Marijuana legalization approved in 3 states, rejected by North Dakota

Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Legalized marijuana has been approved in some form in three states, after ballot measures passed Tuesday.

Michigan voters favored legalizing recreational-use marijuana, while Utah and Missouri passed propositions on medical marijuana.

Michigan's Proposal 1 passed with 56 percent, although marijuana will not be commercially available there until at least 2020. The state has outlined plans for a series of limitations, but has not yet issued sales licenses or commercial regulations.

The measure calls for legal possession of up to 2.5 ounces and legal growth for personal use of up to 12 marijuana plants. Using marijuana while under the influence will remain against the law. Also, landlords can prohibit possession and cultivation on their properties, and employers can maintain zero-tolerance policies for employees.

Michigan already has a law allowing and regulating medical marijuana.

Utah voters passed Proposition 2 with 53 percent. Prior to the referendum, state lawmakers met with law enforcement, medical leaders and officials from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to design a compromise bill they said strikes a balance between the needs of patients and a curb on opportunities for abuse.

Gov. Gary Herbert said a special legislative session will be called to have the law enacted. The compromise law has a more narrowly-defined definition of chronic pain and doesn't allow users to grow marijuana plants.

The LDS Church, a force in Utah politics, urged voters to reject the referendum.

Missouri voters approved one of three medical marijuana laws on the Tuesday ballot. Amendment 2 passed with about 65 percent.

North Dakota voters, though, rejected legalization Tuesday. With the three new states, the total number with laws permitting marijuana use is 33. Possession, use or distribution of pot remains illegal under federal law.

Election Day: Americans line up to vote

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum surrounded by wife R. Jai Gillum (R) and running mate Chris King (C) gives his concession speech to supporters in Tallahassee, Fla. Republican Candidate Ron DeSantis defeated Gillum in the Florida governor race. Photo By Joe Reilly/UPI

Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson supporters react after the announcement of Ron DeSantis defeating Andrew Gillum for governor of the state of Florida at the Nelson watch party in Orlando, Fla. The results of the Bill Nelson, Rick Scott senator race is still pending. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI

Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson's senior advisor Dan McLaughlin announces that Bill Nelson would make a statement the following day on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 . Rick Scott was declared the winner of the Florida senate race. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. delivers her concession speech to supporters, failing at her re-election campaign to Josh Hawley, the current Attorney General for the State of Missouri in St. Louis. McCaskill was the Democratic Senator for the State of Missouri for 12 years. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

McCaskill (L) gives husband Joe a kiss after conceding. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

McCaskill leaves the stage with her family. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

A Claire McCaskill campaign worker cries as the Senator gives a concession speech. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is joined by House Democrats as they arrive to speak to volunteers and supporters. House Democrats will be in the majority in the next Congress, and Republicans retained control of the Senate in the 2018 Midterm Elections. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez (R) shakes hands with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Ben Ray Lujan during the watch party. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Perez makes remarks to volunteers and supporters at the watch party. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Democratic volunteers and supporters react to early Democratic House gains at a watch party in Washington, D.C. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., (R) joins hands with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair Ben Ray Lujan after addressing a watch party in Washington, DC. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., talks to reporters prior to joining volunteers and supporters for a watch party in Washington, D.C. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Democratic volunteers and supporters watch early election returns at a watch party in Washington, D.C. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson supporters cheer after early results are posted for Nelson at a watch party in Orlando, Fla. Republican Rick Scott is running against Nelson. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI

A service member marks his ballot at Edison High School in Alexandria, Va. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Voters line up to mark their ballots at Hybla Valley School polling place in Alexandria, Va. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

A voter marks his ballot at Groveton Elementary School in Alexandria, Va. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

Florida residents cast their ballots at a fire station in Miami. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI

Florida residents line up to cast their ballot. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI

Democratic nominee for New York's 14th congressional district Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez casts her vote in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Ocasio-Cortez, 29, casts her vote. If she wins, she will be the youngest woman in Congress. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., gives an update on the election alongside Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

A woman shows a young boy how to fill out a ballot as she votes in the 2018 midterm elections at Loudon County High School in Leesburg, Va. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

A voter is seen through a window at a polling location for the midterm elections in Leesbugh, Va. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

A voter fills out his ballot for the midterm elections. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

Jennifer Wexton (R), Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives leaves her polling place after casting her ballot in Leesburg, Va. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

Wexton is running against Republican Barbara Comstock. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

A volunteer hands out voting stickers. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

Across the United States, 435 seats in the House and 35 in the Senate are being settled Tuesday. Also, 36 gubernatorial races will be determined. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

A woman fills out her ballot in Virginia. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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