what states legalized marijuana
What States Legalized Marijuana?
In the early months of 2021, Arizona legalized recreational marijuana sales, paving the way for other states to follow suit. After settling the rules of the industry and issuing licenses to dispensaries, the state began selling marijuana immediately. The fast-paced rollout allowed companies that had previously only served the medical market to take a chance on the recreational market. California, the nation’s first medical marijuana state, legalized medical marijuana in 1996. Its legalization made carrying up to an ounce of marijuana illegal, but it also paved the way for other states to follow. medical marijuana card ny laws
Proposition 205, a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, failed in Arizona by two percent. The state has historically been a Republican state, but passed medical marijuana laws in 1996. Pollsters predicted that Proposition 205 would pass with a slight majority. The proposed taxation on recreational marijuana was fifteen percent. The money would go to the Marijuana Fund, and sales would benefit public schools and health departments.
Recreational marijuana will become legal in Connecticut on June 22nd, according to a bill signed by Governor Ned Lamont. The law allows people over 21 to own up to an ounce of marijuana, while a small amount may be smoked or consumed. Retail sales won’t begin until summer 2022, but it’s expected that prior low-level marijuana offenses will be expunged. The new state laws will allow for the expansion of small businesses, but they will take years to reach their full potential.
Massachusetts is a great example of a state that legalized recreational marijuana. It passed a law legalizing up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana for adults. The state also plans to tax the drug, adding 3.75 percent to existing federal and state taxes. Local governments may add an additional two percent on top of that. As the legalization of marijuana expands, so will the taxation of marijuana. If you’re interested in legalizing recreational marijuana, consider using the interactive map at DISA.
There are many states where recreational marijuana is legal. These include Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, North Dakota, and New Mexico. The laws regarding consumption of marijuana vary by state, and there are many restrictions on driving. However, many states do allow home cultivation, and that’s also something that makes marijuana legal in some of these states. Just be sure that you follow the laws in each state.
While the majority of states have legalized recreational marijuana, a handful of conservative states still refuse to approve the idea. The federal government has the final say on marijuana on a national scale, but states only have limited authority on the subject. Ultimately, the federal government is responsible for removing marijuana from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and allowing it to be used recreationally. The federal law places marijuana in the same category as drugs like heroin and cocaine.
On Election Day 2020, New Jersey became one of four new states to approve recreational marijuana. Voters approved the measure by 67%, limiting its use to adults over the age of 21. The legalization law also authorizes the medical cannabis commission to oversee the recreational market. Additionally, the trade of marijuana and alcohol is subject to state taxes. The legalization of marijuana is expected to change the laws governing the industry. So, if you’re a legal pot user in New Jersey, you can rejoice in this historic victory.