Maryland voters passed Question 4 last night, with many news media organizations calling the matter around 9:45 p.m. ET, making that state the 20^th to legalize adult-use cannabis.

“The result of Maryland's cannabis legalization measure is monumental," said Toi Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project. "With each state that successfully legalizes cannabis, we are one step closer to dismantling the federal prohibition of cannabis.”

In Missouri, voters followed suit shortly after, passing that state’s adult-use legalization measure and claiming No. 21 in the U.S.

Voters in Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota, however, had other ideas. Those states’ cannabis legalization measures were shot down to the tune of 56% opposition (AR), 55% opposition (ND) and 53% opposition (SD), as of 9 a.m. ET Nov. 9, according to unofficial election results.

With five states on the table in this midterm election, hopes were high for a wave of cannabis reform that might match what we saw in 2020, when five states passed legalization measures (including Mississippi’s medical cannabis ballot issue and South Dakota’s overturned adult-use legalization ballot issue). Buoyed by a strong Republican showing in many federal legislative races, this year’s election did not deliver the optimism that the industry felt just two years ago.

In fact, one could read these returns (three states rejecting legalization measures) as the first real political broadside against cannabis reform in the U.S. since Colorado and Washington ushered in this era in 2012.

And yet: Two states with a combined population of more than 12 million gave the green light to adult-use cannabis legalization. That’s not small potatoes. That’s the entire incremental story of cannabis reform, summed up vote by vote. Let us not forget that this is how it’s done. This is how an industry is built from the scattered rubble of prohibition. One vote at a time.

Of course, for those looking hopefully toward the horizon, there’s always Oklahoma’s special election on March 7—called by the governor specifically to address adult-use cannabis legalization. Is No. 22 right around the corner?

-Eric Sandy, Digital Editor

- Are you a Maryland or Missouri reader? Read up on how to create a winning license application! Time is of the essence in this industry.

- Oklahoma readers: Follow our state coverage right here and let us know what questions you have about the March 7, 2023, special election.

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