What’s the Latest on Marijuana Legalization in the United States?

While federal marijuana legalization is still pending, an increased number of states have legalized this drug for recreation and medicinal use. This legalization trend coincides with a dramatic increase in Americans supporting cannabis legalization, which has favored most of the supporters.

A survey shows that about nine in ten Americans favor marijuana legalization. 91% favor medicinal marijuana, while 60% are pushing for medical and recreational marijuana legalization.

Keep reading to find out where marijuana is legal and where it is still illegal in the US.

How to Acquire Marijuana Legally in the United States

Although medical marijuana is legal in most states, you are expected to have a card to purchase the drug from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary. The card allows you to buy and use cannabis for a range of illnesses without facing civil and criminal penalties at the federal level.

If you are wondering how to get a medical marijuana card, there are many online resources on the same. Look for a reliable provider for fast approval and to avoid scammers. Click for marijuana card and to learn more on how to use it.

Which States Are Onboard With Marijuana Legalization Trend?

On 2012 Election Day, voters in Colorado endorsed a movement to legalize the use and sale of marijuana for recreation. This made Colorado the first state in the US to legalize cannabis.

Since then, a rising number of states have been hopping on this trend, despite cannabis being unlawful at the federal level. Today, the debate on marijuana legalization has become a top discussion topic, with Democratic politicians and some Republicans backing up the idea.

Eighteen states have already legalized cannabis, with more expected to do so before the end of 2021. Besides Colorado, where is marijuana legal?

Washington, DC

The marijuana legalization bill was approved in November 2014, allowing individuals over 21 to buy and possess 2 ounces of marijuana. Furthermore, adults can grow marijuana at home, but with a limit of six plants.

The sale of recreational marijuana is illegal in DC. Therefore, the possession of this drug in this state depends on gifting services until retailers are licensed and approved to sell.

Massachusetts

Individuals over 21 can possess one ounce of marijuana outside the home and ten ounces of cannabis at home. Moreover, they can grow up to six marijuana plants.

Oregon

Following the legalization of marijuana in Oregon in November 2014, adults over 21 can possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis at home and 1 ounce in public. Also, they can grow up to four marijuana plants but are not allowed to use the drug in public. Retail dispensaries are licensed and taxed.

Michigan

Marijuana has been legal in Michigan since November 2018. Adults over 21 are allowed to possess, consume and grow up to 12 plants. The state operates licensed marijuana dispensaries dealing with recreational cannabis and provision centers for medicinal marijuana.

Illinois

Marijuana has been legal in Illinois since mid-2019. And as of 2020, adults over 21 can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and 5 grams of potent marijuana edibles and liquids containing 500mg of THC.

If you are not an Illinois resident, you can possess half of the amount. It is illegal to consume cannabis in public.

Vermont

Marijuana in Vermont was legalized in January 2018. The law allows residents to possess and grow up to 4 immature marijuana plants, but it is illegal to buy or sell the drug.

However, this is expected to change before the end of 2022 after retailers receive licenses to sell marijuana.

Alaska

Adults over 21 in this state can possess an ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants. You cannot use marijuana in public.

California

Individuals over 21 can buy or give away at most one ounce of cannabis and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana. They can also grow up to six cannabis plants but cannot use cannabis in public. The state has approved licensing of retail dispensaries.

Virginia

Virginia is among the recent states to legalize cannabis. As of July 2021, Virginians could possess an ounce of recreational marijuana and grow up to four cannabis plants. However, the bill on licensing retail sales is yet to be established.

Arizona

It is legal to use, possess and plant marijuana in Arizona as long as you are over 21 years. You cannot smoke cannabis in public, and you can acquire it from a licensed dispensary.

New Jersey

Only individuals over 21 can possess and use cannabis in New Jersey. A bill establishing the marijuana recreational marketplace came into effect in February 2021 to allow legal sale and purchase of the drug.

Connecticut

As of July 1, 2021, adults aged 21 and above can possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational marijuana and additional five ounces at home. However, retail sales regulations are still on hold until summer 2022.

Maine

Adults in Main can possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to 6 mature and 12 immature plants. The licensed retail market has been operational since October 2020.

Guam

Adults aged 21 and above can use and possess an ounce of marijuana. They can also grow up to three immature and three mature cannabis plants.

The sale of cannabis in this state is illegal until the trading guidelines are enacted. But individuals can gift each other.

New Mexico

The law allows adults over 21 to possess and grow marijuana plants at home. However, licensed dispensaries will not be operational until April 2022.

Understand Marijuana Legalization Trends in the U.S. to Avoid Getting in Trouble With the Law

It will help if you understand the marijuana legalization trends in your state before rushing to possess and use the product. Note that some states have legalized marijuana for medical use only. So, if you intend to use it for recreation, confirm with your state law to avoid penalties.

Keep scrolling down our articles for more news and trends.