which states have legalized recreational marijuana
Which States Have Legalized Recreational Marijuana?
If you’re wondering which states have legalized recreational marijuana, look no further. In recent years, the country has been awash with news of marijuana’s legalization. New York, Colorado, Washington, Rhode Island, and Vermont have all legalized marijuana for recreational use. Nevertheless, some conservative states are resisting the idea. For instance, South Dakota is not among the states where recreational marijuana has been legalized, and its conservative state legislature has been resistant to the idea of cannabis legalization. how to get medical marijuana card in ny online
While recreational marijuana is legal in all of these jurisdictions, medical use of marijuana remains illegal in many of them. Only eight states have enacted laws specifically for medical marijuana, while the remaining 39 have legalized the drug for recreational use. Despite the sluggish rollout of retail shops, there are a few exceptions. For example, Massachusetts has a long history of legislating social trends. The state banned tattooing until 2000 and banned Sunday booze sales before noon. While Massachusetts legalized marijuana in 2016, retail sales didn’t begin until July 1, 2018 and have been slow to come. As of October, only 77 recreational dispensaries had opened.
Despite the fact that the legalization of recreational marijuana is still controversial, it is a major step in the right direction. Colorado passed a ballot initiative legalizing the sale of marijuana in 2012. The law imposed in this state has led to a $40 million tax revenue for the public schools and has even raised tens of millions for the state’s fund. Unfortunately, there are still no social equity measures in Colorado’s marijuana laws, which make the industry so white. However, Governor Jared Polis has signed a bill that will create a social equity program, which will help provide loans for the most impoverished communities affected by the drug war.
Although New Jersey and Washington were the first to legalize recreational marijuana, other states followed suit. In the 2020 elections, New Jersey and Arizona voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use. South Dakota also has a medical marijuana ballot measure, but its recreational cannabis law was struck down by the state Supreme Court last year. This year, it is back on the ballot in the state. In the US, all but 11 states have legalized medical marijuana. In addition, decriminalization of marijuana has gained momentum and the House passed a bill that would legalize marijuana for recreational use.
Washington joined Colorado in legalizing recreational marijuana in 2016 and has a long history of medical cannabis use. As of October 2017, Colorado has more marijuana dispensaries than McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Starbucks put together. The new law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. As of May 2022, Connecticut will begin operating a commercial marijuana industry. The state will provide financial and technical training to those interested in this industry. Additionally, a significant portion of the tax revenue generated from the sales of marijuana will be invested back into communities impacted by the War on drugs.
Last November, voters in Montana passed a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana. This law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of flower, up to eight grams of THC concentrate, and to cultivate up to six plants at home. However, dispensaries will not be open until 2022. Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers are working to water down Initiative 190 and complicate the licensing system. They’re also working to keep criminal convictions from affecting the industry.