how many states have legalized recreational marijuana

How Many States Have Legalized Recreational Marijuana?

So how many states have legalized recreational marijuana? By June 2021, 18 states and Washington, D.C. will be able to legally sell and consume marijuana. Currently, twelve states have passed laws legalizing recreational marijuana use, including Colorado and Washington. Six other states have made marijuana use decriminal, but not fully. While it is still illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, first-time offenders are not subject to jail time. By the end of the decade, about 40% of Americans will be living in states that have legalized recreational marijuana. qualifying conditions for medical marijuana card in ny

As marijuana has become more potent over the years, it’s no surprise that the state’s government has implemented regulations and taxes to support the industry. Sales are taxed based on the THC content, so marijuana with more than 35% THC will cost you 25% of the total price, while marijuana with less than 35% THC will cost you only 10% of its retail value. Additionally, local municipalities can levy up to 3% of sales taxes. In addition, recreational marijuana use is still illegal in most states, but legalization of recreational use has allowed it to thrive in several states.

Earlier this year, New Jersey voters approved a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana. The law was supposed to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Although marijuana remains illegal under federal law, New Jersey voters approved the law by 67% in November. In addition, this measure limits cannabis use to adults over the age of 21. The new law will authorize sales for adults 21 and older, and it’s expected to be a $5 billion industry by 2025. South Dakota’s legalization measure also made medical marijuana available for the general public. In addition, the state will decriminalize alcohol and marijuana.

While Colorado kicked off the movement, several other states soon followed. After the 2016 election, four states made the decision to legalize marijuana for adult use, with four more likely to follow suit on Election Day 2020. Most recently, New York legalized the drug for adults, and New Mexico and Connecticut are also on the path toward adult use. Despite the challenges, the industry is enjoying a golden year. A number of other states are moving towards legalization, including California, Colorado, and New Mexico.

While many states have legalized recreational marijuana, the District of Columbia remains an exception. The state’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, signed into law in March 2021, legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. Adults may carry up to one ounce of cannabis flower, or grow up to two plants for recreational use. This law did not establish a legal market for marijuana. It will still take years for the entire process to be finalized.

South Dakota recently passed its constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana for adults, allowing adults to possess up to one ounce for personal use or to distribute for medical purposes. However, this measure will not be able to pass the Senate and may never become law. The state’s lawmakers are weighing the pros and cons of legalization and regulating the sale and consumption of marijuana. In the meantime, the House passed a bill to legalize the drug, which has uncertain future. While opponents of the drug say that marijuana poses a public health risk, supporters point to the fact that marijuana is not nearly as dangerous as alcohol.