Recreational marijuana was legalized in these states after midterm elections 

Voters in Missouri and Maryland voted on Tuesday to legalize recreational marijuana, making the drug now legal in 21 states across the nation. 

Voters in Maryland overwhelmingly voted to approve the legalization of marijuana, with 65.5% of voters supporting the change and two-thirds of the votes counted, reported Fox News. 

Maryland’s ballot included the question: "Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?"

The law, which will allow those 21 and older to consume marijuana recreationally, is set to start in July 2023. Additionally, the measure is also making criminal changes in the law, particularly for those who have been jailed or convicted of cannabis possession. 

Missouri approved the legalization of recreational marijuana with 53% of voter support. The ballot asked voters if they would remove bans on the "purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacture, and sale of marijuana for personal use for adults over the age of twenty-one."

Individuals 21 or older will now be able to use recreational cannabis in Missouri. The state will expunge past arrest and conviction records for nonviolent marijuana-related offenses. The initiative in the state also includes imposing a 6% retail tax on marijuana products. 

Other places, however, voted against legalizing recreational marijuana. Arkansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota voted to reject the measure, with the latter being the second time in four years that voters have rejected the proposals, according to Associated Press counts.  

Before Tuesday’s elections, 19 states, the District of Columbia, and two other U.S. territories had legalized recreational marijuana.