Missouri and Maryland go Greener

On November 8th, 2022, the vote for recreational cannabis use passed in Missouri and Maryland while being denied in North and South Dakota, as well as Arkansas. As the 20th and 21st states to fully legalize cannabis, Missouri and Maryland voters should be proud of their movement toward healthy citizens and a flourishing economy. The vote in Missouri (53% yes) was much closer than that of Maryland (65% yes). Nevertheless, the two states serve as role models for other states that are thinking about making this transition, and moving toward a federally legal society.

I had the pleasure to work in the medical cannabis industry in Saint Louis, Missouri. I worked for a company called N’Bliss Cannabis, which actually made the first legal sale of cannabis in the state, so it is nice to see the improvement of the industry from an inside perspective. After attending the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association Member Meetup in Kansas City, I learned a lot about the benefits of cannabis legalization for the state, as well as the country. Learn more about these benefits and additional information here.

One of the greatest benefits of cannabis legalization is that people convicted for non-violent cannabis related offenses can be pardoned or given lighter sentences. While it is unlikely for all lives to be fully repaired, the path going forward can be changed for the better. Right now, it is important that cannabis advocates focus on normalization and non-intrusive assimilation of cannabis into society.