Wherever Marijuana Is Now Legal and What That Means to You
Last night, among many other more important voices, Americans in several states voted to legalize marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes. In almost all cases, the voices passed. Here’s what it means to you.
Until yesterday evening, marijuana was licensed medicinally in 25 states and licensed for recreational use in 4. It is also licensed for both purposes in the District of Columbia. After yesterday night, that number has increased to 28 and 8, respectively. Arizona was the only state to vote against recreational legalization. Medical marijuana is currently legal in the following states :
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Colombia area
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
The following states also allow recreational marijuana :
- California
- Colorado
- Colombia area
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Washington
It is important to note, however, that while these individual states now allow marijuana in various forms, it is still considered a Schedule 1 substance at the federal level. The Obama administration has chosen not to enforce federal laws in states that have been legalized (although this becomes unclear when it comes to marijuana moving across state lines). It is unclear whether President-elect Donald Trump will change this approach. In the past, he has pledged support for medical marijuana, but has been less enthusiastic about supporting the recreational marijuana industry .
Even in states where marijuana is legal for recreational use, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can go to your nearest CVS and buy an ounce tomorrow. For example, stores in California still need to be licensed to sell non-medical marijuana, and these licenses may take until January 1, 2018. Rules will vary from state to state, so check your local news for new rules.