In many states, cannabis is illegal to possess and purchase. However, there are still some places in the country where you can legally purchase and consume the plant. Here is a look at some of those states.
Alaska
The laws regarding cannabis in Alaska have come a long way. However, these laws are still in the grey area. They can change through legislation or higher court decisions.
Alaskans can grow a limited number of marijuana plants for personal use. For example, residents over the age of 21 can legally grow six plants at home.
Marijuana is not legal in public places, nor can it be smoked in school yards or playgrounds. Moreover, it is illegal to bring marijuana across state lines. In addition, it is illegal to drive while high.
The first time you are caught driving under the influence of marijuana, you could face a fine of up to $1,500. You may also face jail time. After a second offense, you may face a suspension of your license for up to one year.
In order to get your license back, you must undergo therapy and perform community service. If you fail to do this, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
If you are convicted of a marijuana DUI, you will be subject to a mandatory one-year license suspension. If you are convicted of a third offense, you will be sentenced to up to 120 days in prison and pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Connecticut
The legalization of marijuana in Connecticut may seem like a no-brainer. After all, the state has already been a leader in medical cannabis. In fact, a medical marijuana card is a great way to get your daily dose of weed.
However, the legalization of marijuana in Connecticut comes with a number of nuances. From the licensing process to the zoning laws and other nitty-gritty details, employers and employees alike will need to prepare for the new era of marijuana use in the state.
This year, the state of Connecticut has begun the licensing process for recreational marijuana. A variety of new and existing businesses will be competing for the opportunity to become an adult-use retailer. Many of these businesses are currently on a waiting list for a license. Some have applied to convert to a hybrid model that would allow them to sell both medical and adult-use products.
There are a few different types of licenses available. Disproportionately Impacted Cultivators and Social Equity Retailers are the first two license categories, and they will have a ninety-day application period.
While the new law focuses on the legal, regulatory, and practical aspects of the marijuana industry, it has some limitations. For example, the licensing process is complicated and there are not many businesses ready to jump into the adult-use market yet.
Delaware
If you are considering a move to Delaware, you will be glad to know that the state is not legal for recreational marijuana. However, it is legally permissible for adult patients suffering from certain debilitating conditions to use cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The Office of Medical Marijuana (OMM) has established regulations to regulate medical marijuana. Patients must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition, like cancer or post-traumatic stress disorder. They can purchase cannabis for medical use at a legally licensed dispensary.
There are many ways to obtain a Delaware medical marijuana card. Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, you must complete an application. A criminal background check will be necessary to ensure that you qualify. Your card will expire one year after it is issued.
To be eligible for a card, a patient must be 18 years of age or older and have a qualifying medical condition. Certain qualifying conditions include cancer, seizures, glaucoma, epilepsy, PTSD, or severe pain.
In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card, a patient must also have a physician who is willing to prescribe marijuana to the patient. Medical card holders are required to provide proof of their age and residency.
New Jersey
There is still no legal way to buy, sell or use recreational marijuana in New Jersey. It is illegal to manufacture or grow marijuana in New Jersey, and it is unlawful to take it across state lines. However, it is legal to use, consume and grow medical marijuana in the state.
Lawmakers in New Jersey took a step towards legalizing cannabis on January 16, 2010. A bill was introduced that would authorize the sale of medical and recreational marijuana. This measure has since been signed by Governor Phil Murphy.
The law also aims to reduce penalties for underage possession of marijuana. Previously, the penalties for marijuana use were considered misdemeanors, unless the user was over 21.
According to the New Jersey Attorney General, there has been a reduction in arrests for small-time dealers of marijuana. In fact, the number of people arrested for this offense is down from thousands to fewer than three dozen.
In addition to the decriminalization of marijuana, the state has also eliminated a criminal penalty for using marijuana in private. While some advocates are pushing for smoking lounges in the state, there is no current plan for this.
Under the new law, municipalities will be able to limit where weed can be sold, the amount of time it can be sold, the type of establishments that can be open, and what deliveries can be made. They will also be able to set up civil penalties for violations.
Nevada
Despite legalization of cannabis in Nevada for medical and recreational purposes, the state’s law enforcement officials still treat the drug like a methamphetamine. This has a negative impact on minority communities.
However, in 2019, the state took a major step in the right direction. Governor Steve Sisolak signed into law three notable bills.
In the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, patients must possess a valid certification issued by a certified physician. These cards must be renewed annually. Patients may purchase cannabinoids at several dispensaries.
While the most effective medical marijuana card, if it can be called that, is not yet available in Nevada, it’s still possible to get a card. Applicants must submit an application and a $75 registration fee. The registry is administered by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
The most effective medical marijuana card is one that is approved by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Applicants must undergo a background check to see if they have a history of drug-related crimes.
There are also some state-specific laws to consider. For example, it’s illegal to transport cannabis across state lines. If you’re caught in the act, you might face penalties.
Washington, D.C.
Washington DC is the capital city of the United States. It is also the home of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Air and Space Museum, the Library of Congress, and the National Portrait Gallery. Thousands of documents and artifacts are on display in the Smithsonian. The city’s streets are organized in a grid of wide north-south-trending streets.
The District is divided into four quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. Besides the National Mall, the largest area is the Northwest.
The metro area has a population of 6.3 million. There are three electoral votes in the District. These are used to elect a President of the U.S. During the American Civil War, the District was expanded beyond its original boundaries.
In 1961, the District became eligible to vote for a President. In 2003, the federal government provided 25 percent of the District’s operating budget. This was the second largest net increase behind New York City.
According to the American Religious Identification Survey, 72% of the District’s residents are Christian. The District has the same number of electoral votes as states with smaller populations.
The District is governed by a mayor and a council. The council is made up of thirteen members. They work through special committees and standing committees.
Washington State
If you are a legal resident in Washington state, you are not allowed to grow your own cannabis. But you can legally purchase it from a state-licensed retailer.
However, there are limitations to the amount of marijuana you can possess. You can only have up to one ounce of recreational cannabis. It is also illegal to grow or share it with someone under the age of 21.
In addition to prohibiting growing your own marijuana, Washington state laws prohibit transporting it across state lines. A person may be convicted of a felony if they sell or distribute cannabis without a license.
Under Washington State’s medical marijuana law, qualifying patients can purchase up to three ounces of flower or six ounces of concentrates. They must obtain a written certification from a registered physician.
Despite its decriminalization, marijuana still is a schedule 1 controlled substance. It is considered an intoxicating drug. While some research has shown that it may be a therapeutic aid, more extensive studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of its use.
As legalization continues in Washington state, local governments will be faced with zoning regulations and taxation choices that will impact the availability of marijuana.
