Every two years, more states elect to legalize cannabis via statewide ballot measures. These measures are so overwhelmingly popular that they rarely fail when put before the voters.
The challenge lies in getting them on the ballot, often in the face of intense opposition from local elected leaders. That’s the tough task for many advocates in the spring and summer of 2022.
This year seven states could have adult-use or medical legalization on the November 8 ballot—and we’ll track them every step of the way.
Read on to learn more about the states in play in 2022, what the various measures would do, and where each campaign stands.
Guide to 2022 cannabis legalization campaigns
| State | Medical or adult use | On the Nov. ballot? | Measure name | Advocates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Adult use | Not yet | Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Amendment of 2022 | Arkansas True Grass |
| Arkansas | Adult use | Not yet | Arkansas Adult-Use Cannabis Amendment | Responsible Growth Arkansas |
| Maryland | Adult use | Yes | Maryland Marijuana Legalization Amendment | |
| Missouri | Adult use | Not yet | Missouri Marijuana Legalization Initiative | Legal Missouri 2022 |
| Nebraska | Medical | Not yet | Patient Protection Act and The Medical Cannabis Regulation Act | Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, State Senator Anna Wishart (D), State Senator Adam Morfeld (D) |
| North Dakota | Adult use | Not yet | n/a | New Approach North Dakota |
| Oklahoma | Adult use | Not yet | SQ 818 and SQ 819 | Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) |
| Oklahoma | Adult use | Not yet | SQ 820 | Oklahomans for Sensible Marijuana Laws |
| South Dakota | Adult use | Yes | South Dakota Marijuana Legalization Initiative |
South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws
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