Marijuana Legalization Roundup: 2015 A Year in Review
- By Steven Turetsky
2015 is almost over? Wow, this year has flown by, probably because we’ve been so busy. As the cannabis industry continues to flourish in fledgling recreational states, legislators and voters, too have been quite busy growing the movement across the country.
This year saw the kickoff of several new markets, and wheels turn in states that were caught up in regulation writing for some time. We also saw encouraging and sometimes surprising progress in states that weren’t even on the radar last year. We’ve provided a snapshot at some of the exciting highlights in cannabis reform from this past year and a look ahead at 2016. [caption id="attachment_6843" align="aligncenter" width="595"] 2015 Marijuana Legalization Map[/caption] Oregon In November, 2014, Oregon became the third state to legalize recreational cannabis! Less than a year after the ballot initiative the state has swiftly organized their recreational program and stores opened for sale October 1st. The Oregon Liquor Control Board, who is responsible for implementation and regulation has provided a four month tax holiday for consumers to become familiar with the program. After the grace period a 25% tax will be applied to purchases. Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John ...READ MORE >