how many states have recreational marijuana
How Many States Have Recreational Marijuana Laws?
If you are looking for an answer to the question, how many states have recreational marijuana laws, then you’ve come to the right place. A bipartisan pair of state senators announced in February that they would introduce legislation legalizing cannabis. If you’re wondering how many states have legalized marijuana, keep reading for details. It’s possible that you’ve been living in a state that prohibits the drug for medicinal use. sign up for medical marijuana card online jefferson county ny
New Jersey, for example, has been close to legalizing cannabis for adults for years. A medical marijuana law was passed by Governor John Corzine in 2010 but Republican Governor Chris Christie stalled it in 2011 by raising the bar and narrowing the list of qualifying conditions. However, incoming Gov. Phil Murphy expanded the law in 2018 and the law now has thirteen dispensaries serving the roughly 100,000 patients registered in New Jersey. This law has been successful in lowering the penalties for underage marijuana use and alcohol use.
New Mexico, meanwhile, is expected to legalize marijuana in 2021. The Cannabis Regulation Act will take effect on June 29. Adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants at home and possess up to two ounces of flower and 16 grams of extract. Home-growing of cannabis is permitted as long as there is a legal dispensary nearby. Retail sales are expected to begin in April 2022. If you’re thinking about becoming a marijuana legalizer, keep in mind that it’s not as easy as you might think.
In December, Virginia became the first southern state to legalize marijuana. With the passage of the law, adults over 21 can share marijuana with friends and family. Virginia has also legalized home-cultivation of up to four plants. It must be concealed in the home and tagged with the grower’s information. Commercial production and retail sales will not start until 2024 in Virginia. And, despite the fact that the federal government legalized marijuana, the state has not yet made it official.
Currently, only two states have legalized recreational marijuana. Alaska, Colorado, and Washington have legalized home-growing. However, most states have banned home-growing, which is prohibited except for medical purposes. In addition, adults 21 and older can possess up to an ounce of usable marijuana, up to six plants, and transfer these plants to another adult without any monetary exchange. As of November 2020, Arizona will also legalize home-grown marijuana for recreational use.
In November, voters in Colorado passed Proposition 1 and Montana voted to legalize recreational cannabis for adults over 21. While marijuana is still illegal for adults under age in both states, in Montana, adults can possess one ounce of flower or eight grams of THC concentrates in a home or vehicle. Retail sales will not start until 2022, though. However, conservative lawmakers are trying to water down Initiative 190 to make it difficult for people to legally purchase the drug.