Cannabis Country: Researcher Forecasts Next 5 States Likely To OK Recreational Use

[Jacob Redmond]

With laws going into effect last week that legalized recreational marijuana in both Alaska and Washington, D.C., a researcher into the history of cannabis' acceptance has predicted the next five U.S. states where voters could be inclined to approve marijuana use for relaxation and enjoyment.

Barney Warf, professor of geography at the University of Kansas, is the author of "High Points: A Historical History of Cannabis," published in the peer-reviewed journal Geographical Review in September 2014.

Warf said legalization can be "hard to predict," but he made his forecast of states expected to legalize cannabis based on their current laws and voter leanings.

"All five of these states have legal medical marijuana and tend to be liberal or libertarian in voting patterns," he said.

The Next Five States Where Recreational Marijuana Could Be Legal:

California: "Recreational cannabis almost was legalized in the past, and California voters are sure to do so in 2016."
Nevada: "Nevada shares the libertarian sentiments of Alaska."
Vermont: "There's a strong liberal tradition there in Vermont."
Illinois: "'The Land of Lincoln' is surprisingly progressive on this issue."
New York: "New York legalized medical marijuana last year."

News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cannabis country: Researcher forecasts next 5 states likely to OK recreational marijuana | The University of Kansas
Author: Brendan M. Lynch
Contact: blynch@ku.edu
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Website: KU Today | The University of Kansas

 

[Antics]

Re: Cannabis Country: Researcher Forecasts Next 5 States Likely To OK Recreational Us

California is long overdue IMO, and I think we might see some least expected states to start legalization legislature. Colorado and Washington have been great examples for the rest of the country, proving that legalized Cannabis absolutely will not cause increases in vehicle accidents, addiction, murder, etc..

So depending on which state leaders are watching their example, I anticipate seeing an unexpected state or two jump on board.

I wholly agree with Nevada, but I think it's going to take a little more time for New York. The governor of NY is too hesitant on the issue, and the medical program isn't expected to actually be running for another year or so.

 

[Radogast]

Re: Cannabis Country: Researcher Forecasts Next 5 States Likely To OK Recreational Us

I'm hoping for Massachusetts. All but two of over 90 voting districts in the state voted for medical marijuana.
It isn't a liberal/libertarian/conservative issue in Massachusetts.

Nationwide, I think it's more of a church going vs non-church going issue.