California, Massachusetts and Nevada on election day voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana joining Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, along with Washington D.C.
On Election day, the legalization of recreational marijuana was on the ballot for five states - California, Maine, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Nevada. While Arizona has disapproved its legalization, Maine's results have yet to come in, according to CNN.
Previously, four states (including the District of Columbia) have legalized recreational marijuana use. Colorado and Washington said yes back in 2012, while Alaska and Oregon approved in 2014. The report also said that the economies of these four states have been boosted considerably.
In Colorado alone, the industry created more than 18,000 full-time jobs and generated $2.39 billion in income, Marijuana Policy Group reported.
The "yes" vote on recreational marijuana use would treat its use similar to alcohol where consumption would be limited to people aged 21 and older. Though legal, recreational use would be highly regulated and taxed. Some states even allow people to grow their own, Massachusetts and Nevada will now allow people to grow up to six plants provided they are concealed.
In California, the measure can be considered a major victory for its huge economic potential. California's climate and fertile soil are ideal for marijuana cultivation. Companies who are engaged in the previously illicit trade are looking for at the prospect for interstate commerce. California officials, on the other hand, expects an additional tax revenue that may reach up to $1 billion from marijuana sales, according to the New York Times.
The California vote to legalize recreational marijuana is significant being the most populous state with a current population of 39 million individuals. Fifty-six percent voted in support of the legislation.
In contrast, seven states in total along with the District of Columbia legalized recreational marijuana whereas 25 states along with the District have already legalized medical marijuana.
