in what states is marijuana legal
In What States Is Marijuana Legal?
The number of states where marijuana is legal has steadily risen over the past decade. Last year, New York became the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana, though retail sales will not be allowed until late 2022 or later. All states on this list already legalized marijuana for medical purposes prior to enacting full legalization, and the number of states that have allowed recreational use is expected to continue to rise. Whether marijuana is legal or not will ultimately depend on your preferences. if you have a medical marijuana card in ny can you grow pot
While the state of Arkansas has made the use of marijuana illegal, it is not illegal for people 21 and older to carry a small amount. In fact, the state allows for a person to carry marijuana in their possession up to one ounce. Possession of this small amount is still punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to six years in prison. However, growing a small amount is illegal and punishable by a $2,500 fine.
Although Vermont was late to the party, the Garden State joined the cannabis club last year, and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission is still getting its sea legs. As of late 2019, it is expected that retail marijuana will hit the shelves there by 2022. The District of Columbia has also begun accepting applications for retail licenses. While regulating cannabis in the state, Michigan has already allowed retail sales for recreational and medical use. However, a proposed budget from Congress could keep the ban on recreational sales in the District.
In Colorado, the use of marijuana has become legal for recreational use, with a 40 million tax revenue fund created to build public schools. While Colorado has legalized recreational marijuana, there are still no social equity measures in place, so the state remains a work in progress. While Colorado’s marijuana industry is largely white, Governor Jared Polis recently signed a bill to establish a social equity program to fund the construction of public schools.
In Arizona, a ballot initiative passed in 1996 declared that doctors could write prescriptions for medical cannabis. Although federal law prohibits prescribing cannabis, doctors are often more willing to issue referrals and recommendations for medical marijuana. It’s important to note that the state’s law does not apply to hemp cultivation or CBD products. The only difference between marijuana and hemp is whether it is smoked or non-smoking. A conviction for possession of two ounces of bud will result in up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Connecticut, like other states, is close to legalizing marijuana. The governor has promised a referendum on the issue, and the law is expected to pass. The bill would legalize cannabis for recreational use for adults 21 and older. Recreational cannabis will be legal for adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, while growing and dispensing the herb will be illegal. Connecticut’s medical marijuana dispensaries currently serve around 37,000 patients.