The recent elections in the United States included, in addition to the election of the President and the partial renewal of the Congress and the Senate, a series of local “ballots” on the drugs front. Although mixed, the results confirm the anti-prohibitionist stance, especially regarding cannabis. Starting with the full success in Kentucky, with the OK to all 106 ordinances aimed at allowing the opening of dispensaries in as many counties and cities: a necessary step in order to overcome the local bans implemented after the state approval last year of the medical marijuana.
Over 340,000 overall favorable votes in predominantly Republican jurisdictions, confirming the now bi-partisan support for the reform of persistent federal restrictions. These ordinances are in addition to the over 40 cities that had already approved the launch of dispensaries, which will begin operating in January 2025, after the selection of approximately 4,000 applications already submitted. Even in Nebraska the voters said Yes to two similar referendums (with a clear 70% and 67%), the application of which, however, remains awaiting the final decision of the judges for the appeal presented by the opposing side.
This is the third attempt by the promoters to overcome similar obstacles, after having submitted almost 115,000 signatures each in support of the two regulations in the summer. In Texas, decriminalization for personal use passed by landslides in the cities of Dallas, Bastrop and Lockart, despite opposition from the state governor and attorney general. In Oregon, 55% of voters approved a ballot supporting cannabis workers and workers to form unions and agree on collective bargaining agreements. An important measure to further consolidate a rapidly growing sector, after full regulation approved way back in 2014.
However, nothing can be done about the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida. Despite Trump’s open support and a rigorous information campaign, Amendment 3 stalled at 57%, below the 60% threshold needed to pass the constitutional amendment. Although several polls had predicted its success, the opposition of governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican majority in the state legislature was decisive. Similar result in both South and North Dakota: respectively, 55% and 52% of voters said No to the regulation of cannabis for adults, after an identical negative outcome already recorded in the 2022 referendum. However, in Massachusetts it was rejected Question 4 (58%), aimed at decriminalizing the use, cultivation and personal consumption of small quantities of substances such as psilocybin (in mushrooms), ibogaine, mescaline and dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Despite the strong commitment of activists and the revival of psychedelics in the therapeutic field, the data is affected by the summer decision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to deny the approval of MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy in the treatment of Post Stress Disorder -traumatic (PTSD), suggesting greater caution and further scientific studies. Proposition 36 has passed in California, a measure supported by prosecutors, corporate giants and prison facilities which, while promising to offer treatment for drug addicts after arrest, in reality will end up taking resources away from prevention, reintegration and harm reduction. As the Drug Policy Alliance makes clear, “this sort of War on Drugs 2.0 apparently offers quick fixes to problems created by poor policy decisions and disinvestment from social support systems. Instead, concrete solutions are needed, including support services, evidence-based treatments and widespread prevention, to save lives and improve conditions for consumers.”
