States with Legalized Cannabis – Purchasing, Possession and Usage Regulations

In the United States, federal law does not allow individuals to use cannabis for either recreational or medical purposes, but many states have adopted laws that permit usage and possession of marijuana under specific circumstances – here are some more details about states with legalized cannabis.
Usage for Medical Purposes
The usage and possession of cannabis for medical purposes is today allowed in 29 states in the US and further states are in the process of discussing usage-related laws. The individuals who can use cannabis for the treatment or the management of a physical condition must be able to prove that they are over the age of 18 with a state-issued ID document such as a driver’s license or a passport and they must also possess a red card that allows purchase, usage and possession and is issued based on a recommendation from a qualified doctor. The physical conditions and health problems that patients can turn to a doctor with if they want to receive a recommendation that they can use to file for a red card include, but are not limited to the following:
– Glaucoma,
– Respiratory problems, including asthma,
– Chronic pain associated with cancer treatment and other diseases, such as fibromyalgia,
– Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting,
– Muscle spasms that accompany sclerosis multiplex,
– Depression, insomnia, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder.
The Usage of Marijuana for Recreational Purposes
The number of the states that allow the recreational usage of marijuana is growing as well. There are currently 9 states in the US – Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia – that permit recreational usage and there are 13 more states where usage is decriminalized, but all the laws are very specific about the quantity allowed and they are also very strict about other conditions of usage. Many people cross the border from states that do not have legalized marijuana and go to border towns for Pueblo pot shops. Individuals who can legally purchase marijuana in the strictly scrutinized marijuana dispensaries must prove that they are over the age of 21 with a state-approved document and the quantity that can be purchased in one transaction is limited to 1 ounce (28 grams).
Marijuana laws are very specific about where the substance can be used as well. Marijuana cannot be administered in open and public places, such as cinemas, theaters, streets, pubs, bars or restaurants. Usage is allowed only at home – if the property is leased, usage is allowed only if the lease contract does not include clauses to prevent it.
Cultivation
Some US states, including Alaska, Colorado, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon or Vermont permit the cultivation of marijuana plants for private purposes. The number of the plants allowed ranges between 2-6, but most states permit private cultivation only in households where there are at least 2 adults.
All states in the US, including the ones that permit usage, possession and cultivation under certain conditions, have very strict laws that prohibit the selling of marijuana. Cannabis can only be sold by dispensaries that are licensed to store and sell cannabis products and the US states with legalized cannabis scrutinize these dispensaries regularly, checking the quality of the products sold as well as aspects of legal operation.