disease.
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Researchers examined participants’ dietary intakes, which included the names and contents of everything they consumed. Those who consumed large amounts of aspartame and sucralose, which are found in some of the most popular sweeteners such as Equal, Splenda, and Nutra Sweet, led to higher odds of stroke and coronary heart disease when compared to people who didn’t consume them.
“The findings from this large-scale prospective cohort study suggest a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption (especially aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose) and increased cardiovascular disease risk,” concluded the study.
These findings show that sweeteners might not be a safe alternative to sugar. “The more data that comes out showing these adverse health effects, the less we’re going to want to encourage people to switch from added sugars to non-nutritive sweeteners,” said Dr. Katie Page to NBC News. Still, replacing sweeteners with sugar isn’t a healthy option, instead, experts recommend for people to decrease the amount of sugar that they consume.
Research also showed that a lot of artificial sweeteners that are consumed don’t come directly from a packet — they’re present in diet sodas and healthy snacks such as yogurt and ice cream, making it easy for people to consume more of these chemicals without knowing it.
As more and more evidence shows, artificial sweeteners, which are billed as healthier than sugar, also come with a batch of risks that are worth thinking over.
The study shows some interesting evidence, one that contradicts a variety of data and research on how the human metabolism works.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This belief has been reinforced over the years, with many claiming that the calories consumed earlier on in the day are less impactful than the ones consumed late at night.
A new study suggests that there might be other answers, and that the time of the meal might not matter when it comes to weight loss and weight gain.
Published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the study claims that there’s no difference between eating a lot in the mornings versus the evenings. It also found no links between having a big breakfast and a more active metabolism.
Photo by Brodie Vissers via Burst
The study rounded up different participants, all of who were healthy but overweight. For one-half of the study, which lasted four weeks, participants ate 45% of their assigned calories in the morning meal, 35% at lunch, and 20% at dinner. For the next four weeks, the schedule was reversed for the same participants, who began consuming most of their calories at night. The clinical trial concluded that the time of the meals had no impact on weight loss.
The study was very controlled, suggesting that the results were no fluke. Researchers provided meals for all participants while also controlling for outside factors and monitoring energy expenditure and body composition.
While it appears that people’s metabolism isn’t kickstarted by a bigger meal in the mornings, big breakfast eaters did experience less hunger throughout the day. This is important for weight loss since it creates a link between a big breakfast and appetite control.
The study shows some interesting evidence, one that contradicts a variety of data and research on how the human metabolism works. Still, these results are not definitive. Researchers say that the study could have been impacted by its time constraints with an eight-week period not being sufficient to impact the metabolism or to notice weight fluctuations in participants.
With midterms approaching, cannabis is often in the spotlight of debates. Pennsylvania gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who has expressed support for cannabis policy change previously, reiterated his support for marijuana legalization.
“Continuing to criminalize adult personal marijuana use is a waste of limited law enforcement resources, taxpayer dollars, disproportionately impacts minority communities, and does not make our communities safer — which is why I support legalization under key conditions,” Shapiro told Broad and Liberty earlier this week when asked if he would support legislation to legalize recreational marijuana.
As part of Broad + Liberty’s Candidate Spotlight Series, Shapiro’s opponent Doug Mastriano (R), was asked the same question. However, Mastriano’s campaign remained silent, even though the gubernatorial candidate earlier had called cannabis legalization a “stupid idea.”
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Meanwhile, Shapiro laid out what marijuana legalization should encompass, highlighting a criminal justice component. “Those convicted for nonviolent possession of small amounts of marijuana must have their records expunged,” he said.
Secondly, Shapiro emphasized that the cannabis industry “must be regulated and taxed responsibly.” Lastly, he said that attracting businesses to Pennsylvania is essential in creating “good-paying jobs” and boosting the Commonwealth’s economy.
“I’m not interested in subsidizing out-of-state companies to come in and make a quick buck off of Pennsylvanians’ backs,” Shapiro continued. “If we do that, marijuana legalization can lead to a fairer criminal justice system and a stronger economy for Pennsylvania.”
Democrats Pushing For Marijuana Legalization
Interestingly, the number of Democratic politicians who are becoming more vocal regarding marijuana policy reform is on the rise as the midterms approach.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman recentlyurged President Joe Biden to deschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug and work to decriminalize it. Shortly after, the two politicians crossed paths in Pittsburgh and discussed potential changes to the status of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act prior to his speech at a union hall on Labor Day.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a news briefing last week that she didn’t “have anything right now to announce,” in response to Fetterman’s request to Biden to deschedule cannabis prior to his Pittsburg visit.
Still, Jean-Pierre highlighted that Biden “believes that there are too many people serving unduly long sentences for nonviolent drug crimes, a disproportionate number of whom are black and brown.”
It is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether.
By Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Those who wish to perpetuate the failed public policy of cannabis criminalization have lost the hearts and minds of the American public. And they know it.
With public support for marijuana policy reform reaching super-majority status in recent years, prohibitionists and other political opponents have largely abandoned efforts to try and influence public opinion. Rather, they are now relying on gamesmanship to prevent voters from weighing in on the issue. In some cases, they are even willing to overturn the will of the electorate to get their way.
This was the case last election. In Mississippi and South Dakota, reform opponents successfully litigated to nullify election results for a pair of marijuana legalization measures, thereby nullifying the votes cast by 73% and 54% of voters respectively.
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That same year in Nebraska, members of the state Supreme Court struck down a proposed medical cannabis access initiative months after it had been approved by the Secretary of State’s office. Polling in the state showed that 77% of Nebraskans backed the initiative, but they never got the chance to show their support at the polls. Months later, Florida’s Republican attorney general successfully brought suit to preemptively deny a proposed 2022 legalization initiative from appearing on the ballot.
Opponents are engaging in similar tactics this election cycle. In Arkansas, they are seeking to invalidate voters’ pending decision on a statewide proposal to legalize marijuana possession and retail sales. Although the measure will appear on the November ballot, it is now up to justices on the state Supreme Court to determine if the votes will ever be counted. In a filing before the court, opponents of the measure have cynically called upon judges to “protect the interests and rights of [the minority of] Arkansans who oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana.” (Statewide polling from earlier this year identified majority support for legalization among voters.)
In Missouri, representatives of a leading prohibitionist organization have joined legal efforts to try and disqualify a citizens’ initiative legalizing marijuana use by adults and providing legal relief for those with prior low-level convictions. Earlier this month, Secretary of State John Ashcroft issued a certificate of sufficiency to the Legal Missouri 2022 campaign, formally placing their initiative on the November ballot.
But now opponents contend that election officials erred in doing so, opining that they may have miscounted. (Opponents’ basis for this claim appears to rest solely on initial media reports speculating that advocates risked falling short of signature requirements in one or two districts. Campaign proponents had vociferously denied these reports.) A statewide survey, published earlier this month, finds that 62% of registered voters back legalization.
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Finally, in Oklahoma, election officials engaged in extensive delays prior to verifying that advocates had gathered the requisite quantity of signatures to qualify an adult-use legalization measure for the November ballot. Now officials are claiming that, because of those delays, there may be insufficient time to formally certify the measure ahead of the coming election. (The issue remains in litigation.)
In a healthy democracy, those with competing visions on public policy vie for voters’ support and abide by their voting decisions. In this case, however, it is becoming clear that those who oppose marijuana policy reform would rather take voters out of the equation altogether. Whether or not one personally supports or opposes cannabis legalization, these cynical and undemocratic tactics ought to be a cause of deep concern.
