Title:
Ore.: Measure 80 defeated, but garners significant support
Message:
As you no doubt are aware by now, Measure 80 – a ballot measure that sought to repeal Oregon’s marijuana prohibition replacing it with a system of taxation and regulation – failed last night. According to the Oregon Secretary of State, and as of 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the measure was defeated 54.50% to 45.50%. Although the measure was defeated, it received more support from Oregon voters than did Measure 74 in 2010, which sought to create a medical marijuana dispensary program and was only supported by 44.21% of the voters.
Measure 80 wasn’t the only electoral decision that had implications for the future of Oregon’s marijuana policies. To the question of state representation, Democrats took back control of the Oregon Legislature, giving hope to those who have been longing to see a medical marijuana dispensary program pass the legislature. In addition, Ellen Rosenblum – a friend of medical marijuana – won the race for attorney general.
Now that Washington and Colorado have both passed initiatives to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol, other states will surely follow suit. The Yes on Measure 80 campaign did a wonderful job highlighting the important need to change and laying the foundation for a constructive conversation.
