The relationship between cannabis and the United States has seen a drastic shift in the past few decades. Today, we are faced with a unique situation where the perception and laws around ‘weed,’ as it’s colloquially known, vary widely from state to state. It raises the valid question: Just how many states have legalized weed?
As of the year 2021, a total of 36 states, four out of five permanently inhabited territories, and the District of Columbia have passed laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form. The trend of marijuana legalization began with California in 1996, when voters passed Proposition 215, allowing for the medical use of marijuana.
The push towards the legalization of marijuana has been largely driven by the recognition of its medical value. Marijuana has been found to help patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, chronic pain, glaucoma, anxiety, depression and a host of other conditions. The therapeutic potential of marijuana has led many to consider it as a viable alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals, often accompanied by severe side effects.
Novel medicines are finding their way into the market, with marijuana at their core. With more research advocating for its safety and efficacy, marijuana’s acceptance has grown among the population along with its legalization across states.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the legalization of marijuana in these states does not mean carte blanche for residents to use and sell. Regulations surrounding prescriptions, commerce, and personal use vary vastly between each state and territory. For instance, despite legalization, public usage in most jurisdictions is still prohibited. Similarly, different states impose varying limits on the quantity of marijuana that one can legally possess at a time.
Of the 36 states with comprehensive medical marijuana laws, 15 of them along with the District of Columbia have also legalized recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21. The first two of these states being Colorado and Washington, which both passed initiatives to allow recreational use of marijuana in November 2012.
Legalization in these states has shown benefits beyond the medical applications of marijuana. Indeed, it has generated billions of dollars in tax revenue and facilitated the creation of thousands of jobs, thus providing a significant boost to their economies. Alongside, there has been a drop in the arrest rates for drug possession, reducing unnecessary strain on the criminal justice system.
Despite the changing landscape in many states, it’s important to remember that marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The conflict between state and federal law creates a complex dynamic, wherein businesses operating legally under state law are still technically in violation of federal law. This duality continues to be a significant challenge for the cannabis industry.
In conclusion, the trend of marijuana legalization is advancing across the United States with an increasing number of states, recognizing the benefits beyond its recreational use. While the number of states that have legalized weed has increased significantly, the variation in regulations, the conflict with federal laws, and the ongoing need for comprehensive research means the conversation surrounding marijuana legalization is far from over.