2020 Arizona Proposition 207

Last updated

Proposition 207
Flag of Arizona.svg
Legalize Recreational Marijuana
Results
Choice
Votes %
Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svgYes1,956,44060.03%
Light brown x.svgNo1,302,45839.97%
Valid votes3,258,89895.27%
Invalid or blank votes161,6674.73%
Total votes3,420,565100.00%
Registered voters/turnout4,281,15279.9%
2020 Arizona Proposition 207 results map by county.svg
AZ Proposition 207 2020.svg
Source: Associated Press [1]

    Arizona Proposition 207 was a voter initiative that appeared on the November 3, 2020, Arizona general election ballot to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Passing with 60% of the vote, the initiative legalized the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, licensed sales at dispensaries, and personal cultivation of up to six plants. Along with Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota, Arizona is one of four states that legalized recreational marijuana via ballot measures in 2020.

    Contents

    The first state-licensed recreational marijuana sales in Arizona took place on January 22, 2021, making Arizona the fastest state to go from a legalization vote to retail sales in U.S. history. [2]

    Provisions

    Proposition 207, also known as the Smart and Safe Act, legalizes the adult recreational use of marijuana, specifically by allowing adults 21 and older in Arizona to possess up to 1 ounce (28 g) of marijuana (with no more than 5 grams being marijuana concentrate), and to have up to 6 marijuana plants at their home (with up to 12 marijuana plants in households with two or more adult members). [3] It directs the state Department of Health Services to set forth rules for retail marijuana sales by June 1, 2021, allow marijuana to be subject to state and local sales taxes like other retail items, and imposes an additional 16% excise tax on marijuana products, with the revenue being split between the state government agencies responsible for activities relating to the act, highways, community college districts, police departments, and fire departments. [3] The initiative provides that employers may still adopt "drug-free workplace" policies and restrict employees' and applicants' use of marijuana, and provides that the initiative does not permit marijuana use in public spaces. [3] The initiative establishes that the possession of more than an ounce (28 g), but less than 2.5 ounces (71 g), of marijuana, by an adult is a petty offense. [3] The initiative prohibits the sale of marijuana products that resemble a "human, animal, insect, fruit, toy or cartoon" and sets forth penalties for possession of marijuana by minors (which, for a first offense for possession of under an ounce of marijuana, is a $100 fine and drug counseling). [3]

    The proposition imposes a 16 percent excise tax on cannabis. The first share of revenue will be used to enforce state cannabis regulations, with the remainder divided as follows: 33% for community colleges, 31.4% for police and fire departments, 25.4% for a highway fund, 10% for a justice fund, and 0.2% to the state attorney general for enforcement.

    History

    The Arizona Dispensaries Association and Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce began organizing in August 2019 for another ballot initiative after a failed November 2016 ballot initiative. [4] [5] [6] The Arizona Dispensaries Association filed a ballot initiative application on September 26, 2019, for the "Smart and Safe Act," [7] seeking to obtain the necessary 237,645 signatures from registered Arizona voters by the July 2, 2020 deadline to get on the November 3, 2020 ballot. [8] [3]

    Arizona legalization initiative, sponsored by Smart and Safe Arizona, had received 150,000 signatures by January 17, 2020, [9] out of a required 237,645 signatures. [10] The initiative likely had exceeded the minimum 237,645 valid signatures by April to appear on the November ballot. [11] On July 1 the sponsors announced they had submitted over 420,000 signatures to the Secretary of State. [12] [3] On August 10, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs announced the initiative had qualified for the 2020 ballot as Proposition (Prop) 207. [13]

    The Associated Press announced that the initiative had passed on election day, November 3, 2020. [14]

    Polling

    Likely voters polled in July 2020 indicated 62% support for cannabis legalization. [15]

