The people of Oregon have already cast their votes, and unsurprisingly, the informal polls have been telling the truth all along: it's a win for marijuana, a loss for GMO labeling.
Although all the ballots have to be counted, projections are in favor of measure 91, which will legalize the use of marijuana (or cannabis) for recreational use in the state. Currently, with more than 85% of the ballots counted, it's leading at more than 53% compared to the no votes. This means that men and women who are 21 years old and above can cultivate cannabis in their own space and sell them legally in the market.
Based on a news report from The Guardian on Wednesday, November 5, the chief sponsor Anthony Johnson believes that the win of such measure is a sign that people are now after equality and freedom. The state has also recently lifted its ban against gay marriage.
Oregon, nevertheless, will not be the only state to legalize marijuana. In Alaska, the measure also won with 52% expressing their favor to marijuana regulation. With the passing, it's expected that the state will create its own control board that oversees the manufacture and sale of cannabis.
Washington DC also said yes to the plant's legalization, although there are more limitations to its measure, including the ability to give at most 1 ounce of cannabis to another but not to sell it. They can grow only up to 6 plants as well and possess no more than 2 ounces for personal use.
Florida, meanwhile, voted no.
Oregon, however, voted against mandatory labeling of GMO products. On Tuesday, November 4, measure 92 lost to a very small percentage margin of 1.2, a huge difference from the projected gap between the yes and the no votes.
While it garnered support from Multnomah, Curry, Jackson counties, as well as mid-Willamette Valley, it failed to impress the rest of the counties. In the end, though, less than 51% voted against it.