These last couple of years marijuana legalization has been a constant reoccurring topic in most newspapers, and for many advocates of the “Miracle Plant” has been daily topic in their lives. But with all of these new laws and restrictions do you know where you can get your smoke on and what consequences may come with it? Courtesy of Buzz-Feed heres interesting facts about where and when you can light up without looking over your shoulder.
Alaska
What is legal? Marijuana possession was decriminalized in 1975 and medical marijuana was legalized in 1998.
What’s next? The push to legalize cannabis is strong in Alaska, with a group known as Campaign to Regulate Marijuana leading the movement. CPM gained 45,000 signatures on Jan. 15 for marijuana legislation based on Colorado’s law to be placed on the August ballot — it only needed 30,000 signatures. If the law passes, Alaska would be the third state to legalize marijuana.
Alabama
What is legal? Nothing as of now, and possession of even a single joint is punishable by up to a year in jail.
What’s next? Alabama has introduced a bill, called Carly’s Law, to legalize cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, to treat patients with chronic pain, seizures, nausea, and other serious medical conditions. Gov. Robert Bentley has said he would consider such a law, and the bill has bipartisan support.
Arizona
What is legal? Medical marijuana has been legal for cancer and chronic pain patients since 2010.
What’s next? There is a push now to add more to the list of approved medical marijuana conditions, such as PTSD. Recreational marijuana advocates also hope to get something on the 2016 ballot that would be similar to Colorado’s marijuana legislation.
California
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What is legal? In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Marijuana possession is also decriminalized.
What’s next? A 2010 ballot initiative to legalize marijuana failed, but there is a big push to get the issue back on the ballot this fall for another vote. Attorney General Kamala Harris noted that it would save the state hundreds of millions of dollars annually in law enforcement. There’s also more acceptance of weed amongst residents, so California could be the next state to legalize marijuana.
Colorado
AP Photo/Brennan Linsley
What is legal? As of Jan. 1, 2014, cannabis cultivation, selling, and smoking becamelegal in Colorado.
What’s next? The profits have been evident since Colorado legalized marijuana, but opponents and supporters alike will be watching the state very closely to see what example it sets.
Connecticut
What is legal? Connecticut became the 17th state to legalize medical marijuana in 2012 when Gov. Dannel Malloy signed it into law. Marijuana possession is also decriminalized.
So what’s next? The state is currently implementing its medical bill: On Jan. 28, Connecticut announced which four locations would be allowed to grow marijuana, and it is still considering which dispensaries will be granted the state’s five licenses to sell weed.
Washington, D.C.
What is legal? Medical marijuana became legal here in 2011.
What’s next? Washington, D.C., may decriminalize marijuana: On Jan. 15, a city council panel approved a measure that would make the penalty for smoking a joint the equivalent of a parking ticket. If the full council passes the measure, it could become law by April, and D.C. would join 15 other states that have decriminalized marijuana. Support for marijuana has increased, according to a Washington Postpoll, with 63% of residents currently in favor of legalization. Advocates have also filed a ballot initiative, which could ask voters as soon as this November if recreational marijuana should be legal.
Delaware
What is legal? In 2011 medical marijuana was legalized.
What’s next? The state only approved one pilot dispensary, so the program is still seeking more support from the state. Delaware also has harsh laws for possession, with a penalty of up to six months in jail for one joint.
Florida
What is legal? Nothing cannabis-related is legal in Florida yet, although a “medical necessity” defense has been established in court.
What’s next? This November, Florida residents will vote on a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana. Advocates gained over 683,000 signatures to get the measure on the fall ballot. Attorney General Pam Bondi is fighting the initiative and Gov. Rick Scott said that he would vote against it, but his office does not have the power to veto the measure if it does pass.
Georgia
What is legal? Nothing currently.
What’s next? Rep. Allen Peake introduced a medical marijuana bill on Jan. 28 that would legalize cannabidiol for patients with severe seizure disorders, which is similar to the legislation introduced in Alabama. The Republican representative said he wanted to sponsor the bill after meeting a 4-year-old girl who suffers from a seizure disorder.
Hawaii
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized in Hawaii in 2000, but there aren’t any approved dispensaries that patients can buy from, so a license allows residents to grow their own plants or ask a caregiver to do it for them.
What’s next? Speaker of the House Joe Souki sponsored a bill to create a state-regulated marijuana market that could legally sell to adults 21 and older, which may be considered in 2014. Also, a bill to decriminalize marijuana was advanced out of the Senate but has not yet been considered by the House.
Illinois
What is legal? Medical marijuana was signed into law on Jan. 1, 2014, by Gov. Pat Quinn, making Illinois the 20th state to do so.
What’s next? The state’s medical marijuana program is still in its early stages, and patients will not be able to access weed until this spring. Additionally, Illinois’ marijuana penalties remain harsh; the state has the fifth-highest arrest rate for marijuana possession in the nation, according to the ACLU.
