Oct. 30, 2020: State Advocacy Update 

The AMA has joined medical societies in Arizona, Mississippi, Montana and South Dakota in opposition to cannabis-related ballot measures due to health and safety concerns.

"Amending a state constitution to legalize an unproven drug is the wrong approach," said AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD. "Early data from jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis are concerning, particularly around unintentional pediatric exposures that have resulted in increased calls to poison control centers and emergency department visits, as well as an increase in traffic deaths due to cannabis-related impaired driving."

In Arizona, the AMA and Arizona Medical Association are urging a "NO" vote on Proposition 207, which would legalize the use of recreational marijuana.

In Mississippi, the AMA joined the Mississippi State Medical Association in opposition to Initiative 65, which would add cannabis to the state constitution. Learn more directly from Mississippi physicians.

In Montana, the AMA and Montana Medical Association are urging a "NO" vote on Initiative 190 and "NO" on Constitutional Initiative 118, which would legalize the recreational use of cannabis, and amend the state constitution for the purposes of calling someone an adult concerning recreational cannabis.

In South Dakota, the AMA joined the South Dakota State Medical Association to oppose Constitutional Amendment A and Initiated Measure 26. Constitutional Amendment A would legalize the recreational use of cannabis, and Initiated Measure 26 provides for the legalization of cannabis for medicinal use.

• Oct. 30, 2020: Advocacy spotlight on New AMA survey finds physician practice viability under threat
• Oct. 30, 2020: National Advocacy Update
• Oct. 30, 2020: Judicial Advocacy Update