United States Virgin Islands hemp referendum, 2012

This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
the United States Virgin Islands

A referendum on the use of industrial hemp was held in the United States Virgin Islands on 6 November 2012, alongside general elections. The proposal was approved by 57% of voters.[1]

Background

On 21 August 2012 the Legislature of the Virgin Islands voted by 10–4 to pass a law on the use of industrial hemp (hemp with a low tetrahydrocannabinol content). Governor John de Jongh signed it into law on 11 September 2012.[1]

Results

Are you in favor of the Legislature enacting legislation that allows for the production, processing, manufacturing and distributing of industrial hemp in the Virgin Islands?
Choice Votes %
For4,55957.47
Against3,37442.53
Invalid/blank votes20,710
Total28,643100
Registered voters/turnout49,88657.30
Source: Direct Democracy

The unusually high number of blank votes was caused by the question being on the same ballot paper as the simultaneous general elections.[1]

References