Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Regulations in the US

For a long time, marijuana has been illegal in many countries across the globe. However, seeing its medical benefits and potential to contribute to the economy, many states are reconsidering the existing laws. That is to make them less stringent so that these benefits can be harnessed.

Here is what you need to know about the legalization of marijuana in the US.

  1. Marijuana is legal in a few states

It is essential to understand that as much as there is a wave of the legalization of cannabis, its use is not legal in all states. Only in 18 states, people can search for “dispensary near me” and

get the products for recreation.

Stay updated with the legalization status of the product to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities.

  1. There are restrictions

One would assume the decriminalization of marijuana means they get to use it anywhere and as much as they wish to. Well, that is not the case. Note that as much as it is legal, there are rules and restrictions to its use.

For instance, one is only allowed to hold specific amounts of the product at a time. This rule also varies with the state. Also, there are age limits when it comes to consumption. In most states, cannabis dispensaries are not allowed to sell to persons below the age of 21.

There are also restrictions to where you are allowed to use the products. In most states, the use of the product is not permitted in public spaces or prohibited areas, even if it is a residential property.

  1. There is growing support for the legalization of marijuana

Cannabis, both medical and recreational, is legal in certain states due to the pressure put on state governments. The support has been ongoing for the past two decades and is not about to stop. It is happening all over the world too.

Worth noting also is the fact that the support also varies with different demographic groups. For instance, most senior citizens who support the movement are only interested in medical marijuana. Support for the legalization of recreational marijuana, on the other hand, mostly comes from the younger demographic.

  1. Marijuana is still illegal on the federal level

It may come as a surprise that marijuana is illegal in the federal government’s eyes despite being legal in 18 states. Well, it is categorized as a Schedule 1 drug, citing it as a product that is highly likely to be abused and with no medical importance.

The good news is that producers and sellers of marijuana products are still protected in accordance to the relevant state laws.

Conclusion

The marijuana legalization conversation still has a long way to go. As much as the product is legal in several states, the freedom of its use is limited. This means that other possibilities like marijuana-induced economic growth are also restricted.

Take time to read and understand marijuana laws in the different states.

Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers

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Cannabis Law Journal – Contributing Authors

Editor – Sean Hocking

Author Bios

Canada
Matt Maurer – Minden Gross
Jeff Hergot – Wildboer Dellelce LLP

Costa Rica
Tim Morales – The Cannabis Industry Association Costa Rica

Nicaragua
Elvin Rodríguez Fabilena

USA

General
Julie Godard
Carl L Rowley -Thompson Coburn LLP

Arizona
Jerry Chesler – Chesler Consulting

California
Ian Stewart – Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
Otis Felder – Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
Lance Rogers – Greenspoon Marder – San Diego
Jessica McElfresh -McElfresh Law – San Diego
Tracy Gallegos – Partner – Fox Rothschild

Colorado
Adam Detsky – Knight Nicastro
Dave Rodman – Dave Rodman Law Group
Peter Fendel – CMR Real Estate Network
Nate Reed – CMR Real Estate Network

Florida
Matthew Ginder – Greenspoon Marder
David C. Kotler – Cohen Kotler

Illinois
William Bogot – Fox Rothschild

Massachusetts
Valerio Romano, Attorney – VGR Law Firm, PC

Nevada
Neal Gidvani – Snr Assoc: Greenspoon Marder
Phillip Silvestri – Snr Assoc: Greenspoon Marder

Tracy Gallegos – Associate Fox Rothschild

New Jersey

Matthew G. Miller – MG Miller Intellectual Property Law LLC
Daniel T. McKillop – Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

New York
Gregory J. Ryan, Esq. Tesser, Ryan & Rochman, LLP
Tim Nolen Tesser, Ryan & Rochman, LLP
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Oregon
Paul Loney & Kristie Cromwell – Loney Law Group
William Stewart – Half Baked Labs

Pennsylvania
Andrew B. Sacks – Managing Partner Sacks Weston Diamond
William Roark – Principal Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin
Joshua Horn – Partner Fox Rothschild

Washington DC
Teddy Eynon – Partner Fox Rothschild