Last updated : December 16, 2024
With the recent 2020 election, there were many changes that went into effect in relation to drugs. Do you know what decriminalization is? Are you aware of which states now allow recreational marijuana? USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio summarizes the changes below, so your company can remain informed and aware of possible changes that might happen in Ohio’s future.
Decriminalization of Drugs Vote
Did you hear that Oregon’s decriminalization of drugs vote passed in the recent 2020 election? This makes them the first state to decriminalize the personal possession of all drugs, including cocaine and heroin. The goal of decriminalization is to stop the war on drugs. The Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative recognizes that criminal punishment for drug use can be detrimental. Instead of putting drug abusers in prison for possessing drugs, these drug abusers will pay a fine and/or receive rehabilitation for their drug addiction.
According to an article published on The Intercept, “After February 1, [2021] the penalty for drug possession will be akin to a hefty traffic ticket: a $100 fine. Those who cannot or do not want to pay can choose to agree to a “health assessment” at an addiction recovery center. The ballot measure also includes the expansion of access to recovery treatments, housing, and harm reduction services, to be funded through the reallocation of tens of millions of dollars from Oregon’s cannabis tax. Money saved by not arresting, prosecuting, and caging people found with drugs will also be redirected to a fund for treatment services.”
This initiative is not be confused with the legalization of drugs, as decriminalization removes criminal penalties for the possession of illegal substances in small amounts. This is an intriguing move in the attempt to stop the war on drugs and it will be interesting to see if other states vote to pass similar initiatives in the future.
Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
Another result of the recent 2020 election now allows more states to offer recreational marijuana. Of the drug-related issues on ballots across the country, voters in New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota voted to pass cannabis for adult use. Now, within the US, there is a total of 15 states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
According to an article published on CNN, “industry members and analysts say New Jersey likely will trigger a domino effect of legalization measures within the Northeast, notably in New York and Pennsylvania.”…“Bethany Gomez, managing director for the Brightfield Group, a market research and analytics company that specializes in the cannabis industry, projects that the US recreational and medical cannabis industry will post $19 billion in sales this year, grow to $24 billion by 2021 and — with the additions of this week and likely newcomers such as New York — notch $45 billion in sales by 2025.”
However, there are still many roadblocks to be passed at the federal level. The same CNN article stated “cannabis enterprises say they can’t easily bank or obtain traditional financing as they’re subject to a 1980s tax law drafted to punish drug dealers; they have difficulty insuring their businesses; and they don’t qualify for federal disaster aid.”
Even though more states are legalizing recreational marijuana, there are federal roadblocks cannabis companies have to face, so it will be captivating to see how legalized recreational marijuana progresses in the future.
2020 Election & Drugs Conclusion
As we adjust to the policy changes from the 2020 election, USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio wants to continue to fulfill our mission of keeping your workplace safe and drug free. Implementing proper drug testing policies are very important as drugs become more accessible. To establish a drug free workplace policy in your business, please contact us here.