    On Proposition 207
    Poll sourceDate(s)
    administered    		Sample
    size [lower-alpha 1]     		Margin
    of error    		For Proposition 207Against Proposition 207OtherUndecided
    OH Predictive Insights October 22–25, 2020716 (LV)± 3.7%60%36%0% [lower-alpha 2] 4%
    Monmouth University October 11–13, 2020502 (RV)± 4.4%56%36%0% [lower-alpha 3] 7%
    OH Predictive Insights October 4–8, 2020608 (LV)± 4.0%55%37%1% [lower-alpha 4] 7%
    Suffolk University September 26–30, 2020500 (LV)± 4.4%46%34%1% [lower-alpha 5] 19%
    Strategies 360/Smart and Safe Arizona [upper-alpha 1] September 24–29, 2020800 (LV)± 3.5%57%38%–5%
    Monmouth University September 11–15, 2020420 (RV)± 4.8%51%41%3% [lower-alpha 6] 6%
    Strategies 360/Smart and Safe Arizona [upper-alpha 2] Early August, 2020– (V) [lower-alpha 7] –57%37%–6%
    HighGround Inc. May 18–22, 2020400 (LV)± 4.9%66%25%–9% [lower-alpha 8]
    On whether recreational marijuana should be legal
    Poll sourceDate(s)
    administered    		Sample
    size [lower-alpha 1]     		Margin
    of error    		YesNoOtherUndecided
    OH Predictive Insights September 8–10, 2020600 (LV)± 4%45%44%0% [lower-alpha 9] 9%
    OH Predictive Insights July 6–7, 2020600 (LV)± 4%62%32%No voters [lower-alpha 10] 6%
    OH Predictive Insights December 3–4, 2019628 (LV)± 3.9%51%42%–7%
    OH Predictive Insights October 31 – November 8, 2019900 (RV)± 3.3%54%33%–13%
    OH Predictive Insights August 13–14, 2019600 (LV)± 4%50%40%–10%
    OH Predictive Insights Archived 2020-09-20 at the Wayback Machine February 12–13, 2019600 (LV)± 4%52%41%–7%

    Results

    Proposition 207 [16]
    ChoiceVotes %
    Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svg Yes1,956,44060.0
    No1,302,45840.0
    Invalid or blank votes161,6674.7
    Total votes3,420,565100.00
    Registered voters/turnout4,281,15279.9

    Notes

    1. 1 2 Key:
      A – all adults
      RV – registered voters
      LV – likely voters
      V – unclear
    2. ↑ "Refused" with 0%
    3. ↑ Would not vote with 0%
    4. ↑ "Refused" with 1%
    5. ↑ "Refused" with 1%
    6. ↑ Would not vote with 3%
    7. ↑ Not yet released
    8. ↑ Includes "Refused"
    9. ↑ "Refused" with 0%
    10. ↑ "Refused" with no voters
    Partisan clients
    1. ↑ Smart and Safe Arizona endorsed Proposition 207 prior to this poll's sampling period
    2. ↑ Smart and Safe Arizona endorsed Proposition 207 prior to this poll's sampling period

    See also

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Oregon</span> Use of cannabis in Oregon

    Cannabis in Oregon is legal for both medical and recreational use. In recent decades, the U.S. state of Oregon has had a number of legislative, legal, and cultural events surrounding use of cannabis. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and among the first to authorize its use for medical purposes. An attempt to recriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis was turned down by Oregon voters in 1997.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of cannabis laws in the United States</span> Historical list in chronological order of U.S. cannabis law

    The legal history of cannabis in the United States began with state-level prohibition in the early 20th century, with the first major federal limitations occurring in 1937. Starting with Oregon in 1973, individual states began to liberalize cannabis laws through decriminalization. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis, sparking a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Massachusetts</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in Massachusetts, U.S.

    Cannabis in Massachusetts is legal for medical and recreational use. It also relates to the legal and cultural events surrounding the use of cannabis. A century after becoming the first U.S. state to criminalize recreational cannabis, Massachusetts voters elected to legalize it in 2016.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Oregon Ballot Measure 91</span> Ballot measure in Oregon legalizing marijuana

    Oregon Ballot Measure 91 was a 2014 ballot measure in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its passage legalized the "recreational use of marijuana, based on regulation and taxation to be determined by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission".

