which states is marijuana legal
Which States Is Marijuana Legal?
There are still many questions that surround the question of “in which states is marijuana legal.” Although the plant remains illegal federally, a growing number of states have legalized it, with the most notable examples being Colorado and Washington. But even after legalization of recreational marijuana, some states are still against it. In fact, many marijuana users are afraid of the consequences. So, how do we know when marijuana will be legal? Read on to find out! ny medical marijuana card expiration
In California, medical marijuana became legal in 1996, largely on the back of LGBTQ activists. In 2003, medical marijuana was legalized, and in 2010, non-profit cooperatives allowed for the proliferation of medical marijuana retail stores. In 2016, California voters legalized the substance for adult use, but the high taxes and licensing costs have kept many existing retailers out. Thus, the gray market remains in existence. Fortunately, many legal states are looking to change this.
The state of Delaware is heavily Democratic and has a supermajority in the legislature. Governor John Carney has opposed legalizing marijuana for recreational use. However, there are two bills that passed the state House committee this year. One of the bills would allow medical marijuana for adults to grow plants at home, but the Democratic Governor has opposed these efforts. He cited the federal Schedule I status of the drug. However, it remains legal for adults to possess up to three grams of marijuana.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act is another bill aimed at marijuana legalization. It would make it easier for state-licensed marijuana businesses to access financial services. It was first introduced by Colorado’s Rep. Ed Perlmutter in the 2019 session. He expects the bill to clear the Senate this session, and others will follow. Whether or not marijuana is legal will depend on a variety of factors. If marijuana becomes legal, there will be less reliance on the law in general.
In addition to establishing laws to legalize recreational marijuana, the state also regulates the way marijuana is sold. Maine’s participation rate has steadily increased since it first legalized marijuana in 2003. The rate of use has doubled since then, with adults over 21 being allowed to possess an ounce. It is also illegal for adults to consume marijuana in public, which is one of the biggest barriers to its legalization. However, it’s still illegal to purchase and consume marijuana in other states.
The state of South Dakota recently legalized recreational marijuana. It also allows adult residents to possess and distribute up to an ounce of cannabis. However, sales won’t begin until 2022. The state’s governor signed the bill into law in June. The Illinois legislature passed a marijuana legalization bill in June. The law went into effect on January 1, 2020. But, marijuana will still remain illegal for commercial use until 2022. It’s still not legal for medical use in this state.
As for how it’s classified, possession of up to an ounce of marijuana is still considered a misdemeanor. The first conviction is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of $300. The second and subsequent convictions are also misdemeanors and are punishable by a maximum fine of $500. The third and fourth offenses are both misdemeanors and can get you incarcerated for up to seven days.