Potent logo

States Likely to Legalize Marijuana in 2018

It's high time we discussed the potential stoner states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018, until the federal tea break has finally be amended.

By Gerald OppugnePublished 6 years ago 7 min read
Like

Why is marijuana still illegal? It's a good question, one that seems to be asked on a daily basis by many US citizens, most of which use the potent narcotic not simply for its intoxicating high, but for medical purposes, as well. If you take a quick look at the predominantly grey tones covering the state marijuana laws map of the United States, you'll see just how far we still have to go before nation-wide acceptance of the leafy green goodness known as marijuana is finally overturned as a criminal possession and dangerous narcotic. While still many remain skeptical, and even more abide by the notion of its immediately harmful qualities, a majority of the country has risen up against those who feel the need to diminish this highly pleasurable and medicinal plant.

So, though the US itself is far from even considering lifting the federal ban on cannabis, many subsequent states are following in the wake of Colorado, California, and others' ruling of its overall proactive qualities. If you live in or near any of the following states, start preparing yourself for some changes within the next year. Before you even know it, these states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018 are sure to roust some debilitatingly raised eyebrows, effectively reshaping the very political, economic, and social landscapes of the country itself.

Arizona

Despite the fact that their 2016 ballot initiative to make recreational marijuana legal had failed by period points on the percentage scale, Arizona still might have a chance at becoming one of the states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018, due largely to this very shifting tide in public opinion.

A second initiative is set for 2018, likely expectant of passing, since both California and Nevada have legalized the green machine. Citizens from the red sand and canyon-filled state will surely want to bite back a case of FOMO before any others get a taste of that dank intoxication.

Vermont

Highly ironic that it should be called the Green Mountain state, Vermont is known by many as being a highly progressive place filled with likeminded individuals who share support in legalization.

Still, while politicians like Republican Gov. Phill Scott, in addition to both House and Senate leaders, have stated their openness to marijuana legalization following the legislature's reconvening in early January of next year, not all bets are as firmly planted. Vermont's marijuana laws would rest not on tax revenue, but follow a controlled study of the substance given legality for small amounts and home cultivation. For now, we'll just have to wait and see if it's among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018.

Rhode Island

Like Vermont, Rhode Island is also pushing to legalize marijuana with politicians drafting a legalization bill set for the first legislative session of 2018.

Seeing that it's one of the more obvious states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018, it's safe to say that Rhode Islanders will most likely be toking it up by midyear—that's dependent upon the overall strength of the bill and if marijuana in the state is properly taxed. This is one of the many things they don't tell you about weed: tax revenue and state legislature go hand in hand when attempting to regulate marijuana like alcohol. In order to steer politicians in the right direction, make sure to get out there and campaign alongside them, or vote for the right faces so that your own state interests are kept as close to reality, as they are in your heart.

Utah

Legalized recreational use of marijuana in Utah is sure to come about within the next 6-7 months, since a monopolized front for medical marijuana qualification has already been underway since November. This would give patients suffering from conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDs, PTSD, and other medical issues to find treatment, but this specifically relies upon nonsmoking qualities.

That's right. While states like Nevada, California, and Colorado are allowed endless possibilities when using the drug, Utah will be awarded legalization if and only if nonsmoking is made obligatory to the ballot. It may be among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018, but if you can't smoke the grass, are you even getting high?

New Jersey

You would think with such a monicker as the Garden State that a simple and harmless little green plant would be allowed use in New Jersey, but that's not the case. Alas, it is the armpit of America, lest we forget.

But, it's also among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018, thanks in large part due to Democrat Phil Murphy. He, too, plans on dropping a hefty legalization bill upon the legislature's doorstep in January. Lawmakers are rather weary about speedily changing marijuana laws, but campaigned and underlined by Murphy's consistent remarks of ending its prohibition have marked it a key concept of his seat. If not enacted, this would be a massive blow to his party and waver many opinions on his overall ability to act as governor of the state.

Delaware

This year alone saw Delaware enlisting support for marijuana legalization with a proposed bill that seeks to regulate marijuana like alcohol. If enacted and supported on a broader scale, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see Delaware among potential states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018.

Still in consideration by legislature in 2018, Delaware's boisterous bill may be an interesting and imaginative way of turning a new leaf, but it still needs some backing. After more votes come in and the legislature of 2018 has culminated, Delaware may possibly be the next state to have legalized marijuana laws.

Virginia

Similar to Phill Murphy and Phill Scott, Virginia's governor elect Ralph Northam has made his own campaign premised on the decriminalization of marijuana within the state. Heavily adamant of its racial innuendos, Democrat Northam is not only attempting to bring marijuana legalization to the state, he's also trying to clean up the rather negative aspects so associated with marijuana laws and the corrupt penal system, which is a good start.

Among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018, Virginia is sure to be on the list thanks to the bipartisan backing of the bill. In addition to Phill Scott, Republican Senate Majority Leader Tommy Morment is also supporting decriminalization this new year, making legalization a top priority in the state.

Michigan

Another high possibility among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018 is Michigan. As early as last November, voters have already heavily pushed support for legalization and the initiative has had some early success.

Despite it not being set in stone, the possibility for legalization in Michigan is extremely high. No direct political support within the state has come out in either opposition or support of the initiative, but citizens from the state have made up their minds, so it seems.

Oklahoma

A purposed bill was already put forth in 2016, however the Attorney General at the time, Scott Pruitt, raised disputes over the official ballot's title name. It was then stalled by the Supreme Court, which didn't make a finalization of consideration in time.

Thanks to this development, Oklahoma is just another one of the states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018. A study done in 2013 was conducted to show that 71 percent of the state would support the legalization of medical marijuana. They'll just have to wait until Republican Governor Mary Fallin releases more information on the timing of the purposed ballot.

Missouri

There's a lot going on in the Show Me State, one of which gives credence to the high potentiality of its inclusion among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018. There are three separate bills that could qualify in 2018 that would make medical cannabis legal for needy citizens.

Two of them are constitutional amendments while the third is a statutory change, making the passing of any one of the bills a lengthy process and could totally revert how the state operates under legalization. Enactments on the constitutional level would obviously supersede statutory claims, but if the latter gets more votes than the two former ones, it's not exactly clear what would happen, though some are pointing toward litigation. In any case, Missouri is sure to be among states that will legalize cannabis within the next few years, if not the current one.

Ohio

Previously having failed quite a few times in Ohio, support for legalization of medical marijuana is now gaining traction. Since voters' opinions on the drug may have changed or be in the process of changing, Ohio could very well be among states likely to legalize marijuana in 2018.

Wealthy individuals among the state have announced their support for medical marijuana practices and want to put it on the bill for this year, in order to initiate a more well-received marijuana program. Having learned their mistakes from the previous year, with opposition toward using a mascot named "Buddie" making the last initiative fall short due to concerns that it could appeal to children, both voters and legislative individuals are working hard to push for a radical new bill that could change medical marijuana practices in Ohio in the long run.

industry
Like

About the Creator

Gerald Oppugne

I have no idea why I'm here, but let's make the best of it shall we? I like to drink and smoke, so I'll keep you up to date on those worlds if you like em as much as me.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.