There are three new legal marijuana states in the United States. This is a big step in the fight for legalization. Virginia, Connecticut, and South Dakota are the states that passed laws to make marijuana legal in their territory. In the case of the first two, it is authorized for recreational use. While in South Dakota, it is authorized for medicinal use. Undoubtedly, it is a giant step in the legalization of marijuana in the United States.
The U.S. House of Representatives gave half-sanction to the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Elimination Act), with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as a sponsor. The bill seeks to remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act. Also, provide funding through social equity programs for individuals and communities directly affected by the war on drugs.
The December 4 vote was a historic step in the fight for the legalization of marijuana. The approval of the Senate, which has a Republican majority, remains pending. With a Republican majority, it will be challenging to get the law enacted. Although several states already allow legal access to medical cannabis and others legal access to recreational cannabis, federal legislation to protect people’s rights and provide tools to boost the cannabis industry in the United States is still pending.
If approved, the northern power would put an end to the tensions between federal and state laws. But despite this, there are already three states that have passed laws for the legalization of cannabis. Here is a review of these three states.
Virginia
Virginia on Wednesday became the first state in the southern United States to approve the personal use of small amounts of marijuana for recreational purposes. The Senate and House of Delegates voted to allow adult possession beginning July 1, despite stiff opposition from Republican lawmakers.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement that Virginia “made history as the first state in the South to legalize simple possession of marijuana. “Those 21 and older can legally possess (28.3 grams) cannabis for recreational use. This would be something like growing up to four plants per household. Consumption in public is not allowed. Permits to produce and sell cannabis for commercial purposes will not begin until July 1, 2024.
Connecticut
The state of Connecticut legalized marijuana and created a website with all the information. The site has everything from basic information about the law that went into effect on July 1. Also, it has resources for potential marijuana-related businesses.
The law allows adults to possess up to 42.5 grams of marijuana. Adults can have this amount in closed containers such as a vehicle trunk. Other parts of the law will not come into effect until approximately 2022. State officials encourage residents to check the site regularly for updates on various provisions of the sweeping new law.
The Social Equity Council will be charged with overseeing the verification of “equity applicants. “This is for marijuana-related licenses. The Council will seek to create new programs to support cannabis businesses. In addition to managing the state’s investment of pot tax revenues in communities harmed by the national war on drugs.
South Dakota
South Dakota stands out as the first state in the country to simultaneously legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational use. After South Dakota’s voting body passed Measure 26 (for the medical cannabis market), it also supported Amendment A. This legalizes the use of recreational cannabis, with 53.5% in favor and 46.5% opposed.
Scenario In Other States
In the United States, the medical use of marijuana is legal in 29 states. However, the situation changes if we talk about its recreational and recreational use. There are only nine states that allow the cultivation, consumption, and trade of this natural product. The most recent addition is Vermont. To these nine states, we must add the three new states that you already know. Here is a review of each of these nine extras.
In 2018, California legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. The marijuana market is quite productive in that state. In 2016 there was an investment of 6.6 billion dollars, and the number is increasing year by year. Another example is Colorado, where growing and selling marijuana is legal, and since 2014, licenses have been granted to different companies to sell the product. However, this sale must only be made to minors under 21, and consumption on public roads is illegal.
Let’s See a More Specific Lists of These States
- Alaska
In 2015, the recreational use of the substance was legalized for those over 21 years of age. People can carry up to 28 grams. However, without the corresponding permits, it is still illegal to sell and consume it in public. It was in 2016 when the first opened the first store selling the product.
- Colorado
In this region of the United States, recreational use of this substance has been legal since 2012. substance since 2012. It must not be smoked or consumed in public, nor there be a sale or exchange of this substance in public since it is considered a crime.
- Maine
You can carry up to 70 grams of marijuana according to the law; however, it is illegal to buy or trade it.
- Oregon
As of 2015, a recreational marijuana use permit was added. In addition, residents of this region of the USA can grow up to five plants. Smoking in public is illegal. Edible products containing marijuana may be given as gifts as long as they are consumed in private.
- Nevada
Citizens over the age of 21 can grow their plants as long as they are more than 21 years old. Residents of the state can also grow their marijuana plants if they are more than 40 kilometers from an official store. People can carry up to 28 grams of marijuana or 3.5 grams of edibles as long as they have been purchased privately. In the case of edibles, as long as they have been acquired in certified stores.
- California
Although marijuana cannot be traded between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 a.m., the sale and consumption of the substance have been legal since January 1, 2018. Marijuana for medicinal uses had been legal since 1996 in that state.
- Washington
It is one of the states with the highest number of legal marijuana sales legal. However, people can cultivate it only for medical purposes.
- Washington D.C.
In 2014, the U.S. capital approved the recreational use of this drug. According to the law, citizens can carry up to 56 grams and give away a maximum of 28 grams.
- Massachusetts
In this entity, families can grow up to 12 plants. The citizens can carry up to 28 grams of the product.
