Order your A+26 t-shirt today — $15 from each sale is donated to South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, the 2020 campaign working to pass Amendment A and Measure 26 at the ballot box this year.

This is still a competitive race. Let’s make sure our friends in South Dakota have the resources they need!


South Dakota could become the first state to simultaneously approve medical marijuana and marijuana legalization for adults 21 and over.

And, South Dakota would be one of the most conservative states yet to legalize marijuana, which would create even more pressure on Congress to pass federal marijuana reform next year.

So grab a t-shirt and support a great cause. The South Dakota 2020 legalization campaign needs your support. And, if you don’t want a t-shirt, you can donate directly to the South Dakota campaign.

Check out our allies’ Texas Marijuana Policy Voter Guide.

Early voting in Texas started today — Tuesday, October 13 — and lasts until Friday, October 30, and Election Day is November 3!

In past years, comprehensive cannabis bills have been proposed, but only modest reforms — such as a limited, low-THC medical cannabis program — have passed. This year, Texans have the opportunity to vote in a new legislature that could reform the state’s outdated cannabis laws.

Our allies at Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy surveyed candidates for the Texas House, Texas Senate, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate on where they stand on a range of cannabis policies. Check out the voter guide ahead of the upcoming election to find out candidate responses to the survey, as well as voting records for incumbents.

You can find out if you’re registered to vote here and find out when, where, and how to vote here.

State legislative races are often close contests that can be decided by just a few votes. Don’t miss out on a chance to decide who will represent you in Austin and vote on Texas’ cannabis policy in the 2021 session.

After you’ve had a chance to look at the voter guide, be sure to spread the word by forwarding this message to friends and family and sharing the voter guide on social media.

Last week, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle announced the he, along with Rapid City resident and former Reagan Administration Senior Official Chuck Parkinson, is endorsing Amendment A and Measure 26, the marijuana reform ballot initiatives that South Dakota voters will consider this November.

Former Sen. Tom Daschle represented South Dakota in Congress from 1979 to 2005 and is one of the longest-serving Senate Democratic leaders in history. He is a native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and a graduate of South Dakota State University.

Statement from former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle:

“I have long believed that the best way for our state and country to progress is by crossing party lines and working together, and so I’m delighted that Chuck Parkinson, a lifelong Republican, is joining me in endorsing marijuana law reform in South Dakota.

“I did not advocate for legal marijuana while I served in the Senate but, like many other Americans, my viewpoint has vastly evolved in recent years, and my passion for improving how our society delivers health care, as well as pioneering social and political change, has never been stronger.

“I also believe that legalizing marijuana for adults would substantially drive economic growth in South Dakota, creating new businesses and new jobs, as well as generating tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue. Nationally, that’s already a proven fact—11 states have successfully legalized and regulated marijuana while generating $5.8 billion in new tax revenue. And, in fact, the South Dakota Legislative Research Council estimates that Amendment A will generate a total of $60 million in tax revenue by 2024, with higher growth to follow. Half of that revenue will be dedicated to strengthening South Dakota public schools, and the other half will go directly into the State’s General Fund, which will support other important public services for South Dakotans.

“Chuck and I urge the voters in South Dakota to consider the benefits of these two ballot initiatives and see them for what they are—laws that respect personal freedom and allow South Dakotans with serious conditions to safely and legally access medical marijuana.”

This public endorsement followed the Argus Leader’s release of polling data that showed 70% support for Initiated Measure 26, to establish a medical cannabis program, and 60% support for Constitutional Amendment A, to legalize an adult-use cannabis market.

Daschle’s support for legal marijuana in his home state was also covered by ESPN, with radio sportscaster and Sioux Falls native Jeff Thurn noting, “My guess is both [initiatives] will see heavy support, and it very well may happen that both measures pass in November as sentiment over the last few years has seen a favoring of these measures locally and nationally.”

MPP staff are playing an important role in this exciting campaign, which will be historic. Until now, no state has approved medical marijuana and legalization for adults on the same ballot.

Voters in Arizona, Montana, and New Jersey will also decide on adult-use legalization ballot initiatives on Election Day, while voters in Mississippi will choose between two competing measures related to regulating medical cannabis use.

Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day. This year’s elections will be critical in determining whether Connecticut will finally legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older.

We’ve put together a voter guide on where the candidates stand on legalizing, regulating, and taxing cannabis for adults 21 and older. It includes responses to our candidate questionnaire, along with past public statements.

