Drive Would Put Legalizing Marijuana on Mass. Ballot in 2016

Now that efforts to legalize marijuana have succeeded in Colorado and Washington state, advocates of cannabis reform are laying the groundwork for a similar battle in Massachusetts in the next presidential election year, Boston.com reported Monday.

"In 2016, Massachusetts will find itself in the crosshairs for cannabis reform," said Allen St. Pierre, executive director of NORML, a national group in favor of the legalization of marijuana.

Massachusetts has already passed measures that decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2008, and for medical purposes in 2012, both with a 63 percent majority.

Now advocates say they are trying to get the question of legalization on the 2016 election ballot.

But getting the measure for recreational use passed is no sure thing. The Bay State has a liberal reputation, but it also has a strong traditional bent as seen in the fact that it still has blue laws to protect holiday and religious day observances.

Related Stories:

• Washington, Colorado Allow Recreational Marijuana Use
• Most Americans Now Favor Legalization of Marijuana