2016 Election Night

Nine states are deciding on marijuana legalization ballot initiatives today. We’re spotlighting each during the course of the day. Here are the states whose polls close at 10 p.m. Eastern:

Montana

If the ballot measure in Montana passes, it will repeal the three-patient limit for medical marijuana providers, giving qualifying patients easier access to the drug. Voters have had a wild ride with marijuana legalization in Montana. Medical marijuana was legalized in 2004, and the rules were amended in 2011 to stop advertisements for it and limit the scope of the business for providers and prescribers. Advocates tried unsuccessfully to repeal it in 2012. Then, after the 2011 bill was tied up in courts for five years, it went into effect in August. We’ve seen only one poll for this measure, and it shows the measure losing by a 7 percentage point margin. With only one poll to look at, though, nothing is assured.

Nevada

If the ballot measure in Nevada passes, adults age 21 and older will be able to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and consume it privately. Adults who do not live within 25 miles of a marijuana retail store would be allowed to grow up to six plants. Medical marijuana is currently legal in the state. A 15 percent tax on the drug would be spent first on enforcing the measure; remaining funds would go to K-12 education. As in many other states voting this into law, current medical marijuana facilities in Nevada would be encouraged to transition into recreational marijuana facilities. All seven state polls we’ve seen this year suggest that the measure will pass.