Election 2013: Landslide Victory for Legal Marijuana

Voters overwhelmingly approved legalizing possession of marijuana in the 2013 elections in Portland, Maine and three Michigan cities, proving the accuracy of recent polls that indicated a clear majority of Americans supported marijuana legalization.

The Portland initiative legalized recreational use of marijuana by adults age 21 and older, and allows them to legally possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and paraphernalia. And while it legalized activities for the purpose of acquiring the possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, it prohibits recreational use in public places including school grounds.

The Portland Press Herald reports that 70 percent of voters approved the measure. While the votes attest to public willingness to make these changes, the real tests will come in 2014 for Alaska and Oregon, and many other states in 2016, when legalized and taxed recreational markets come up for votes.

Voters in Lansing, Jackson and Ferndale, Michigan approved the legalization of the use or possession of up to an ounce of marijuana on private property by anyone age 21 years or older. Lansing residents voted to amend the city’s charter to legalize the possession, use and transfer of an ounce of marijuana by a 63 percent majority. Jackson passed a similar measure by 60 percent and Ferndale voters approved one as well by a 69 percent majority.