Where is Marijuana Legal? A Guide to Marijuana Legalization
The legalization of the recreational use of marijuana is still a topic for discussion in various parts of the world. But after acknowledging the health benefits it offers to the people, several countries are gradually accepting it and taking important measures to legalize its recreational use. There are numerous scientific studies that suggest that marijuana or cannabis is not as dangerous as alcohol and the evidence even suggests that it has some therapeutic benefits such as stress and pain relief.
States where recreational marijuana is legal:
- Colorado
- Washington
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Washington, D.C.
- Nevada
- Vermont
- Guam
- California
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montano
- Arizona
- Illinois
- Virginia
- New Mexico
- Connecticut
- New York
- South Dakota (the lawsuit is pending but the legalization has been approved)
- New Jersey
Each state follows its own individual processes for licensing dispensaries, but every state that sells marijuana legally is compulsory to have a license from the state to do so. The sales of marijuana in these states are regulated and taxed at varying rates. The Provisions have also outlined a fixed amount of marijuana that is legal for the individual to possess and how the tax revenue is spent.
Colorado- legal since November 2012
In Colorado, marijuana is legal for adults over 21. They are allowed to possess and give away up to an ounce of marijuana. The buyers have to pay 15% tax on the wholesale price and an additional 10% sales tax on retail purchases. Individuals are allowed to grow 6 plants each and 12 plants each for residences.
Washington- legal since November 2012
In Washington, adults over 21 can buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana and 16 ounces if it is available in some edible solid form, 72 ounces of marijuana-infused in liquid products and 7 grams of marijuana concentrates. The retail sales are taxed at 37% excise tax.
Alaska- legal since November 2014
Marijuana is legal for adults over 21, to possess up to an ounce. It is illegal to consume it in public. Retail sales are only legal at licensed dispensaries.
Oregon- legal since November 2014
Adults over 21 can possess and buy up to an ounce of marijuana in public and 8 ounces if they are at home. 16 ounces of marijuana is allowed in solid form and 72 ounces is allowed in liquid form. Sales are taxed at 17% at licensed dispensaries.
Washington, D.C.- legal since November 2014
Adults over 21 can buy up to 2 ounces of marijuana and give away 1 ounce to another person. The recreational sales of marijuana are not legal yet.
Nevada- legal since November 2016
Adults over 21 can buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana and up to eight of an ounce of concentrated marijuana. The retail sales at licensed dispensaries are taxed at 10%.
Vermont- legal since January 2018
The buying and selling of marijuana are not legal yet but individuals can grow and possess marijuana in their homes. They are allowed to grow two mature and four immature marijuana plants per household.
Guam- legal since April 2019
It is legal for adults over 21 to buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana. They can also grow up to six plants but only three of them could be mature.
California- legal since November 2016
Adults over 21 can buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana and can have up to 8 grams of marijuana in concentrated form. The sales are taxed at 15%.
Maine- legal since November 2016
Adults over 21 can buy and possess upto 2.5 ounces of marijuana and sales are taxed at 15% excise tax and a 10% sales tax.
Massachusetts- legal since November 2016
Adults over 21 can buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana and can have up to 10 ounces at home. The sales are taxed at 10.75% excise tax.
Michigan- legal since November 2018
Adults over 21 can buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of concentrated marijuana. Individuals can grow up to 12 plants in a household.
The USA has a lot of places for cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy a wonderful experience with different hosts and activities to do. You can always check out accommodations listed on hibnb.us to find the right cannabis adventure trip and have a memorable cannabis experience.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
