Results: Maryland votes to legalize marijuana usage and possession

• Voters in Maryland approved Question 4, which legalizes marijuana use for adults over the age of 21.
• Proponents said the measure will improve the economy and benefit Maryland residents.
• According to Ballotpedia, there was not an organized movement opposing the measure.

The use of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21 is now legal in Maryland after over 65% of voters said "yes" on Question 4. 

 

Ballot measure details

Maryland's Question 4 will add the Marijuana Legalization Amendment to the Maryland state constitution.

Adults over the age of 21 will now be able to have up to 1.5 ounces in their possession and grow up to two marijuana plants outside of the public eye. The bill also requires state lawmakers to pass laws for the "use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation" of marijuana in Maryland, according to the measure text and Ballotpedia. 

Medicinal marijuana use was legalized in Maryland in 2013. 

Support and opposition

The campaign for the measure was spearheaded by Yes on 4. Supporters argued the measure will improve the economy, benefit Maryland residents, and allow law enforcement to focus on combatting violent crime.

"Legalizing cannabis would stimulate Maryland's economy and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, while allowing Maryland residents to benefit from vital investments in education, public health, and public safety funded by cannabis taxes," the chairman of the initiative and former Ravens player Eugene Monroe told The Washington Post.

According to Ballotpedia, there was not an organized movement opposing the measure.