Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal? South Dakota made history when it became the first state to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana at the same time in the November 2020 election. Although you may hear different answers from different people, and we’re still learning more about the consequences all the time, today we’re exploring the states that have decriminalized marijuana in 2020.
Legalizing Marijuana in 2020
During the 2020 election New Jersey, Arizona, South Dakota, and Montana became the latest states to legalize marijuana. This addition raised the total number of states with recreational cannabis use from 11 to 15. Only a month prior, Vermont legalized the drug through legislative action. According to recent surveys, more than 45% of adults in the United States have used marijuana at least once. Another survey discovered that 1 in 8 adults are avid marijuana users. Do these numbers prove the prevalence of the substance increasing? Just 10 years ago, marijuana was illegal across the United States. Review the list below of the state laws, bills, and initiatives decriminalizing the substance for most.
Arizona (2020)
Arizona initially voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2016 but it failed. In November of 2020, voters passed Proposition 207 allowing adults 21 and older to possess, consume or transfer up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
Montana (2020)
In November of 2020, Montana voters passed Initiative 190 and Initiative 118 legalizing recreational marijuana at age 21.
New Jersey (2020)
In November 2020, New Jersey became the first state in the mid-Atlantic region to legalize recreational marijuana when voters passed Public Question 1.
South Dakota (2020)
South Dakota was the first state to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana at the same time. In November of 2020, voters passed Measure 26 and Amendment A legalizing medical and recreational uses starting July 1, 2021.
Vermont (2020)
In 2018 Vermont became the first state to legalize marijuana through legislative action when Act H.511 was signed by then Governor Phil Scott. In October of 2020, Act 164 was passed regulating the consumption of marijuana for adults 21 and older through legislative action rather than a voter initiative.
Federal Law Trumps State Law
On the federal level, marijuana is still illegal and classified as a Schedule I drug (the most tightly restricted category). Thus, any employee working safety-sensitive positions under the federal government is required to undergo drug testing and are subject to additional testing and or treatment if the substance is identified in their drug collection. This includes employees working in transportation, aviation, the Department of Defense, and others.
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