November 2024 brought a whole lot of change when it came to legislation. However, regarding marijuana legalization, there were several disappointments across the country.
Below, we’re talking about the wins — and losses — of the 2024 election regarding marijuana legalization.
What States Legalized Weed This November?
In November’s 2024 election, there were five medical and recreational marijuana measures on the ballot in the US. Nebraska, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Arkansas all voted to expand cannabis access in their areas.
Now, which ones were successful?
Sadly, out of the five states that proposed cannabis reform, only one passed legalization: Nebraska.
Still, let’s talk about this huge win for those in the Cornhusker State.
Nebraska
As we mentioned, residents of Nebraska finally voted to legalize medical marijuana for those with qualifying conditions. This makes it the 39th state to do so.
Interestingly enough, Nebraska legislators presented voters with two different ballot initiatives aimed at legalizing and regulating medical marijuana: Initiative 437 and Initiative 438.
Initiative 437, known as the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, proposed allowing qualified patients to use, possess, and acquire up to five ounces of cannabis for medical purposes, provided they have a written recommendation from a healthcare practitioner.
On the other hand, Initiative 438 sought to establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. This commission will be tasked with overseeing the regulation of medical cannabis activities, including possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery, and dispensing by registered private entities.
Thankfully, both measures received overwhelming support. Initiative 437 was approved by approximately 70.7% of voters, while Initiative 438 garnered about 66.9% approval.
While we aren’t quite sure when exactly we will see legal medical marijuana in Nebraska, it’s still an exciting and promising venture for those living in the state.
If you’re a Nebraska resident interested in getting your medical marijuana card online when the state’s program begins, send us an email and let us know! [email protected].
Marijuana Legalization 2024 Disappointments
As we mentioned, Nebraska was the only state to see the passing of marijuana this election season. Four other states failed to pass recreational laws, and Arkansas failed to expand their current medical cannabis program, as well.
Let’s talk about what each of these states looked like specifically when it came to marijuana legalization in 2024.
Florida Recreational Marijuana
In a huge upset, Florida’s highly anticipated recreational cannabis initiative failed to pass this year.
Even though an overwhelming amount of the state voted for adult-use weed — 55.9% — Florida requires a 60% voter approval to pass.
And, it’s important to recognize how difficult it is for states to see a 60% approval for any initiative, especially one regarding marijuana. Thus, this Florida marijuana legalization initiative was a huge, disappointing loss for those in the Sunshine State.
Unfortunately, Floridians will now have to wait until future election cycles to revisit recreational marijuana legalization. For now, you must be a patient to visit local medical marijuana treatment centers in the state.
North Dakota Recreational Marijuana
North Dakota was another state that attempted to legalize recreational marijuana — again.
While North Dakota has legal medical marijuana, this new proposal aimed to create a regulated market, allowing the possession and sale of cannabis while generating tax revenue for the state.
Sadly, the measure failed to gain majority support, reflecting the state’s conservative stance on legalizing recreational marijuana.
As usual, opponents cited concerns about public safety and the impact on youth, despite evidence from other states with successful legalization frameworks.
For now, getting your medical marijuana card is still the only way to access legal weed in North Dakota.
South Dakota Recreational Marijuana
North Dakota’s southern neighbor also attempted to legalize adult-use weed — and failed. As a whole, South Dakota’s cannabis legalization efforts have been a rollercoaster, to say the least.
In 2020, voters approved recreational cannabis, only for the measure to be struck down by the state Supreme Court on procedural grounds. The 2024 ballot brought renewed hope with a revised initiative that sought to legalize adult-use cannabis while addressing prior legal objections.
Unfortunately, the measure failed to secure the necessary votes, revealing lingering divisions among voters throughout the state. We know, we’re bummed, too.
Arkansas Cannabis Reform
Finally, Arkansas residents were hopeful about medical cannabis reform and the potential to legalize recreational marijuana.
The measure proposed increasing dispensary access, permitting home cultivation, and establishing a regulated recreational market — all huge wins for the state.
But, despite these ambitions, the initiative faced fierce opposition from conservative groups and some lawmakers who argued it went too far. Voters ultimately rejected the measure, leaving the state’s cannabis laws unchanged.
Thankfully, Elevate Holistics does operate in AR, and we can help you renew your Arkansas medical marijuana card in minutes entirely online.
Plus, our operations are incredibly affordable, and you get to meet with experts in the industry.
What This Means for 2025 — and Beyond
The United States has seen some crazy ups and downs when it comes to cannabis legalization, and the 2024 election was no exception.
For those in Nebraska, medical marijuana legalization in 2024 is a huge win. This will finally expand cannabis access to those who need it, reducing the amount of black market marijuana sales the state currently sees.
Looking ahead, 2025 will likely see a renewed push for cannabis reform in these states, with advocates refining ballot measures to ensure clarity and broader appeal.
Florida, in particular, could see another attempt at legalizing recreational cannabis, buoyed by its strong, though insufficient, voter support in 2024.
For advocates, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the next few years represent a critical period to address voter hesitations, craft balanced legislation, and leverage successful models from other states. This way, we can pass marijuana laws that benefit more residents than ever before.
All in all, while setbacks in 2024 highlight the complexities of cannabis reform and marijuana laws, they also pave the way for strategic growth and collaboration in the years to come.
In the meantime, and as states work to legalize medical marijuana further, make sure to continue your access to high-quality cannabis by getting your medical marijuana card online with Elevate Holistics.
Trust us, with all of these complex legalities, it’s more than worth it to get approved today.