Kentucky
What is legal? Nothing cannabis-related is legal as of now.
What’s next? The battle to legalize medical marijuana is ramping up as the legislature is set to consider a bill this year that Sen. Perry Clark introduced. The state senator has introduced the bill twice before, but believes it has a good chance to pass this year.
Maine
What is legal? The state legalized medical marijuana in 2002 and the state has also decriminalized possession. In 2013, Portland, the largest city in the state, voted to legalize recreational marijuana, making it the first place on the East Coast to do so.
What’s next? The residents of Portland voted 70% in favor of legalization in November, and the rest of the state may follow this trend, meaning Maine could legalize weed when it appears on the ballot in 2016.
Maryland
What is legal? Not much, but Gov. Martin O’Malley has signed a bill that establishes a hospital-based medical marijuana research program, and people charged with possession can use a “medical necessity” defense in court.
What’s next? Marijuana Policy Project and the ACLU did a joint poll that found 53% of Maryland voters want to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol. In 2013, a bill to legalize and another to decriminalize weed were both introduced in the legislature, although they were not addressed before the end of the session. On Jan. 16, 2014, a bill to legalize up to an ounce of weed and the cultivation of up to six marijuana plants for adults over age 21 was introduced. The bill would also regulate and tax sales of cannabis in the state and criminal records of past marijuana offenders would be wiped clean, although based on the the legislatures previous failures it probably will be an uphill battle to pass it.
Massachusetts
What is legal? In 2008, Massachusetts decriminalized marijuana. In 2012, the state legalized marijuana for medical use, becoming the 18th state to do so.
What’s next? The state is still setting up its medical marijuana program, with patients waiting to get proper identification cards and dispensaries waiting to receive licenses to operate as well. Rep. Ellen Story introduced a legalize bill in 2013 that could still be considered this year by the legislature, and if not, advocates hope to get a bill on the 2016 ballot.
Michigan
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2008 with 63% of voters in favor, but questions of legality continue because of a court decision that said extractions, including resin and edibles, are not protected by the law. In November 2013, voters in three Michigan cities approved bills to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, adding to four other cities in the state that decriminalized weed in 2012.
What’s next? Rep. Mike Callton introduced a bill that would allow dispensaries to open for medical marijuana patients, which passed the House in December, but has yet to be considered by the senate. Another bill to reclassify edibles as “usable marijuana” is also waiting to be heard by the legislature.
Minnesota
What is legal? In 2004, small amounts of marijuana were decriminalized in Minnesota, although possession of two ounces is punishable with five years of jail time and a $10,000 fine.
What’s next? The big push in Minnesota is to legalize medical marijuana, and a joint Senate and House bill was introduced last year that will likely be heard in 2014. A similar medical bill passed the full legislature in 2009, although it was vetoed by former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty with the support of law enforcement.
Mississippi
What is legal? Marijuana possession is decriminalized in Mississippi, and first offenders who posses 30 grams or less are punished with a $250 fine.
What’s next? Sen. Deborah Dawkins has introduced a medical marijuana bill to the Mississippi legislature five times, but it has been dismissed every time.
Missouri
What is legal? Missouri has strict marijuana laws, with a gram receiving punishment of up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
What’s next? Rep. Rory Ellinger introduced a bill to legalize medical marijuana and a bill to reduce Missouri’s harsh marijuana penalties. In addition, Show-Me Cannibis Regulation is currently in the process of polling to see if a voter initiative would pass on the ballot.
Montana
What is allowed? Medical marijuana was legalized in 2004, but the program still has many problems to work out, some of which were caused by federal raids in 2011.
What’s next? There are currently stiff penalties for possession of even very small amounts of weed — for example, a joint can land someone in jail for six months. Advocates in the state are currently fighting to decriminalize weed as well as reform the medical marijuana program in the state. They also hope to get a recreational marijuana law on the 2016 ballot.
Nebraska
What is legal? Marijuana is decriminalized here with a first offense punishable with a fine of $300 instead of jail time.
What’s next? A bill known as Will’s Law was introduced in January that would make cannibidiol oil accessible to medical marijuana patients who suffer from seizures or muscle spasms. The bill is named for an 11-year-old boy, who has suffered from daily seizures since he was 4 months old.
Nevada
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized in 2000, and the state has also decriminalized weed, making it punishable with a $600 fine for the first offense.
What’s next? In 2013, the legislature passed measures that allow for 66 medical marijuana dispensaries, which should begin operating in late 2014. Also advocates will likely push to get a measure to legalize recreational marijuana on the 2016 ballot.
New Hampshire
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized last year in New Hampshire but will take another year to be fully implemented.
What’s next? If recreational marijuana is legalized in New Hampshire, it would be the first state to do it through a legislative body rather than a vote. On Jan. 15, the state House passed a legalize bill, but it is doubtful it will become law since Gov. Maggie Hassan has already pledged she will veto it.
