2012 United States Virgin Islands hemp referendum
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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]
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6 November 2012
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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? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | 4,559 | 57.47 | |
| Against | 3,374 | 42.53 | |
| Total | 7,933 | 100.00 | |
| Valid votes | 7,933 | 27.70 | |
| Invalid/blank votes | 20,710 | 72.30 | |
| Total votes | 28,643 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 49,886 | 57.42 | |
| 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]