Eleven states have legalized cannabis for adults’ use, including three in the New England region. Just last week, Vermont’s governor allowed a bill to permit legal adult sales to become law, and Maine began its adult-use sales. In neighboring Massachusetts, over $150 million in tax revenue has been generated from cannabis since adult sales began in 2018. A recent Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis (CCEA) study found that Connecticut could generate $692 to $740 million in total direct state tax revenue over five years of sales, and if Connecticut legalizes cannabis and begins sales before New York and Rhode Island, sales will likely be far higher. Indeed, there is much at stake in this year’s elections for the issue of cannabis reform.

I encourage you to first look up your state legislators here. Then, check out our voter guides for Connecticut Senate races and Connecticut House races to see where the candidates stand.

After you have a chance to look at our voter guide, please spread the word. If a candidate in your district has not taken a public position, we strongly encourage you to ask them these questions yourself! We would be happy to update the voter guide with their answers; please email DeVaughn Ward with any updates.

State legislative races are often close contests that can be decided by just a few votes. Don’t miss out on a chance to decide who represents you in Hartford and will vote on Connecticut’s cannabis policy in the 2021 session.

The deadline to register to vote is October 27. Absentee ballots must be received by the local town clerk (or will not be counted) by 8 p.m. on November 3. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

MPP’s general election voter guide is now available; please take time to read it and make a plan to vote!

Last week was a huge week for cannabis policy reform in northern New England. On Wednesday evening, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced that he would allow a bill legalizing cannabis sales to become law without his signature. He also signed a bill that will automatically expunge all previous misdemeanor records for cannabis offenses. And in Maine, the first adult-use cannabis retail stores opened for business last Friday!

Sadly, Gov. Chris Sununu has shown no indication that he is evolving on the issue. In a recent appearance on WMUR, Sununu once again dismissed the idea of legalizing cannabis, saying “now is just not the time.”

It sounds like, for Sununu, it may never be “the time” to end cannabis prohibition. Fortunately, there are two ways around this: one is for N.H. to elect a different governor, and the other is to elect enough supportive legislators that it becomes possible to override a potential veto.

There has never been a more important election for cannabis policy reform in New Hampshire. Please take time to read MPP’s voter guide for the general election and share it with other supporters. Then, make a plan to vote and start spreading the word about your preferred candidates!

Dharma Pharmaceuticals will host their grand opening Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m.

Exciting news! After much anticipation, patients can now purchase medical cannabis products.

Dharma Pharmaceuticals is the first dispensing location to open in the state. They are holding a grand opening this Saturday, October 17. Patients planning to attend the grand opening must call 833-434-2762 for an appointment. Here are the details:

When: Saturday, October 17, beginning at 9am.

Where: 500 Gate City Highway, Suite 460, Bristol, Virginia

What to bring: Registered patients must bring a government issued ID, a paper copy of written certification issued by registered practitioner, and their medical cannabis patient card issued by the Board of Pharmacy in order to enter the building and be dispensed medical cannabis products.

*Please be prepared to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.*

You can find more information on how to become a registered cannabis patient in Virginia here, and check out our full summary of Virginia’s medical cannabis law here.

The Board of Pharmacy has issued approval to four additional pharmaceutical processors to produce and dispense medical cannabis products, so be on the lookout for the opening of additional dispensing locations.

Be sure to share this news with your friends and family in Virginia!

Nearly four years after Maine voters approved cannabis legalization at the ballot box, the will of the people will finally go into full effect today as legal marijuana sales for adults begin!

Adults 21 years of age or older with a valid ID can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of a combination of marijuana and marijuana concentrate that includes no more than five grams of marijuana concentrate. It remains illegal to consume marijuana in public spaces. Maine municipalities must opt in to the adult-use program by locally allowing for marijuana establishments. More details on Maine’s adult-use marijuana regulation law can be found here.

According to the Portland Press Herald’s "Things to know before you go" guide, seven retail stores have been authorized by the state to sell cannabis to adult consumers. The guide offers several other useful pointers on navigating the new retail market.

With today’s launch of Maine’s retail cannabis market, 10 states have now successfully implemented cannabis regulation laws. In an 11th state — Vermont — Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law Wednesday to add regulated sales to existing legislation that legalized personal possession and cultivation.

MPP spearheaded the successful 2016 Yes on 1 legalization campaign in Maine and played a central role in the coalitions that passed initiatives to legalize and regulate marijuana in Colorado, Alaska, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Nevada. Currently, MPP staff are playing an important role in the 2020 legalization ballot initiatives in Montana and South Dakota.

Although the delays in Maine were unfortunate and unnecessary, we’ve succeeded in replacing prohibition with a thoughtful policy that legalizes, regulates, and taxes marijuana sales for adults in Maine.

A victory for Maine. A victory for marijuana reform in our country.

