States Where Cannabis is Legal

The legalization of cannabis has been an influential trend courtesy of its medicinal and economic benefits. Here, we tell you about some states on the frontline in the legalization process.

Although cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, several states have been reviewing their laws to accommodate it. Over 20 states have decriminalized it, and several are looking at the implications of the product for adult and medicinal use.

There is no shortage of online material to educate the public on the good side of the plant from AskGrowers and other sites, and this information may be responsible for the changing perception of people on weed. The economic benefits reaped by states that have positively reviewed marijuana legality is now a major enticement for those still on the fence. 

History of Cannabis

Cannabis has been in use for centuries as it comes from a naturally occurring plant. When people realized it could be used for medicinal purposes, it became introduced as a medicine to treat patients with chronic disorders. The product worked for the patients till the side effects became something to rethink, thus leading to the introduction of regulatory laws. Cannabis Sativa can be propagated and grown for commercial use as states consider legalizing its use for public consumption. 

List of States Where Cannabis is Legal

A person may ask, where is cannabis legal? There is a positive answer to the question since there are states that have taken states to make cannabis legal. Here’s a list of states that have legalized marijuana.

1. California

2. Alaska

3. Alabama

4. Arizona

5. Arkansas

6. Delaware

7. Colorado

8. Illinois

9. Louisiana

10. Connecticut

11. Florida

12. Montana

13. New Mexico

14. New York

15. West Virginia

16. Virginia

17. Washington

18. Vermont

19. Utah

20. South Dakota

21. New Hampshire

22. Maryland

23. Maina

24. Massachusetts

There are also districts that have territories such as Puerto Rico, Columbia, Northern Mariana Island, and Guam that have legalized marijuana.

The Law Governing Weed 

There are laws in place to remove doubt from people who may ask, is weed legal? The united states of America assimilated federalism, which respects the independence of states as long as they abide by the federal constitution. The states are given the power to curve their own laws depending on the needs and preferences of the citizens. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 acknowledges the lack of acceptable medicinal use but the high potency of addiction to marijuana. Afterward, in 2013. The Cole Memorandum differed from the act allowing regulation of marijuana use, but it allows state authorities to curve their own laws to address marijuana use.

California is one of the states that have stood out in the process of legalizing marijuana use and commercializing marijuana plantations. The popularity and influence of California make it the reference point when talking about the use of marijuana since it enacted the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, which allowed cannabis use for medicinal and adult recreational use. The law is strict since there is an age limit of 21 years for people who would want to use cannabis for recreational purposes. Businesses that plant and process cannabis for profit have regulations to follow to enhance packaging, handling, safety, and prevent misuse. 

Currently, California is experiencing a booming weed market as there are several consumers, and other states are assimilating legalization laws. Since there are already established farms and processing plants, the state has capitalized on making the products available for distribution. Also, there are diverse ways in which weed occurs in the market as producers think of ways of satisfying consumers and meeting up with the demand. 

Colorado and Washington passed the legalization bill in 2012 and imposed an age restriction of 21 years for personal use and production. There is also a restriction put on people using weed and thinking of driving as the law assimilates a DUI policy. The law governing the use and production of marijuana in Colorado is more liberal since people can continue with planting and processing even if unlicensed. Since it is a lucrative business, a strict tax policy traces financial statements leading to the ultimate reimbursement of state fees. Failure to follow the state laws in the states will lead to consequential punishments.

The business reports and trends depict a scenario where the use of marijuana would be profitable. Since most states want a growing economy, the move to legalize weed became something to think about. Despite the befits the product has, the states face challenges in its effects on the citizens. The laws put in place affects various industries, including the health sector, which is a priority for the government. With increased mental health concerns, the use of marijuana should face restrictions. Even the medical practitioner acknowledges careful and precise administration of drugs with marijuana.

That is why in many states, such as West Virginia, you need to obtain a West Virginia medical card to freely purchase medical marijuana for health purposes.

Benefits of Cannabis

The use of cannabis started when people recognized it has benefits to the human body. With the increased use of technology, increased mechanizations have implemented the extraction of products from marijuana. For people who feel stressed, marijuana is there to help relieve stress and bring a good feeling. Cannabis brings relaxation after consumption leading to tension relief. A person can stay focused after using marijuana, thus leading to the accomplishment of tasks.

Marijuana has the power to reduce vomiting, nausea, and inflammation and is prescribed to patients that have undergone chemotherapy. The problem with marijuana is that it is abused, leading to addiction. There are instances when addicts go insane.

Conclusion

The legalization of weed is a trendy process that states are rethinking and actualizing through passing relevant laws. There are 24 states have legalized the production, processing, and use of marijuana, thus shaping the country’s market, economy, and health policies. The federal government allows states to curve their laws to limit, prohibit and restrict drug use. The question of whether cannabis is legal is now settled as some states have allowed medicinal and recreational use of the product.

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