Dear Friend,
As you know, the marijuana industry has so far struck out when it comes to getting their priorities at the federal level anywhere close to the finish line (and neither presidential candidate favors legalization). In fact, I will be discussing this in my column for Newsweek this month.
Now that state legislatures and Congress have generally closed up shop, Big Pot is now turning its focus to the ballot box.
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In Montana, we are proud to be partnering with Wrong for Montana — a coalition of Montanans who are opposing Initiative 190. I-190 would legalize and commercialize marijuana in Montana and is being funded almost 100% by out-of-state funds.
Notably, the supermajority of the funding received for the pro-legalization side ($4.8 million of $7 million raised) has come from a dark money group called “North Fund.” There will be more coming out on North Fund soon, so watch this space,
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South Dakota has two marijuana amendments on the ballot. The first, South Dakota Constitutional Amendment A, would amend the state constitution to legalize marijuana and require the state legislature to pass laws providing for the use of medical marijuana by April 1, 2022.
The second measure, Initiated Measure 26, would legalize medical marijuana in the state, but not recreational marijuana.
No Way on Amendment A is the coalition in opposition to this push and it is made up of a wide group of health, business, and safety organizations.
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In Arizona, the state’s existing medical marijuana corporations came together and wrote the ballot amendment in such a way that would greatly benefit existing marijuana license holders. They then dumped several million dollars into ensuring it made its way to the ballot.
The pro-campaign has raised at least $3.5 million, with $1.4 million alone coming from Harvest Enterprise — an Arizona medical marijuana corporation that was found to be blatantly disregarding state marijuana regulations.
The measure is being opposed by Arizonans For Health and Public Safety, which has partnered with a wide range of lawmakers including Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, and a host of medical, business, and law enforcement groups.
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In New Jersey, Gregg Edwards is leading the coalition “Don’t Let New Jersey Go to Pot” to oppose Public Question 1, which would commercialize marijuana in the Garden State.
Notably, leadership in the New Jersey Senate have so far refused to pass a bill to decriminalize marijuana ahead of the vote for fears that it would lead to less support for commercialization.
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I'll be following these and other local and national developments on election day. Please consider helping these groups in their important work. Thank you for all that you do,
Dr. Kevin Sabet
President & Co-Founder
Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action)
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