2012 United States Virgin Islands hemp referendum

2012 United States Virgin Islands hemp referendum

6 November 2012
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?
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 4,559 57.47% No 3,374 42.53% Valid votes 7,933 27.70% Invalid or blank votes 20,710 72.30% Total votes 28,643 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 49,886 57.42%

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.

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.

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.