States Where Marijuana Is Legal
Even though cannabis gets prohibited at the federal level, most states in the United States have legalized the possession, use, and sale of medical marijuana. Moreover, many states are moving toward decriminalizing cannabis for recreational use.
With that out of the way, let us get to the nitty-gritty of marijuana legalization in the United States. This article will focus on where is medical marijuana’s legal.
A Hodgepodge of Different Laws
Where Is Medical Marijuanas Legalized?
Researching the legality of medical marijuana in your state should be your first step if you wonder where is medical marijuanas legalized. The states that, in some manner, do allow you to partake in some capacity can break down the use of cannabis into one of these three categories:
Only CBD-containing Products are Legal
One of marijuana’s two main ingredients is cannabidiol (CBD). Certain states restrict the sale of cannabis-related products to those that include CBD. Although CBD gets used in a drug that helps cure epilepsy, the research into the benefits of CBD for treating other health disorders is scarce.
Medical Marijuana Is Legal
Over two-thirds of states have enacted legislation to make it legal to use marijuana as a medicine. This legislation is largely due to the growing evidence suggesting that cannabis can alleviate symptoms of diseases such as chronic pain and nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
In a state that solely allows the use of medicinal marijuana, the first step in obtaining cannabis is to seek a recommendation from a medical doctor or another type of health care practitioner registered to do so in that state.
Recreational Marijuana Is Legal
Any adult over 21 would be able to purchase cannabis under such laws. An increasing number of states do not require a medical marijuana card for an adult to buy marijuana.
However, if you wish to use cannabis for medical reasons, you should consult your primary care physician before looking into getting a medical marijuana card. Doing so is the prudent thing to do.
States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal
In the 1930s, the United States government criminalized the purchase, sale, and cultivation of marijuana by passing laws that made such activities illegal. Since then, there has not been a significant shift in the United States government’s stance regarding marijuana.
However, individual states have the authority to devise their policies governing the purchase and consumption of cannabis. Notably, these are the states where medical marijuana is legal:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Conclusion
Numerous additional aspects of cannabis law vary between states. If you plan to consume medical marijuana when visiting another state, you need first determine whether or not that state recognizes your card.
In the end, if you decide to consume marijuana for medical purposes, remaining on the right side of the law will be contingent on your adherence to the regulations set forth by the state.
For info on medical marijuana card renewal in your state, see our blog!
