States With Recreational Dispensaries
As of December 2017, 11 states had legalized the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. However, only five have active dispensaries. These states include the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Listed below are the states that have recreational dispensaries:
New York legalizes marijuana for recreational use
A new law passed by the New York state legislature legalizes the recreational use of marijuana. It allows adults 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of marijuana or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. While it is not legal to cultivate marijuana in your own home, it is perfectly legal to smoke in public. Marijuana use is still illegal in motor vehicles and in outdoor dining areas of restaurants. Violations of the law are punishable by fines or civil summons.
The state will also have its own medical marijuana program, supervised by the Office of Cannabis Management. Anyone with a qualifying medical condition will be eligible to apply for a license. Medical marijuana users will still qualify as disabled under the New York Human Rights Law. The state’s new law also provides safeguards to ensure the safety of New York residents. For example, half of the new licenses must go to people from low-income minority communities, women, and distressed farmers.
Michigan legalizes marijuana for recreational use
The state of Michigan has made it possible for adults to legally grow their own cannabis. Under the state’s law, licensed dispensaries and retailers can sell the drug. Although some cities have opted out, marijuana is now legal in Michigan for adults 21 and over. Medical marijuana patients have up to 10 ounces a month, while adult users are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of pot or 15 grams of marijuana concentrate.
The new law prohibits the sale of cannabis on federal property, such as airports. It is also illegal in government buildings, prisons, and school buses. Those in Michigan who plan to use marijuana must make sure they do so in private. The law also requires that businesses operate in compliance with the law. It’s unclear whether the new law will affect businesses that have been operating since 2008, but it’s likely to lead to a more positive environment for consumers.
Washington legalizes marijuana for medical use
In Washington, legalization of marijuana for medical use has been made a reality thanks to a new law. The new law, AB 1248A/SB 854, passed the legislature and was signed by the governor on March 31, 2021. In addition, adults 21 and older can now purchase and use non-medical marijuana. The new law outlines sales regulations and will take effect on Oct. 7, 2020.
Once legal, patients can purchase cannabis at state-licensed dispensaries. Unlike recreational consumers, medical marijuana patients are only allowed to purchase a certain amount, or “grow” as long as it is not smoked in public. Medical patients are permitted to grow up to 15 plants and possess up to an ounce of usable marijuana. However, cultivating cannabis for personal use remains illegal for non-medical users.
Oregon legalizes marijuana for recreational use
The law permits up to an ounce of marijuana in a home or public place. Residents can grow up to four marijuana plants per household. Despite the prohibition, Oregon has become the third U.S. state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Adults over 21 can possess and grow up to four plants and eight ounces of marijuana. The sale of recreational marijuana is limited to existing medical marijuana dispensaries for now, but more stringent regulations will come into effect in 2016.
While the federal government remains opposed to marijuana, the Obama administration and current administration have taken a hands-off approach toward the issue. However, this does not mean that federal law will change. Federal law enforcement agents can still crack down on the sale of marijuana in Oregon without the state’s permission. And if the state is caught selling marijuana or is a part of a large-scale criminal enterprise, it will not be difficult to trace the source.
