[Vision2020] 11 States Least Likely to Legalize Marijuana

[Kenneth Marcy]

11 States Least Likely to Legalize Marijuana

Illegal in the United States for nearly 80 years, marijuana accounted 
for 8.2 million arrests nationwide between 2001 and 2010. Despite the 
decades old federal ban, the country’s attitude toward marijuana has 
been changing. While only 12% of Americans supported legalizing pot in 
1969, 58% of Americans supported an end to marijuana prohibition in 2013.

Starting with California in 1996, medicinal marijuana use is now legal 
in 23 states. Of the states with laws protecting medicinal users, four 
have legalized recreational pot use as well. Despite evolving opinions 
among voters and legislators, some states still seem unlikely to pass 
any kind of meaningful reform in the near future. Based on a review of 
marijuana laws and penalties for possession, 24/7 Wall St. identified 
the 11 least likely states to legalize marijuana.

In all of the states least likely to legalize pot, possession is a 
felony under certain circumstances. Perhaps due to strict penalties, 
estimated usage rates are below average in these states. While an 
estimated 12.3% of Americans age 12 years and older smoke marijuana, 
usage rates in all of the states least likely to legalize pot are below 
the national rate. In Kansas, for example, one of the least pot friendly 
states in the country, only 8.2% of residents 12 years and older use 
marijuana, the smallest share of any state in the country.

*http://tinyurl.com/j3v72w7

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*4. Idaho
 > Max. fine for small amount:* $1,000
*>Marijuana related arrests in 2012:* 4,060
*>Marijuana arrests per 100,000:* 254.4
*>Minimum penalty classification:* Misdemeanor

Idaho is home to some of the most draconian marijuana laws in the 
country. A first time offender caught with 3 ounces or less of the drug 
for personal use can face up to one year of incarceration along with a 
$1,000 fine. Possession of more than 3 ounces in Idaho is a felony 
punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

Already, 23 states allow for physician approved use of medical 
marijuana, with many others poised to join the ranks as early as next 
year. Idaho, however, is not one of them. Earlier this year, the state 
legislature approved a bill that would allow seriously ill Idahoans to 
use low potency cannabis oils to treat specific conditions. Despite its 
relatively limited scope, Governor Butch Otter vetoed the bill before it 
became law. With strict criminal penalties and a demonstrated lack of 
political will for even modest legal reforms, Idaho is one of the least 
likely states to legalize marijuana in the foreseeable future.

*http://tinyurl.com/j3v72w7
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Ken

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