As of October 2023, marijuana legalization varies significantly across the United States. Some states have fully legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, while others have only legalized it for medical purposes. Additionally, several states still maintain strict prohibition. Federal policy remains unchanged, classifying marijuana as a Schedule I substance, although there have been ongoing discussions about potential reforms.
He doesn't really have a standing. This is an issue that is on a state-to-state level.
Obama's drug "czar" has said that marijuana legalization is a non-starter in his administration. He has said that they would not bother medical users/dispensaries operating withing their respective state laws, however the DEA continues to raid state licensed facilities.
The recent state legalization of marijuana use may create problems due to potential health risks, increased substance abuse, impaired driving incidents, and challenges in regulating the industry.
Citizens can actively engage in grassroots campaigning to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of marijuana legalization in their communities. They can also petition local and state governments to oppose proposed legislation, gathering signatures to demonstrate public disapproval. Additionally, attending public meetings and voicing concerns to elected officials can help influence policy decisions against marijuana legalization.
Beau Kilmer has written: 'Altered state' -- subject(s): Drug legalization, Law and legislation, Marijuana industry, Marijuana
As of my last update in September 2021, New Jersey had legalized recreational marijuana through a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2020. This amendment allowed for the possession, use, and sale of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Following the approval, the state had been in the process of implementing regulations and establishing a framework for the legal cannabis market. The legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey has had several impacts on the state's economy and social landscape: Economic Benefits: Legalizing recreational marijuana has created a new industry and revenue stream for the state. Licensed dispensaries and cannabis-related businesses have begun to operate, generating tax revenue and job opportunities. This additional revenue has the potential to contribute to various public programs and initiatives in New Jersey. Social Justice and Criminal Justice Reform: One of the key reasons for marijuana legalization in New Jersey was to address social justice issues related to marijuana criminalization. Legalization aimed to reduce racial disparities in marijuana-related arrests and convictions, which had disproportionately affected communities of color. By legalizing marijuana, the state intended to expunge certain past marijuana convictions, providing relief to individuals with non-violent marijuana offenses on their records. Public Health and Regulation: Legalizing marijuana allows for better regulation of its production, distribution, and sale. The state can establish safety standards, quality control measures, and guidelines for responsible use. Additionally, it enables the implementation of public health campaigns to educate the public about potential risks and benefits associated with marijuana use. Tourism and Business Opportunities: The legalization of recreational marijuana could potentially attract cannabis tourism, with visitors coming from neighboring states where marijuana remains illegal. This influx of tourists could boost local businesses and the hospitality industry. Challenges and Considerations: Despite the benefits, there have been challenges in implementing marijuana legalization effectively. These include issues related to zoning, taxation, law enforcement training, and ensuring public safety on the roads. Additionally, there may be ongoing debates about how to balance the commercial aspects of the marijuana industry with public health and safety concerns. Since my knowledge is up to September 2021, it's essential to refer to the latest news and updates from official sources for the most current information on the status and impact of marijuana legalization in New Jersey.
State.
America is often referred to as the "land of the free" with regards to marijuana due to the varying state laws on its legalization and decriminalization.
No, you must have the MMJ card for the current state you are in
As of 2014, the legalization effort is having high hopes. Recently, New York has agreed to the legalization of medical marijuana (not recreational use) and is the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana, however it has the strictest rules out of all states. The New York Times also called to "End Prohibition" comparing it to that of the "Alcohol Prohibition" and claims that later we'll look back and see this prohibition just as the alcohol prohibition. This was the biggest newspaper/magazine to endorse legalization of marijuana.Marijuana is also currently legal in 2 states in the United States, and will be completely legal in Uruguay in 2015. There are many countries that already turn a "blind eye" to charges against marijuana, and many countries and states in the United States have already decriminalized marijuana.In terms of "soon" in specific - Alaska, Oregon and Washington D.C. all have legalization in the air at the moment (September 2014), there was a legalization initiative that made it to the ballot in those three places. It is up to the voters in those areas to decide if it should be legalized recreationally. All three of which, have a very high chance due to recent polls and other actions that have been done in regards to marijuana to become legalized. For example, Washington D.C. just recently decriminalized weed, and Alaska was one of the first earlier on states to legalize marijuana for medicinal use (1998), California being the first (1996).At this point, marijuana has gained a lot of momentum towards legalization, with people like the President of the United States of the America famously quoted as saying "Marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol, but it's a bad idea." Also, with big newspapers/magazines in favor of legalization, this gives the momentum yet another push. Once again, the New York Times, a huge magazine/newspaper media outlet has endorsed the legalization of it, and other popular magazines such as Forbes also supports the legalization, giving it more of a push.However, there are still opponents who do not support the legalization of marijuana. Just because marijuana has gained all this momentum in support of it, does not necessarily mean it will become legal in the near future. It is possible it may be another 20 years from now, or who knows, never!
Yes. People are incarcerated because Marijuana is currently illegal. This is in my opinion the real danger of using the drug. Should it be legalized then consumption/possession would no longer be a crime and people should no longer be incarcerated for it. Unless you live in a country like the United States, where state and federal law can sometimes conflict.
It's hard to say exactly because he's made inconsistent statements on the subject. Since 1990, he has expressed views both pro- and anti-legalization. In the early 1990s, he expressed views that legalization was a good option because it would curtail the power of the drug cartels. During the 2015-2016 election campaign, he mostly expressed views that the issue should be left to the states, but he also made statements indicating that he felt that there were unforeseen problems from legalization, which sounded somewhat anti-legalization. So it seems that he is anti-legalization at the federal level, but he is somewhat ok with states legalizing on their own terms. It's also worth pointing out his Attorney General. The Attorney General is the member of the President's Cabinet who is most involved in drug enforcement, as agencies like the DEA and FBI fall under his purview. Trump's AG is Jeff Sessions, who is known for being strongly anti-legalization, and has made statements since his appointment that indicate he still is fiercely so.