Despite federal opposition, another four U.S. states have just voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. These are Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota, with South Dakota being the first state to simultaneously legalize recreational and medical use.
In this article, we'll take a look at the 15 states (and Washington, D.C.) where recreational use has been either legalized recently or is already legal to use.
As a tip, it is always worth checking a state legislature's website before you visit to get the exact laws as you could be in trouble for breaking laws like public consumption.
The States That Just Legalized Weed Arizona
Marijuana was legalized in a ballot in November. Regulations will be finalized in April 2021.
Montana
Possession will be permitted from January 1, 2021, for people 21 and over. Regulations will be published soon. Dispensaries will be able to open in 2022.
New Jersey
Though recreational use and possession will be legal starting on January 1, the legislature must legalize sales in 2021 so it may be some time before you can legally buy it there.
South Dakota
South Dakota has legalized both recreational and medical use at the same time. However, the state legislature has to finalize the laws by April 2022.
States Where You Could Already Use Weed
Alaska
Minimum Age: 21 Possession: 1 ounce
Concentrates: 7 grams
Grows: Up to six plants per household
California
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 8 grams
Grows: Up to six plants per household
Colorado
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 8 grams
Grows: Differs between counties
Illinois
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 30 ounces bud Concentrates: 5 grams
Grows: Up to five plants at a time
Maine
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 2.5 ounces bud Concentrates: 5 grams
Grows: Up to three plants at a time
Massachusetts
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 5 grams
Grows: Up to six plants at a time
Michigan
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 2.5 ounces bud Concentrates: 15 grams
Grows: Up to 12 plants at a time
Nevada
Minimum Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 3.5 grams
Grows: Up to six plants at a time
Oregon
Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 1 ounce
Grows: Up to four plants at a time
Vermont
Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 5 grams
Grows: Up to six plants at a time
Washington
Age: 21
Possession: 1 ounce bud Concentrates: 7 grams Grows: Not legal
Washington DC
This isn’t straightforward, as the federal government has power over the jurisdiction and doesn’t like the law one bit! People 21 and over can possess up to 2 ounces. It is illegal to sell marijuana in DC, though you can transfer the ownership of one ounce legally with no payment. People can grow up to six plants, no more than three of which are mature. It is illegal to consume it in public places.
What Does Medical Marijuana Entail?
The laws in states where only medical use is permitted are very different from one state to another. You will generally need a state license to buy marijuana, and this will only be allowed through your doctor or consultant. Those wishing to use medical marijuana are strongly advised to research the laws in their state.
The states where medical use is permitted are Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Happy Vaping!
With so many states now permitting the use of concentrates, concentrate production and the tools to consume them have improved considerably in recent times. Do consider the Focus V CARTA portable electronic dabber for concentrates. It's one of the best on the market, and at an affordable price, it allows fine control of temperatures to ensure the best possible highs.