- Recreational marijuana is now legal in 10 states while Medical marijuana is legal in another 33 states
- Ten states and Washington DC have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes for adults over 21 years of age while another 33 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes.
- Marijuana prohibition began 80 years ago when the federal government banned selling, cultivating and using of the marijuana plant. This is still illegal at the federal level.
Reversing the ban is one of the few hot topics with broad support. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of US citizens, including 74% of Millennials, want to legalize marijuana.
Last year was also a record year for the legalization of marijuana worldwide. Last October, Canada legalized marijuana at the federal level, becoming the first G7 country to do so. Mexico’s Supreme Court also ruled that marijuana prohibition was unconstitutional, paving the way for the new leader of the country, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to follow Canada’s example.
So here are some more information about the States that marijuana is legal
1. California
- Became the first state to legalize marijuana in 1996.
- Legalized to use and transport an amount that weighs an ounce.
- People over the age of 21 can buy up to eight grams of marijuana concentrates contained in edible products,
- Up to six marijuana plants per household could be grown.
2. Alaska
- Was legalized in 2015
- People over the age of 21 can buy marijuana.
- Possession and transportation of an ounce of marijuana, for recreational purposes, is allowed
- The first weed shop opened at the end of 2016.
- Alaska took the opportunity to gather tourist attraction by legalizing marijuana
3. Maine
- Was legalized in 2016
- Possessing up to 2.5 ounces is legal
- Recreational stores would be open soon in the state
4. Colorado
- Was legalized in 2012
- Has more pot shops than Starbucks and McDonalds combined
- People over the age of 21 can buy up to an ounce of marijuana
5. Nevada
- Was legalized around July 2017
- Residents and tourist 21 years of age and older can buy
- Marijuana tax revenues have risen up to $20 million after the legalization
- To qualify for a producer license, the producer mush live in a range of 25 km of the nearest dispensary
6. Massachusetts
- Was legalized in 2016
- It is legal to grow up to 12 plants at home
- First weed stores were opened last year
7. Oregon
- Was legalized in 2015
- Expected to exceed $ 1 billion in revenue by 2020 in the market
8. Michigan
- Was legalized in 2018
- The first state in the Midwest to legalize marijuana
- Possession of 2.5 ounces is allowed
- Growing up to 12 plants is allowed
9. Washington
- Was legalized in 2012
- Has raised more than $ 1 billion in the sale of non-medical weed
- Carrying up to one ounce is allowed
- To qualify for a producer license, a medical purpose is needed
10. Vermont
- Was legalized this year effecting from July
- Has a limited scope where production and sale is limited
11. Washington D. C.
- Was legalized in November 2014
- Can possess up to 2 ounces and “gift” up to an ounce
New York, New Jersey and Illinois could be next
Information source: .businessinsider.com
