When the Next "Batch" of Pot Stock Millions Hits, Thank These Voters

Michael A. Robinson

Legalized marijuana has been unstoppable in 2016.

You might have missed it thanks to the presidential upset, but following the Nov. 8 elections, fully 28 states now have legalized medical marijuana. Eight of those states have approved it for recreational and medical use.

That's great news for enthusiasts, but for investors, it's nothing short of amazing.

You see, marijuana advocates aren't finished with their fight. In fact, they're stepping up the pressure.

They're now eyeing the opportunities that could arise in 2017 – and beyond.

That's why today, as 2016 comes to an end, I thought it would be fun to look at voters in the remaining states – and predict which ones will attempt to legalize marijuana next.

While petition groups are working on marijuana initiatives for 2017 in almost all those remaining states, four currently "lead the pack" in the race to nationwide legalization…

The Pot Stock Stakes: "Win," "Place," and "Show"

For the first-place "win" bet, Vermont is out in front.

With voters in Massachusetts and Maine choosing in favor of legalization, it's only a matter of time before other states in New England start adopting pro-pot laws.

And the Green Mountain State is ripe for the picking.

It already has an existing medical marijuana program, and in spring 2016, the state nearly legalized recreational marijuana.

Despite strong backing from the Vermont Senate, Gov. Peter Shumlin, and Attorney General William Sorrell, Senate Bill 241 ultimately died in the Vermont General Assembly in late April, amid a rising fear of marijuana somehow contributing to the state's severe opioid crisis.

Now, according to recent polls from Vermont Public Radio (VPR), 55% of Vermonters are in favor of marijuana legalization, with only 32% opposed.

Standing in the way, however, is Lt. Gov. Phil Scott.

With Shumlin, the state's biggest marijuana cheerleader, on his way out of office, his successor has a different take on legalization. During the discussion of the legalization bill, Scott raised concerns about the legislation's shortcomings.

Either way, after coming so close in 2016, the sponsors of S.B. 241 may be ready to reintroduce the measure (or a revised version) when Vermont's next legislative session opens on Jan. 4.

This time, the pro-legalization effort could go all the way.

These states are looking promising, too.

Michael A. Robinson

About the Author

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Michael A. Robinson is a 36-year Silicon Valley veteran and one of the top technology financial analysts working today. That's because, as a consultant, senior adviser, and board member for Silicon Valley venture capital firms, Michael enjoys privileged access to pioneering CEOs, scientists, and high-profile players. And he brings this entire world of Silicon Valley "insiders" right to you...

• He was one of five people involved in early meetings for the $160 billion "cloud" computing phenomenon.
• He was there as Lee Iacocca and Roger Smith, the CEOs of Chrysler and GM, led the robotics revolution that saved the U.S. automotive industry.
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In addition to being a regular guest and panelist on CNBC and Fox Business, he is also a Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer and reporter. His first book Overdrawn: The Bailout of American Savings warned people about the coming financial collapse - years before the word "bailout" became a household word.

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Michael is 100% independent and receives absolutely no compensation from companies he writes about. His ideas are completely his own.

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