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Six states had drug decriminalization measures on the ballot this US midterm cycle. Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota could decide on the legalization of recreational marijuana, while Coloradoans planned to become the second state to ban the so-called magic mushrooms, which contain substances used for medicinal purposes.
The results were mixed.
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👎Voters in southern North Dakota and South Dakota rejected proposals to legalize the possession and use of marijuana like they did in Arkansas, which also included in the ballot the easing of the commercial sale of marijuana. All three states have approved medical marijuana.
👍 In Maryland and Missouri, there was strong support for the freedom movement, and the possession and use of marijuana will be legal in those states by 2023 for adults 21 and older. That brings to 21 the total number of U.S. states where the recreational drug is legal, along with Washington, D.C.
The results show where opposition is coming from should President Joe Biden review marijuana’s legal status under federal law. Marijuana and magic mushrooms are currently considered class A drugs, on the same level as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, and above cocaine and oxycontin.
Vote for Colorado magic mushrooms
At the time of writing, it is still too early to call Colorado’s measure, Proposition 122. With 80% of the votes counted, the majority of those in favor of ratification was 51%.
If that result is approved, Colorado—a leading state in the drug trade—will join Oregon in banning the possession and use of certain psychoactive plants and mushrooms for residents and tourists. of at least 21 years of age, and the government works. create “rehabilitation centers” to handle drugs under the watchful eye of regulators.
Fun fact: Environmental psychologists are banned in one part of Colorado
In May 2019, Denver became the first city in the country to adopt criminal penalties for possession of magic mushrooms and other psychoactive substances. Oakland, California followed a month later. Ann Arbor in Michigan and Seattle in Washington are on par.
Colorado residents oppose legalizing magic mushrooms
Proponents of the referendum say:
🩺 Allow psychedelics to be used to treat mental health issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, addiction and more,
💰Save taxpayers money by not imprisoning people for non-violent crimes
But the detractors have another reason:
🔎 The FDA does not approve psychotherapists as prescription drugs
💭 Adults and children are misinformed about substance use and abuse
However, voting is the first step. In Oregon, state authorities have yet to create a legal framework—they have until the end of this year. Colorado until the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, the Centennial state should expect the comeback to continue. Individual Oregon counties are launching local election campaigns to ban the production and distribution of psilocybin, the active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms.
By the numbers: The illegal drug industry
18: Many states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana outside of medical use
1,300: marijuana-related bills in Congress in 2021
$1 billion: The combined amount that Maryland and Missouri can generate from adult sales in the first year
$32 billion: The US drug industry reported sales for 2022, up from $26.5 billion a year earlier
1 million: Jobs could be created by 2025 if marijuana use is legalized in all 50 states
$1,500 to $7,000: How much do psilocybin experiences cost in Oregon
$30 or $2,000: How many magic mushroom centers in Colorado can be rented by the hour or by the day
46%: Part of the signature allowed California activists to rally to legally put magic mushrooms on the ballot for this month’s midterms. Not enough, but will try again next time
Related information
🍄 What does the magic mushroom market look like in America?
😶🌫️ Biden first acted to legalize the drug industry
📘 John Fetterman turning Pennsylvania blue is one for the books
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