Marijuana Election Results

We know the election about three weeks ago was a great victory for anti-Prohibitionist forces. They got cannabis legalized for recreational use in four States. California, Nevada, and Massachusetts. Maine was a win for marijuana too, but the votes are being recounted so it is not yet final. Arizona was a loss for recreational weed.

Hillary won the four States where recreational marijuana won. Trump got the win in Arizona. But that is not quite the whole story. Look at these States:

Medical = Medical Cannabis
North Dakota – Trump 64.1 Hillary 27.8 – Medical 63.7 yes 36.3 no
Florida – Trump 49.1 Hillary 47.8 – Medical 71.3 yes 28.7 no
Arkansas – Trump 60.4 Hillary 33.8 – Medical 53.2 yes 46.8 no
Montana – Trump 56.5 Hillary 36.0 – Medical 57.6 yes 42.4 no

By simple math over 41% of those who voted for Trump in Florida voted for medical marijuana. The actual number may be higher. In North Dakota simple math shows over 43% of the Trump voters voted for medical cannabis. In Arkansas it was over 22%. In Montana it was over 24%. So the question is – will Trump keep his promise to keep the Federal Government from enforcing Federal Law in the case of those States that voted for cannabis? I’d say it was highly likely. And that is despite his nominating noted prohibitionist Jeff Sessions as Attorney General.

Update: 2016 November 27 0315z

There are now 8 States (plus DC) where Marijuana is legal. There are 14 more States where it is decriminalized. A total of 28 States (plus DC) have legalized Medical Cannabis. And there are 15 more States that have legalized CBD oil only. That is 43 States with some kind of Medical law. And if you count up all the States with some kind of pro cannabis laws (among those listed) you get 44 States.

Republicans are going to need some of those States to win the next Presidential election. My guess is that at minimum they will be quiet on the issue. Aside from the usual Republican version of virtue signaling.