Arizona voters have approved Proposition 207, also known as the Smart and Safe Act, which legalizes the use and possession of cannabis by adults aged 21 or older.
Under the measure, adults are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis and cultivate up to six cannabis plants at home for personal use. The initiative includes a 16 percent excise tax on cannabis products with tax revenue slotted for public education and safety. The bill also opens pathways for people who were convicted of cannabis crimes to petition the courts to have their records expunged.
“Today, Arizona’s voters opted to put their government’s failed war on marijuana in the rear-view mirror where it belongs.” — Ryan Wilson, Executive Director of Arizona NORML, in a statement
Voters approved the legalization initiative with approximately 60 percent support. This is Arizona’s second attempt at legalizing adult-use cannabis after voters there narrowly rejected a legalization measure in 2016.
“We are pleased with the results of this election, but our work is not done,” Wilson said. “In coming months, we look forward to addressing other pressing matters in Arizona, including anti-competitive local ordinances, and to pressuring our representatives in Congress to fight for federal laws — like the MORE Act — that reflect the preferences of Arizona voters.”
Arizona is the 13th state to legalize cannabis having followed shortly after New Jersey, where voters approved legalization earlier in the evening.
Polls suggest that a strong 66% majority of Americans — including a majority of Republicans — support legalizing cannabis.
Get daily cannabis business news updates. Subscribe
End