What is cannabis? Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or ganja, is a plant from the Cannabaceae family. The leaves and flowers of this plant are used to produce hemp fiber and seed oil for food byproducts. In addition to its use in industrial products, cannabis has been found to have medical benefits when prescribed by a doctor for different ailments, including anxiety disorders and chronic pain.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of states legalizing cannabis, so the laws and regulations are changing all over the United States. With more and more states legalizing cannabis in some form or another, it can be hard to keep track of just what is legal and what is not. Here we will outline the basic cannabis laws and regulations, so you can stay informed and up to date. Read this article to find out more!
Where Can I Use It Legally?
Cannabis is allowed for recreational use in 18 states, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. It is now legal in 13 more states, as well as the US Virgin Islands. With the exception of the District of Columbia, commercial distribution of cannabis has been permitted in all areas where possession has been legalized. Except for Washington State and New Jersey, all of these jurisdictions allow personal growth for recreational use. However, if you want to keep track of the legalities of cannabis in your state, it is important to find a reliable source for marijuana news that keeps you up to date. Changes are happening from day to day, so it is important to stay informed.
How Much Can I Possess?
This is also an important question to keep in mind before you head out and buy marijuana. Possession limits vary considerably by state, with some only allowing the possession of up to one ounce at a time. Other states allow for more free movement with an individual’s personal use of cannabis. As with many US states, the laws are different for medical marijuana users compared to recreational uses, allowing for more personal possession among those people who have received a doctor’s prescription for use. States such as West Virginia, for example, will still require patients to obtain a WV medical marijuanas card when looking for cannabis as an alternative to traditional medicine.
You can now produce cannabis for recreational and/or medical purposes in 18 states (including Washington, D.C.), however, you can only grow it in eight states if you’re not a medical cannabis patient.
Where Can I Buy It?
Purchase of cannabis is done through privately run dispensaries in most states, though prices can vary widely from location to location. Marijuana laws and regulations require that all purchases go through a licensed dispensary — buying it on the streets, also known as ‘dabbing,’ is not allowed and could lead to you facing serious legal consequences and/or getting robbed.
Medical marijuana patients have another option for purchasing cannabis products, as many dispensaries specialize in specific strains of marijuana designed to treat different medical conditions. In addition, some states allow patients to grow their own plants at home.
Where Can It Be Consumed?
Most US states that have legalized marijuana have not allowed public consumption due to the potential dangers surrounding second-hand smoke and general public health. It is for this reason that you will not find cannabis cafés where people can use marijuana in the traditional sense of smoking it. However, there are several options available to those who want to consume marijuana without having to worry about offending others. This includes vape pens and edibles, which are completely legal under most US states’ laws and regulations.
The Future of Marijuana Regulations in the US
As more and more states begin to legalize marijuana in some form, it has led many people to wonder if there will ever be a federal law that makes it legal nationwide. There is no precedent for this type of legislation, but current trends suggest that there could come a day when you can buy cannabis in any state. However, this will remain a pipe dream until there is more widespread consensus on the dangers and benefits of marijuana consumption.
As marijuana laws and regulations continue to change all over the United States, it can be hard to keep track of just what is legal and what is not. In this article, we have outlined the basic cannabis laws and regulations in the US, so you can stay informed. It is important to remember that these laws are constantly changing.
