November 5, 2024, marked an historic night for the movement to oppose the legalization and commercialization of mind-altering substances. In the four states that voted on recreational drug use, all four rejected the industry-backed proposals, favoring policies that prioritize public health and safety.
In Florida, voters defeated Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana in the Sunshine State. This is especially notable, given that the marijuana industry spent more than $150 million in support of legalization. In Miami-Dade County, the largest county in the state, a 51% majority of voters opposed Amendment 3.
In South Dakota, voters defeated Measure 29, representing the third time the Mount Rushmore State has voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana. Notably, legalization has become even less popular in the state than it was in 2022. In 2022, legalization was defeated with a 52.9% majority; in 2024, it was defeated with a 55.5% majority. 59 of the state’s 66 counties voted against Measure 29.
In North Dakota, voters defeated Measure 5, also representing the third time the Peace Garden State has voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana. Statewide, 52.5% of voters opposed legalization. 47 of the state’s 53 counties voted against Measure 5.
In Massachusetts, voters defeated Question 4, which would have decriminalized the possession of psychedelic substances and legalized their supposed therapeutic use in the Bay State. 57.0% of voters rejected this proposition. Approximately 90% of the 351 cities and towns voted against the legalization of psychedelics. Only 98% of the vote is in, so it is possible that the final results might change slightly.
Put together, these outcomes suggest that the movement to legalize recreational drug use is losing momentum. Voters are waking up to the harms of these industry-backed policies, favoring an approach that promotes public health and safety.