what states are marijuana legal in

What States Are Marijuana Legal in?

So, what states are marijuana legal in? Currently, there are medical cannabis programs in 36 states and recreational cannabis laws in 16. While the West Coast has led the charge on legalizing the drug, other regions like New England and the southern United States have followed suit. In the past few years, red states like Colorado and Washington state have seen a large tax windfall from legal cannabis and have avoided prosecution for non-violent drug users. medical marijuana card in binghamton ny

The first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use was Colorado, which passed a ballot initiative in 2012 and established a recreational marijuana market. It has generated tens of millions of dollars for public schools. However, the state still has no social equity measures and a majority of marijuana retail stores are white. Nevertheless, Colorado’s governor has recently signed a bill to establish a social equity program, which will provide loans to communities that have been hit by the war on drugs.

One of the most conservative states in the country, South Dakota, voted to legalize recreational cannabis in 2016. The state’s voters approved the recreational measure by a wide margin, but Republican Governor Krisi Noem sued to overturn the law. Despite the legality of recreational use, South Dakota residents remain skeptical. The state’s highest court ruled that the legislation is invalid on technical grounds. It is now unclear how legal marijuana will affect the state’s economy.

In February 2021, Virginia became the first Old South state to legalize weed for recreational use. As of July 1, 2021, adults can possess an ounce or less of weed for personal use. Recreational marijuana retailers may not be licensed until 2024, but medical marijuana dispensaries began operations this fall. Until last month, however, smokable marijuana was illegal in Virginia, but a new bill has now been passed to allow patients access to flower.

While Colorado is a heavily Democratic state, it has not yet made marijuana legal for recreational use. The state recently decriminalized possession of three grams of cannabis, although the bill that legalized home cultivation has not yet passed. Meanwhile, a similar bill in the state House committee in February was approved by the legislature. The legislation was defeated by Democratic Governor David Ige, who cited the federal Schedule I designation for cannabis. So, what states are marijuana legal in?

Vermont became the first state to legalize marijuana for adult use. Adults over 21 can now possess one ounce of flower or five grams of THC concentrate, but selling it is still illegal. However, the state is rushing to develop a legal retail market for marijuana. It has also passed a tax-and-regulate bill that will allow the legalization of cannabis. It’s expected to be in full swing by early 2022.

North Carolina has strict cannabis laws. Possession of even half an ounce is considered a misdemeanor. In a recent poll, a majority of respondents supported legalizing the drug for medicinal purposes. In the meantime, the state does not have medical cannabis laws but does allow hemp and CBD. However, it is still illegal to grow or sell marijuana in Tennessee. In North Carolina, it is still illegal to grow cannabis, but it is legal to sell hemp and CBD.