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Washington, D.C., Initiative 71</span> Ballot measure legalizing cannabis in Washington, D.C.

    Initiative 71 was a voter-approved ballot measure in Washington, D.C., that legalized the recreational use of cannabis. The short title of the initiative was "Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014". The measure was approved by 64.87% of voters on November 4, 2014 and went into full effect on February 26, 2015.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in South Dakota</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of South Dakota

    Cannabis in South Dakota is legal for medical use as of July 1, 2021, having been legalized by a ballot initiative on November 3, 2020. Prior to then, cannabis was fully illegal, with South Dakota being the only U.S. state which outlawed ingestion of controlled substances. Testing positive for cannabis can be a misdemeanor offense. South Dakota would have become the first state in US history to legalize recreational and medical cannabis simultaneously, but an amendment legalizing recreational marijuana that was approved in the same election was struck down as unconstitutional the following February. The challenge claimed the amendment violated Amendment Z, the "Single-Subject Rule". The decision was appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court, which upheld the lower court's decision on November 24, 2021.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Arkansas</span> Legal status

    Cannabis in Arkansas is illegal for recreational use. First-time possession of up to four ounces (110 g) is punished with a fine of up to $2,500, imprisonment of up to a year, and a mandatory six month driver's license suspension. Medical use was legalized in 2016 by way of a ballot measure to amend the state constitution.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in North Dakota</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of North Dakota

    Cannabis in North Dakota is legal for medical use but illegal for recreational use. Since 2019 however, possession under a 1/2 ounce has been decriminalized in the sense that there is no threat of jail time, though a criminal infraction fine up to $1,000 still applies. The cultivation of hemp is currently legal in North Dakota. In November 2018, the state's voters voted on recreational marijuana legalization, along with Michigan; the measure was rejected 59% to 41%. Two groups attempted to put marijuana legalization measures on the June 2020 Primary and the November 2020 elections, but were prevented from doing so by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 California Proposition 64</span> 2016 California voter initiative that legalized recreational cannabis

    The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) was a 2016 voter initiative to legalize cannabis in California. The full name is the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The initiative passed with 57% voter approval and became law on November 9, 2016, leading to recreational cannabis sales in California by January 2018.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Nevada</span> Legality of marijuana in Nevada

    Cannabis in Nevada became legal for recreational use on January 1, 2017, following the passage of Question 2 on the 2016 ballot with 54% of the vote. The first licensed sales of recreational cannabis began on July 1, 2017.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Arizona</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in Arizona, U.S.

    Cannabis in Arizona is legal for recreational use. A 2020 initiative to legalize recreational use passed with 60% of the vote. Possession and cultivation of recreational cannabis became legal on November 30, 2020, with the first state-licensed sales occurring on January 22, 2021.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Missouri</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of Missouri

    Cannabis in Missouri is legal for recreational use. A ballot initiative to legalize recreational use, Amendment 3, passed by a 53–47 margin on November 8, 2022. Possession for adults 21 and over became legal on December 8, 2022, with the first licensed sales occurring on February 3, 2023.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in New Jersey</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in New Jersey, U.S.

    Cannabis in New Jersey is legal for both medical use and recreational use. An amendment to the state constitution legalizing cannabis became effective on January 1, 2021, and enabling legislation and related bills were signed into law by governor Phil Murphy on February 22, 2021.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Maryland</span> Legality, use and culture of medical and recreational cannabis in Maryland

    Cannabis in Maryland is legal for medical use and recreational use. Possession of up to 1.5 ounces and cultivation of up to 2 plants is legal for adults 21 years of age and older. In 2013, a state law was enacted to establish a state-regulated medical cannabis program. The program, known as the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) became operational on December 1, 2017.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Ohio</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of Ohio

    Cannabis in Ohio is legal for recreational use. Issue 2, a ballot measure to legalize recreational use, passed by a 57–43 margin on November 7, 2023. Possession and personal cultivation of cannabis became legal on December 7, 2023, with the first licensed sales yet to occur under the law. Prior to legalization, Ohio decriminalized possession of up 100 grams in 1975, with several of the state's major cities later enacting further reforms.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Michigan</span> Legality, use and culture of cannabis in the U.S. state of Michigan

