Voters in 5 states decide whether to legalize marijuana

The state of Arkansas is located in Little Rock. If recreational marijuana is legalized in five states on Election Day, it will signal a major shift towards legalization in the most conservative parts of the country.

In Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota, there are proposals on the ballot that would decriminalize marijuana. Thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana will be pardoned by Biden.

Biden's announcement could give a boost to the initiatives.

There are 19 states that have legalized recreational marijuana. All of the states with recreational marijuana voted for Trump.

Medical marijuana programs are available in five states. Arkansas was the first Bible Belt state to allow medical marijuana. More than 91,000 patients have cards to legally purchase marijuana from the state's dispensary.

Most of the money raised was in Arkansas and Missouri. According to an Associated Press analysis of the most recent campaign finance reports, more than 85% of contributions in those two states came from people associated with medical marijuana licenses.

In Arkansas, supporters of the measure have been running positive ads that claim thousands of jobs will be created by the measure. The opponents warned voters to protect Arkansas from big marijuana.

Traditional legalization opponents as well as some medical marijuana advocates have criticized the Arkansas proposal, saying it places too many limits and would only benefit a small number of dispensary. Hutchinson was the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Expunging records of past arrests and convictions for non-violent marijuana offenses would be possible under a proposal by the state of Missouri. Automatic expungements of past marijuana possession convictions would be made possible by Maryland's proposal.

People over the age of 21 would be able to legally use marijuana at home as well as possess and cultivate restricted amounts. Policies would be established to regulate marijuana businesses.

The legalization of marijuana in South Dakota was struck down by the state Supreme Court due to the fact that it was coupled with medical marijuana. Recreational pot is standing on its own this year.

In Colorado, where recreational marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade, voters will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the use of certain substances. It would make Colorado the second state to do that.

You can follow the AP's coverage of the mid-term elections. There are issues and factors at play in the elections.