Two more states voted for various forms of cannabis legalization. The District of Columbia also voted to permit marijuana possession. Several municipalities in New England passed similar initiatives.
These are big deals. How they will play out in Canada (if at all) is a good topic of debate.
I spoke to Yahoo News about this, and they published an article reflecting on the potential impact.
As noted in the article, I think that the most interesting part of these outcomes is in Oregon, where the existing Liquor Commission will take on the role of regulation. (In Alaska a similar situation would be temporary, with a Marijuana Control Board possibly taking over). Since we have liquor commissions or liquor boards in all provinces, it makes for a good template for a legalization framework.
I should note, with due diligence, that I mis-remembered the Washington State law. It also puts the regulation of cannabis in the hands of the state liquor control board. Don’t ask me how I misremembered it, ok? These things happen on busy days when you’re asked to respond quickly.
Other links
Some of the answers to questions bout Oregon’s marijuana laws
Oregon’s Measure 91 – Cannabis legalization framework
Information on Alaska’s measure
Drug History Canada 