New Jersey
What is legal? Medical use was legalized in 2010, but implementation has been slow with only three discrepancies currently in operation.
What’s next? Sen. Nicholas Scutari said he will introduce a bill in 2014 to legalize recreational marijuana. Although it will be a hard sell, as Gov. Chris Christie has opposed marijuana in the past and his views have not changed, spokesman Michael Drewniak said on Jan. 25.
New Mexico
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized in New Mexico in 2007.
What’s next? In 2013, multiple bills were introduced to decriminalize marijuana in the state, although none of them made it through the state Assembly. Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino introduced legislation in January 2014 to legalize recreational marijuana, which if it makes it through the full legislature, could get on the ballot as early as November 2014.
New York
What is allowed? Marijuana is decriminalized here, although some have criticized the law for its many loopholes, especially since New York has the second-highest per capita marijuana arrest rates in the U.S.
What’s next? On Jan. 8, Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined his plan to allow a medical marijuana program to operate through New York hospitals based on a 1980 law. Although some are skeptical of this approach, since it’s unclear how the hospitals will legally acquire and distribute the marijuana. Several bills are also currently being considered by the legislature.
North Carolina
What is legal? Possession of less than 1.5 ounces of marijuana is decriminalized in North Carolina.
What’s next? In 2013, Rep. Kelly Alexander introduced legislation to create a medical marijuana program, but it was shelved. He has also introduced bills to research medical benefits and to lessen punishment for possession.
Ohio
What is legal? Marijuana possession is decriminalized in the state.
What’s next? The state Assembly is currently considering a constitutional amendment for medical marijuana that may make it on the ballot in November 2014.
Oregon
What is legal? In 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize marijuana. Medical use was established in 1998.
What’s next? Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a medical marijuana bill in August 2013 that will allow pot dispensaries to open for medical patients in late 2014. In addition, the governor added PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. Oregon’s attempt at recreational marijuana legalization failed to pass in November 2012 by only a thin margin, and advocacy groups in the state hope to get a legalization initiative on the ballot this November.
Pennsylvania
What is legal? Nothing as of now.
What’s next? The legislature is currently considering the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, but Gov. Tom Corbett has said that he would not sign a bill to make medical marijuana legal. Meanwhile Sen. Daylin Leach, a co-sponsor of the medical bill, has launched a social media campaign with the hashtag#MeetThePAKids that highlights the children who could benefit from medical marijuana.
Rhode Island
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized in 2006, with dispensaries approved in 2009. Marijuana was decriminalized last year.
What’s next? The state has made major advances in marijuana reform, but Gov. Lincoln Chafee told The Associated Press in January that 2014 is “too soon” to consider legalization in Rhode Island.
Tennessee
What is legal? Nothing, and the state actually has fairly harsh laws with possession of as little as one gram punishable with a year in jail.
What’s next? A medical marijuana bill was introduced by Rep. Sherry Jones this January and is currently being considered by the legislature. Jones has sponsoredthe bill for six years now and this year the bill will face another uphill battle.
Texas
What is legal? Nothing.
What’s next? In January 2014, a bill was introduced that would allow medical marijuana patients to use a “medical necessity” defense before a judge. On Jan. 23, Gov. Rick Perry said he is for decriminalizing marijuana, although he does not support legalizing it.
Vermont
What is legal? Medical marijuana was legalized in 2004 and marijuana is decriminalized.
What’s next? There is strong support for legalization from locals, who recently elected Gov. Peter Shumlin, an advocate for marijuana reform. Vermont does not have a citizen-initiated ballot process, so legislation must be pushed by lawmakers. Sen. David Zuckerman has already introduced a bill this year to legalize weed, although it is not clear if it will be taken up this session.
Washington
What is legal? The state legalized medical marijuana in 1998 and then recreational marijuana in 2012, which goes into effect this spring.
What’s next? Definitely legal weed, but the rest is still to be seen.
West Virginia
What is legal? Nothing weed-related is legal here.
What’s next? In January, a bill was introduced to the legislature that would legalize medical marijuana and set up dispensaries as well as grow facilities. Cancer patients and people with other serious health problems would be allowed up to 6 ounces of weed and 12 plants under the law.
Wisconsin
What is legal? Nothing as of now. In Wisconsin, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana faces a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
What’s next? A medical bill that covers patients with cancer, AIDS, and other serious illnesses is currently being considered by the legislature this year. In 2009, a medical marijuana bill was also introduced to the legislature, although it was not considered before the end of the session.
Wyoming
What is legal? Nothing, and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana is punishable with a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
What’s next? Rep. James Byrd introduced a bill in January that would decriminalize marijuana in the state, making possession of less than an ounce punishable with only a $100 fine. The state Representative said he believes there are too many people in prison for possession of small amounts of marijuana and he worries Wyomingites will be arrested for possession because of it’s proximity to Colorado, where young people will go to party.
Story Via: Buzz Feed