Automatic expungement bill signed; cannabis prohibition will soon be history in Vermont, which becomes the 11th state to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis

On October 7, 2020, Gov. Phil Scott announced that he will allow S. 54, the bill to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis sales, to become law without his signature. This means we can all finally breathe a sigh of relief and begin to celebrate the end of cannabis prohibition in Vermont!

Although much work remains before Vermont can establish a responsible, equitable market for cannabis, the governor’s decision represents a huge step forward for the state. Instead of being forced to start over with a whole new bill in 2021, Vermont will soon begin creating a Cannabis Control Board that will license businesses and regulate the sale of both medical and adult-use cannabis.

The governor’s statement on S. 54 is available here.

For more information on the details of Vermont’s new cannabis regulation law, here is a summary.

Gov. Scott did sign another important cannabis policy reform bill. S. 234, which will automatically expunge records for past misdemeanor cannabis offenses and decriminalize amounts modestly in excess of the possession limit.

We’re especially grateful to the many legislative leaders who have championed this policy, to Laura Subin for her tireless efforts leading this coalition, and to our outstanding lobbyists at the Necrason Group for all their efforts.

And we’re also very grateful to all of you who made calls, sent emails, and spread the word about the importance of ending cannabis prohibition in Vermont. Your advocacy, donations, and commitment to the cause make the work that we do possible. But this isn’t the end of the road—there is more work to be done. Help MPP keep up the momentum by chipping in today.

A number of states have enacted cannabis legalization through ballot measures. But so far, only Illinois -- where MPP also played a central role -- and now Vermont have fully legalized cannabis via the legislative process. In the coming year, as many as 10 other states are expected to seriously consider ending cannabis prohibition via their legislatures.

That’s why your support is so important. Together, we’ve built the momentum that will help us continue this fight in states across the country and on Capitol Hill. Even at this very moment, Congress is considering legislation that would end cannabis prohibition and expunge all cannabis-related arrests, charges, and convictions federally.

Please share this excellent news with your family and friends!

There are just a few weeks until Election Day, and the South Dakota campaign is heating up. The opponents are doing everything they can to defeat marijuana reform. They’re resorting to scare tactics and lies, making false claims about Colorado, and being dishonest about the details of Amendment A (the legalization initiative).

The good news is, the 2020 campaign -- South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws -- is fighting back. They sent a mailer to tens of thousands of voters across the state. They’re running TV and digital ads that explain the benefits of Amendment A (which legalizes marijuana for adults 21 and over and protects medical marijuana access) and Measure 26 (the medical marijuana initiative). They have some great Facebook videos from supporters (including popular travel writer and public TV host Rick Steves) that they’re sharing with voters across the state. They’re getting their message out through the media, making the case for legal access to medical marijuana and pushing back on the opponents' false claims.  

And last week they organized an awesome day of action across the state!

The campaign is working very hard, and they’re still on a path to victory.

But in past campaigns in other states, anti-reform forces have spent big money in the final weeks before Election Day. So we can’t take anything for granted in South Dakota.

Here’s how you can help:

1. If you know someone in South Dakota, tell them to double check that they are registered to vote! The deadline is October 19. If they have questions, they should visit SouthDakota2020.org/vote or contact the campaign on Facebook. 

2. If you can, please make a donation directly to South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws. Whether it’s $10 or $100, it will really help the campaign.

3. Buy an A+26 t-shirt! Fifteen dollars ($15) from each purchase is donated to the campaign.

MPP staff are playing an important role in this exciting campaign, which will be historic. Until now, no state has approved medical marijuana and legalization for adults on the same ballot. Let’s make sure our friends in South Dakota have all the support they need to achieve victory on Election Day.

Ask Gov. Northam to sign SB 5029 and SB 5013 into law.

During a special legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly approved two important cannabis reform bills. Here’s what the legislation would do:

SB 5029 would prevent law enforcement from using the odor of cannabis as a pretext for searching and seizing property.

SB 5013 would give people issued a summons for cannabis possession the option of pre-paying the civil penalty instead of having to go to court.

The bills now head to Gov. Northam’s desk. Email Gov. Northam today and ask that he sign the bills into law!

The supposed smell of cannabis is perhaps the #1 pretext for police stops. Black individuals are disproportionately stopped and searched, just as they are disproportionately arrested for cannabis. These unnecessary stops are traumatic, demeaning, and can even be deadly. SB 5029 is an important reform that will reduce police-civilian contact over the supposed smell of cannabis.

Meanwhile, SB 5013 will avoid disrupting lives by no longer forcing individuals to miss work or school to go to court for simple possession of cannabis.

After you contact the governor in support of these reforms, please take a minute to also reach out to your lawmakers and ask them to support broader reform — legalizing and regulating cannabis for adults 21 and older.

Together, we can end cannabis prohibition in Virginia!