Medicinal marijuana is now legal in over 29 states. Recreational marijuana is legal in 8. Five years ago, recreational marijuana was illegal all over the USA. There is much confusion in terms of where legal pot can be obtained from and who is entitled to medical marijuana. Recreational marijuana is a different grade than medicinal marijuana, and marijuana companies are still coming to terms with state and federal rules and requirements. The following are ten things to know about legal pot.
Item One
It is illegal to smoke and drive. Stoned driving is illegal, just like drunk driving. The issue is while it is currently illegal there is no weed breathalyzer so there is no way to test when stopping individuals. It is also worth noting that you can be fired for showing up to work stoned. If you fail a drug test your employer can terminate your contract. Again, parallels can be drawn to alcohol, where you can be fired for showing up to work drunk. The exact rules on this vary state by state. Some medical patients have actually been fired for showing up to work stoned on medical marijuana.
Item Two
Marijuana industries like to deal in cash. This is because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Banks are regulated by the federal reserve and are hesitant to deal with businesses in the marijuana industry. For this reason, most marijuana related industries are forced to deal in cash as well as alternative forms of finance. While there are guidelines issued by the justice department which indicate how banks are to provide finance to marijuana companies, the banks remain wary.
Item Three
Do not send or carry marijuana across state borders. Even across the borders of two states where marijuana is legal in both. When you bring cannabis across the border you are running afoul of federal law and could be prosecuted. In practice, those caught sending small amounts of marijuana are rarely prosecuted using the delivery service. But still best to stay cautious.
Item Four
Just like smoking, legalized marijuana does not mean you can simply light up a joint anywhere. Smoking is banned in public places.
Item Five
Medical Marijuana is legal in 28 states. However, in 18 of these states the medical marijuana laws are so restrictive that marijuana is very difficult to get. The states where recreational marijuana is legal are Washington, Massachusetts, Oregon, Nevada, Maine, Colorado, California and Alaska. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. Washington and Colorado were the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. In Colorado, there are more marijuana medical dispensaries than there are McDonalds and Starbucks combined.
Item Six
The government actually owns a cannabis store. This might seem at odds with the fact that they cannabis is illegal at the deferral level. A shop called the cannabis corner is the first marijuana shop owned by the government, situated in North Bonneville, Washington. Profits go to city projects.
Item Seven
Just because marijuana is now legal does not mean it does not come with its share of risks. There is no reason to go overboard and use it irresponsibly. Some do not react as well to THC as others. The onus is still on the individual to make rational decision.
Item Eight
Marijuana is good for treating a variety of conditions, which include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, stress, autoimmune disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, chronic pain, insomnia and much more besides. Many elderly patients and those suffering from such disorders could easily benefit from the use of marijuana.
Item Nine
Now that marijuana is legal, it can be good to take stock of its nutritional benefits and topical applications. Marijuana is a superfood, and it has many applications. The leaves of the marijuana plant are full of vitamins and compounds. The THC and CBD content found in marijuana has been linked to positive health, alleviation of depression and an increase in brain health and creativity. The buds can be added to smoothies and marijuana can easily be an athlete’s best friend, in terms of nutrient content and muscle relaxation after a workout.
Item Ten
In the states where recreational marijuana is legal, it is possible to grow and cultivate you own crops at home, provided you are older than 21 years of age. Up to 6 plants are allowed for personal use. No longer are police officers able to detain someone for smelling marijuana or suspecting someone might have it.
The laws on marijuana growth and cultivation varies state by state, so it is best to do the research yourself and find out what you can and can’t do in your particular location. Make sure you do not inadvertently break the rules, as ignorance is not an excuse in the eyes of the law.
