[Parmy]

noun, plural referendums, referenda [ref-uh-ren-duh] (Show IPA) 1. the principle or practice of referring measures proposed or passed by a legislative body, head of state, etc., to the vote of the electorate for approval or rejection. Compare initiative (def 4a). 2. a measure thus referred. 3. a vote on such a measure.

Cutting through the mumbo-jumbo, the politicians did allow legalization by punting with the referendum process so that they could have cover when things go wrong.

Our family had a member of the legislature who was pushing for the legalization of pot while he was in office. So, the idea was around for a long time before it ever went to a vote by the people.

And the money was the real reason. But thrown aside was all the data about damage to the brain, etc. The mantra was that everyone was doing it so it should be made legal and not criminalized.

[Ken H]

Politicians didn’t “allow” anything. The referendum process was already in the state constitutions where it’s been legalized.

Politicians in the Swamp love the war on drugs.