When Will Weed Be Legalized Federally - that's a question everyone has been asking for a while now. In the last five years, marijuana legalization has been spreading like wildfire in the United States. It was a taboo subject, but as more states legalize, it’s becoming more accepted. So, what are the effects of marijuana legalization after five years, and when will it be legalized federally? Below is a breakdown of what we know so far.
Legalization On The Rise
In 2012, Colorado and Washington were the first states that made recreational marijuana legal. Since then, ten states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Thirty-five states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana for medical use. Also, it’s crucial to note that, on the federal level, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug. It means it’s illegal, and the government views it as having no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse.
Knowing The Laws In Your State
It's important to note that marijuana laws vary from state to state. For instance, in Colorado, adults are allowed to legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis. However, each state has its requirements, such as age limits and the amount allowed for personal possession. Therefore, if you're a marijuana enthusiast, you must be familiar with the laws in your state to avoid getting into any legal issues.
The Future Of Weed Legalization
Today, more people support legalizing marijuana than ever before. According to a recent poll, about 68% of Americans believed marijuana should be legalized. What does this mean for the future of legalization? Will 2018 be the year marijuana takes over? Experts suggest that the momentum towards legalization is growing, and it's possible that marijuana could become legal federally in the near future. Here are some reasons why:
New Leadership
The election of Joe Biden as president resulted in a change of leadership in the White House. In his campaign, Biden proposed decriminalizing marijuana, leaving it up to states to decide whether to legalize or not. So, with a democratically controlled Congress, it's possible that Biden will push a bill to legalize marijuana federally.
Raising More Revenue For States
Marijuana legalization would lead to more tax revenue for states. Many states are on the verge of bankruptcy, but they could turn it around by legalizing marijuana. With the income from taxing marijuana sales and licensing fees, these states could fund underfunded education, healthcare and other pressing social programs. Also, it would create job opportunities in farming, dispensaries, and transportation, just to name a few.
Reduce Incarceration Rates
Another critical reason why marijuana legalization is gaining momentum is that it would reduce the number of non-violent offenders being incarcerated. A significant quantity of the 650,000 people that get arrested in the US each year are due to marijuana-related offenses. The social cost of incarceration is enormous. The economic cost for those imprisoned and the taxpayer’s cost for the jail system, and it’s not worth it because marijuana isn’t dangerous.
Tips For Marijuana Users
If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you must be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations regarding its use. Here are a few tips to help you avoid getting into any legal trouble:
Assume Employers Test For Marijuana
Employers still have the right to conduct drug tests, and marijuana usage could cause changes to your employment status. If you’re job hunting or have a job, you should assume all employers test for marijuana. Some employers won’t test for marijuana but don’t be blindsided if they do.
Avoid Using In Public Spaces
The rules around public consumption differ from state to state, but it's still illegal in most states to consume marijuana in public. In some states, smoking in your vehicle is allowed, but it’s probable cause for a traffic stop, which could lead to a DUI. Therefore, it's always best to use it in private spaces where you won't get into trouble.
Be Careful When Crossing State Lines
Legalization is different from state to state, and this can be confusing for those who live near state borders. If you’re thinking about traveling across state lines with marijuana, be sure you know the laws in the state you’re traveling to. Crossing state lines with marijuana is still a federal crime, and you can be arrested and charged for it.
In Conclusion
The marijuana industry is booming. The legalization of cannabis will undoubtedly continue to grow, but there’s still a long way to go before it’s legal on the federal level. Still, with the rise of support from the public, lobbyists, and political pressure, it’s looking like it could happen sooner than we think.
Before you go and light up, make sure you're aware of the laws surrounding marijuana use in your state. Being informed is always the best choice to avoid legal issues. In the meantime, we’ll keep our fingers crossed waiting for federal legalization.
Find more articles about When Will Weed Be Legalized Federally