With a shift in public opinion about marijuana, many states have chosen to legalize cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. Other places are expected to follow suit in the near future. Plus, areas are decriminalizing the drug. Instead of taking people to jail for holding a particular amount of weed, officers just write them tickets. Who wouldn’t rather pay a fine than be made to sit in a holding cell with dangerous criminals?

Thirty-three states have now passed legislation to legalize marijuana in some form. Regardless of where a teen lives, it is against the law for them to use cannabis recreationally. Only adults 21-years of age or older can purchase and use marijuana. So, if persons are under the legal age, they will want to avoid eating edibles, smoking joints, or doing anything else with pot. If they get caught, they will have to face the consequences of their actions.

Marijuana Is Illegal On A Federal Level

Even with the number of supporters growing, more and more states thinking about legalizing cannabis, the Federal Government still deems it a schedule I drug. What does that mean? In layman’s terms, this suggests…

  • The Substance Has A High Potential For Abuse
  • The Drug Is Not Considered Legitimate For Medical Use

Marijuana is in the same category as heroin, LSD, Peyote, ecstasy, and methaqualone. The government regulates these drugs through the Controlled Substances Act. However, the feds usually only get involved when individuals cultivate, distribute, or possess large quantities of cannabis.

The FDA Has Not Approved Marijuana

For people to grow and sell medicine in this country, the approval of the Food and Drug Administration is necessary. However, the Drug Enforcement Agency recently said that it would increase the number of places where cannabis can be grown. In doing so, researchers will have more access to the plant and may be able to find that it, or chemicals within it, have medicinal properties. If breakthrough discoveries are made, cannabis might become legalized on the federal level.

America’s Neighbor To The North Recently Legalized Recreational Marijuana

Uruguay was the first country in the world to legalize cannabis back in 2013. Then, Canada became the second nation to do so in 2018. With so many places starting to shift their views, one can only wonder how long it will be before the United States falls in line too. The industry would create new jobs and a new revenue stream by way of exports, but only time will tell if the home of the brave and the land of the free will go this route.

Make It A Point To Learn About The Marijuana Laws Where You Live

Rules and regulations vary in legalized states. The last thing a person wants is to think they are doing something legally only to get in trouble for it on down the line. For example, Colorado residents 21-years of age or older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational use. Heck, they can even cultivate up to six plants. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., it is legal for residents to have up to two ounces on their person.

They cannot smoke in public places such as bars or restaurants, but they can use cannabis in the comforts of their own homes. Additionally, you can’t buy or sell marijuana legally in Washington D.C. In other words, take the time to study your local laws regarding recreational and medical marijuana thoroughly. You will be glad you did in the long run as it will prevent you from breaking the rules and getting into trouble. With any luck, cannabis will be legalized everywhere before long, but until then, avoid violating the laws.