I’ve been following the cannabis legalization movements around the US, but I’m still a bit confused about the current status. Can you give me an update on where things stand?
One answer “What is the current status of cannabis legalization in the US?”
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The cannabis legalization movement is undeniably sweeping the United States, with 33 states (plus Washington D.C.) having passed some form of medical marijuana legalization, and 11 states (plus Washington D.C.) having legalized the recreational use of the plant. Every day more and more people find the courage and support to challenge outdated laws that penalize adults for making responsible choices about their health.
Although cannabis legalization has been thriving in the last few years, several states are on the brink of making history and passing legislative reforms relating to marijuana. The most noteworthy changes we’ll see this year are New York’s pending recreational marijuana legalization and the decriminalization of marijuana possession in states like North Carolina and Massachusetts.
New York has been debating cannabis legalization for years, but the state Senate and Assembly have finally come together to agree on a framework and path forward. The proposed legislation currently calls for adults over the age of 21 to consume and possess up to three ounces of marijuana products. Home cultivation, public consumption and sale of edible products are not covered in this legislation, however.
The other big news in the cannabis legalization movement is that several states are looking to decriminalize marijuana possession. North Carolina and Massachusetts, for instance, are pushing for the full decriminilization of marijuana possession, meaning individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana (usually up to an ounce) wouldn’t face criminal charges.
On the medical side of things, more states are allowing for medical marijuana prescriptions and purchases. Ohio recently raised the quantity of cannabis that medical marijuana patients can purchase in a single visit, with Montana and Alabama also considering similar changes.
The cannabis legalization movement continues to spread, but of course, there are still numerous challenges legal marijuana advocates face. Most notably, marijuana is still considered an illegal Schedule I drug by the federal government, so states that have passed legislation allowing the recreational or medical sale of cannabis could still face threats of federal intervention. Additionally, many states are still pushing back against cannabis legalization and criminalize any possession or use.
Nevertheless, the cannabis legalization movement is a powerful force that is showing no signs of slowing down. There is a rising sense of optimism in the cannabis industry, thanks to the growing number of states that are considering and passing meaningful reform. And as more people come to understand the benefits of cannabis, we can only expect the movement to continue to gain momentum.