Marijuana Legalization

Will public opinion drive further liberalization?

Abstract

Proponents of legalizing marijuana have celebrated some recent legislative victories. In a 2018 referendum, Michigan voters endorsed legalization for recreational use, although North Dakotans rejected a similar measure. Voters in Missouri and Utah legalized the use of marijuana to alleviate medical conditions, and in May Illinois became the first state to fully legalize pot by legislative action. Some Democratic-dominated legislatures are considering legalizing recreational marijuana as an alternative to holding costly ballot initiatives, but Republicans are resisting, arguing that the drug has mind-altering and addictive qualities. Most Americans now approve of legalizing marijuana, according to polls. Meanwhile, President Trump signed a law legalizing production of hemp, a cousin of the marijuana plant and the source of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient with medicinal qualities. Some marijuana legalization proponents say the growing market for products containing CBD could boost future efforts to fully legalize marijuana.

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