Donald Trump may have won the presidential election, but the real winner on election night was Cannabis. With legalization initiatives appearing on the ballot in 9 states, yesterday was arguably the most monumental day in the cannabis movement to date.

Trump Won the Election but Cannabis Won the Day

California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Maine legalized the use of recreational Marijuana. Florida, Arkansas, North Dakota and Montana approved medical marijuana measures. The only state that didn’t approve cannabis was Arizona. While this is a disappointment, 8 of 9 states is still a massive success and it sends a powerful message to the federal government regarding the nation’s view on recreational cannabis and medical marijuana.

President-elect Donald Trump has kept his personal views on cannabis close to his chest, avoiding a clear-cut stance on either side of the issue. Trump’s vice president on the other hand could throw a stick in the spokes. Pence is a bible-thumping conservative that is openly against gay-marriage and common sense, he could very-well crusade against the legalization movement. We’re hopeful that Trump’s business mind will prevail and he will see the massive opportunity for revenue as enough of an incentive to allow legalization measures to pass.

Trump won the presidency despite a narrow loss to Hillary Clinton in the popular vote, entrenching a deep divide among Trump supporters and the rest of America. Despite the divide on many issues regarding immigration and healthcare, Americans came together and overwhelmingly supported both medical marijuana and recreational cannabis. Something tells us that it might be more necessary than ever before.

What Happened with Cannabis on Election Day?

Here’s what happened with recreational cannabis as well as medical marijuana in the United States. [1]

Recreational Cannabis

California – Prop 64 allows adults (21+) to possess up to an ounce of cannabis and 6 cannabis plants. The industrial cultivation of hemp was also legalized. Large-scale hemp operations are not allowed for the first 5 years in order to give small operations an early advantage.

Californians can expect a 15% excise tax on marijuana sales, as well as a cultivation tax.

Nevada – Question 2 allows adults (21+) to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Individuals who do not reside within 25 miles of a retail cannabis shop are permitted to grow up to six plants at home.

Nevada residents can expect a 15% excise tax on marijuana sales.

Massachusetts – Question 4 allows adults (21+) to possess up to an ounce of cannabis and grow up to 6 plants at home. Individuals with a prior marijuana related charge will not be disqualified from procuring a license to operate a marijuana business, unless the charge involved sale to a minor.

Massachusetts residents can expect a 3.75% excise tax on marijuana sales.

Maine – Question 1 allows adults (21+) to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, grow up to 6 flowering cannabis plants and up to 12 non-flowering cannabis plants.

Maine residents can expect a 10% excise tax on marijuana sales.

Arizona – Unfortunately the cannabis initiative was defeated in Arizona. Discount Tire contributed $1 million to oppose cannabis legalization in Arizona, as well as a pharmaceutical company that produces opioids such as fentanyl which contributed $500,000. Using the funds to spread a very misleading and deceptive message to Arizona voters which was based on fear and misinformation.

Medical Marijuana

Florida – Amendment 2 legalizes medical marijuana in the state of Florida. Individuals suffering from a variety of health conditions including: cancer, epilepsy, HIV, AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, MS and others are now able to get a license from a physician to purchase and use medical marijuana.

Montana – I-182 will dramatically improve Montana’s existing medical marijuana program and ensure patients have access to it.

North Dakota – Measure 5 allows medical marijuana patients in North Dakota to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana or grow up to 8 plants if they reside 40+ miles from the nearest dispensary.

Arkansas – Issue 6 allows ‘seriously ill’ patients to obtain a medical marijuana license from their physician. Patients will not be allowed to grow at home.