what states is marijuana legal for recreational weed
What States Is Marijuana Legal For Recreational Weed?
Marijuana has become more potent over the years. In some states, it’s now legal to purchase marijuana for personal use from licensed dispensaries. But in other states, it’s not. Some have banned home-grown weed for recreational use. To make the process of buying marijuana easier, read on to find out what states have legalized recreational weed. You can also check out the laws for the states where marijuana is legal for medical use. i have medical marijuana card where do i get in ny
In the first step toward legalizing recreational cannabis, Colorado paved the way. Several states soon followed. After the 2016 presidential election, four states legalized recreational marijuana. Another four will follow suit on Election Day 2020. Other states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use include New York and Vermont. Connecticut is a candidate to join the ranks. However, it’s unclear whether it’ll make it through to the ballot this year.
As of June 2021, 18 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Eighteen states have made this legal, and the District of Columbia has legalized pot for medicinal use. Another eight have decriminalized marijuana usage. For a first-time offender, violating recreational marijuana laws means a fine. Currently, roughly 40 percent of Americans live in jurisdictions that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Despite the legal status of marijuana, it remains illegal for adults under 21 to possess an ounce of weed. This means that adult citizens can also gift a single ounce to a friend or family member. Marijuana is still illegal in public places, but in some states it has been decriminalized. Moreover, it is still illegal to use marijuana in public places, including bars and restaurants.
Colorado, for example, has a medical marijuana program. But the Marijuana Policy Project ranks it as one of the strictest in the country. There are few places to buy recreational weed, and the majority of individuals with official ID cards do so. However, even a small amount can land you in jail and cost you up to $2,500. Moreover, according to the ACLU, enforcement is disproportionately affecting black citizens.
As legalization of marijuana becomes a priority, lawmakers will need to pass legislation in order to make it a reality. In July, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a draft bill aimed at legalizing marijuana on a federal level. The bill also contains provisions to expunge criminal records for nonviolent marijuana offenses and fund social programs in communities most impacted by overpolicing. Despite this, the bill will face a much tougher battle in the upper house.