With the question of legality always looming over cannabis as a substance, it is hard to determine the extent to which this legality stretches. Therefore, this article aims to discuss in what states weed is legal. And with that, we would understand the connotation of legality and what it means.
Legality & Weed
Weed has always had a troubled relationship with the law.
However, ever since Biden’s October proclamation in 2022, there has been a drastic change in the federal government’s attitude toward cannabis.
Therefore, to understand legality effectively, let us look at the legal status of cannabis across some of the major states of America.
Legal Status Of Marijuana According To States
The legal status of cannabis is something that is a fairly contentious topic that needs some analysis. This means that individuals who possess weed can only do so under specified conditions.
Colorado
A single individual can grow up to around six plants, and each household can grow up to 12 plants, regardless of the number of residences. But you are not allowed to smoke or consume weed in public. This is a place where weed is legal but in a controlled manner.
Washington
Anyone above the age of 21 is cleared to possess marijuana in specific quantities. If you are of legal age, you can possess an ounce of weed, 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquid products, 7 grams of concentrates, and 16 ounces of edible.
California
Similar to Colorado, California is a place where anybody above the age of 21 is allowed to possess, purchase, or give away upto an ounce of marijuana.
Read Also: Exploring The Legality Of Weed In Miami: What You Need To Know
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, legalized weed can only be found in medical dispensaries that are specifically cleared by the state to possess and sell weed.
Michigan
Unlike most states on the list, this is a state that exclusively accepts the recreational usage of marijuana. Similar to most other states, Michigan allows anybody above the age of 21 to possess, distribute, and grow marijuana but in a controlled manner. The metrics of the following are most similar to what we have observed in most other states till now.
New Jersey
This was among the four new states that unanimously decided to legalize marijuana.
New York
On March 31st, the Governor of the state, Andrew Cuomo, signed the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. This bill allowed anybody above the legal age of 21 to possess 3 ounces for recreational usage. Therefore making things easier for medical as well as recreational usage.
Virginia
Even a few days back, Virginia was staunch against Marijuana usage in any shape or form. However, after the state government passed the bill on April 7, 2021, citizens who are above the age of 21 are allowed to possess around 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational usage. However, the state is still in the process of legalizing the substance completely. Therefore, the state has yet to establish any distribution network. Hence, there are no legal dispensaries that distribute marijuana according to legal guidelines.
Connecticut
Another state where cannabis is legal for recreational use for anyone above the age of 21. In January 2023, the retail of cannabis actually began.
Minnesota
On May 30th, 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize cannabis usage under federal guidelines. Hence, making it a revolutionary decision
The Final Thought
So this was a concise list of ‘what states is weed legal.’ In other words, these were the places where marijuana is legal for recreational as well as for medicinal purposes. But as explained repeatedly, none of the states have made any moves that provide absolute legality to cannabis and cannabis. The legality comes with a sense of restriction that the government feels is necessary.
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