Many states have enacted laws legalizing medical marijuana – about 37 of them so far. This was seen as a win for those looking for more holistic ways to treat things like pain, muscle spasms, nausea from chemotherapy, seizure disorders, and so much more.
Taking it a step further, many are pushing for laws allowing the recreational use of marijuana. And some states are making moves. Let’s take a look at where we stand with the 2022 laws on recreational marijuana.
What is Recreational Marijuana?
Recreational marijuana is that which is used personally for enjoyment, not medical reasons. It would be purchased because the individual wanted to use it – without needing a special license or proof from a doctor that it is needed.
Laws concerning recreational marijuana use are in place in about 19 states, Washington D. C. and Guam, at this time. In other words, marijuana is legal in those states for personal use. Anyone who is using it cannot be arrested, ticketed, charged, or convicted for using it – as long as certain state laws are followed.
The laws surrounding recreational marijuana use will vary from state to state, but they usually set limits on the age of who can and cannot use it, where it is being used, and the amount being used. It is still possible to get arrested for both selling and/or trafficking marijuana if you do not follow the laws. It is important to note that black market marijuana is still sold in legalized states – and it is still illegal.
2022 Ballot Initiatives
There are many different ballot initiatives that are trying to make their way onto the ballots this year. Below are a few worthy of noting.
North Dakota: Groups in ND are trying to legalize the possession of one ounce of cannabis and 4 grams of cannabis concentrate, and up to 500 mg of cannabis in an infused product, and 3 cannabis plants.
Arkansas: Various activists are trying to allow adults 21 and older to possess 4 ounces of marijuana legally as well as be able to grow 12 plants of their own.
Maryland: Beginning July 1, 2023, adults will legally be able to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis or 12 grams of cannabis concentrates.
Missouri: Activists are pushing for laws allowing those 21 years of age and older to possess, purchase, consume, and cultivate marijuana. They are also trying to get non-violent marijuana-related offenses expunged.
Iowa: Groups are seeking legalization of recreational marijuana use by adults. Currently, the state law punishes any amount with jail time and a fine.
Ohio: Activists have brought before lawmakers a legalization measure to allow 2.5 ounces of marijuana, 15 grams of marinjuana extract, or 12 plants, by those 21 years of age and older. Any retail cannabis purchases can be taxed 10%. It doesn’t look promising that the push for this bill will be successful.
More of the same are taking place in other states, such as South Dakota, Oklahoma, and even Texas. Federally, marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. There have been efforts to reform the laws surrounding this issue, but so far they have just been stalled. So, for now, state and local laws are where it’s at.
Who’s Legal, Who’s Not
Whether you are going to be traveling, are looking for a place to move, or simply just want to know what your fellow states have been up to, we can take a look at which states are offering the legalization of marijuana.
Recreational marijuana use is legal in the following states: Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, D.C., California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Michigan, Vermont, Guam, Illinois, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, New Mexico, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
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