    Cannabis in Michigan is legal for recreational use. A 2018 initiative to legalize recreational use passed with 56% of the vote. State-licensed sales of recreational cannabis began in December 2019.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Michigan Proposal 1</span>

    The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, also known as Proposal 1, was an initiative that appeared on the November 2018 ballot to legalize cannabis in the U.S. state of Michigan. The initiative allows adults 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces (71 g) of cannabis and to grow up to 12 plants at home. The initiative was approved with 56% of the vote.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Arizona elections</span>

    Elections were held in the U.S. state of Arizona on November 3, 2020, as part of the 2020 General Election. Arizona voters chose 11 electors to represent them in the Electoral College via a popular vote. Three seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission were up for election, as were all nine of Arizona seats in the United States House of Representatives, and one of its seats in the United States Senate. Primary elections were held in August 2020. Paper ballots for voting by mail were sent to all registered voters in the state.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Montana Initiative 190</span> 2020 cannabis legalization ballot measure

    Montana I-190, the Montana Marijuana Legalization and Tax Initiative was a cannabis legalization initiative that appeared on the November 3, 2020 Montana general election ballot. Passing with 57% approval, the initiative legalized recreational marijuana in the state effective January 1, 2021. Along with Arizona, New Jersey and South Dakota, Montana was one of four states that legalized cannabis via ballot measures in the November 2020 election.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Maryland Question 4</span> Referendum to legalize recreational marijuana in Maryland

    Question 4 was a voter referendum to amend the Constitution of Maryland in order to legalize cannabis for adult use in Maryland. The referendum was approved overwhelmingly, with more than twice as many voters voting in favor of it than against it, on November 8, 2022, and went into effect on July 1, 2023.

    References

    1. ↑ "Election Results". Associated Press. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
    2. ↑ Jaeger, Kyle (January 22, 2021). "Arizona Begins Recreational Marijuana Sales, Just Weeks After Voters Approve Legalization". Marijuana Moment. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
    3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ryan Randazzo, Backers of Arizona's recreational marijuana measure file 420K signatures for November ballot, Arizona Republic (July 1, 2020).
    4. ↑ Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services (November 14, 2019). "Arizona group unveils proposed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use, sales". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
    5. ↑ Giles, Ben; Rosenblatt, Dillon (August 16, 2019). "Recreational marijuana initiative written from lessons learned". Arizona Capitol Times. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
    6. ↑ "New group coming up with initiative to legalize marijuana". KNXV. October 19, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
    7. ↑ Tattrie, Darryl (September 26, 2019). "Application for Serial Number / Initiative Petition I-23-2020" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 8, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
    8. ↑ "Initiative, Referendum and Recall | Arizona Secretary of State". azsos.gov. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
    9. ↑ Brian Penny (January 17, 2020), "Opposition Is Minimal (So Far) in the Recreational Cannabis Effort for 2020", Phoenix New Times
    10. ↑ Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2020), Ballotpedia, accessed 2020-01-18
    11. ↑ Howard Fischer (May 15, 2020). "Ruling against online signatures leaves several Arizona initiative drives out of luck". Arizona Daily Star . Tucson.
    12. ↑ Natasha Yee (July 1, 2020). "Arizona Marijuana Iniitaitive Files 420000 Signatures With State". Phoenix New Times.
    13. ↑ "Marijuana legalization to be placed on the general election ballot in November". Tucson, Arizona: KOLD-TV.
    14. ↑ "Arizona voters approve Proposition 207, making recreational marijuana legal in state". Arizona Republic . November 3, 2020.
    15. ↑ Michael Lucie (July 21, 2020), Support for marijuana legalization jumps among voters in Arizona poll, Glendale, Arizona: KTAR-FM
    16. ↑ "Arizona Election Results". results.arizona.vote.
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.