Marijuana legislation is constantly evolving. It can be hard to keep up with what is going on. Itโs important to stay informed about the most recent developments so that you wonโt get in trouble. Keep in mind that changes also vary from state to state. Laws about crossing state lines with marijuana are another matter, too.
There are different categories when it comes to cannabis legislation. Here are the categories you should be looking at.
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CBD vs. THC
Those who arenโt familiar with marijuana get these two things confused. CBD and THC are not the same thing, but they both occur in the cannabis plant. They are chemical compounds. Both are completely natural products. THC is the chemical compound that makes users feel high. It has many medical benefits, but some people donโt want the high.ย Thatโs when CBD comes in handy. CBD has all the same medical benefits but doesnโt have the high. Itโs perfectly safe to use.
Most states have legalized CBD products to some extent. There is often a limit on how much THC can be in the product. Just because CBD has been legalized doesnโt mean that THC has been.
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Out of State Residents
Usually, you have to be a state resident to buy cannabis in that state. However, that is not always the case. Some states allow visitors to purchase cannabis while they are there, even for recreational usage. Here is a list of states that allow out of state residents to purchase cannabis within their boundaries. That doesnโt mean that you can take the cannabis out of state, though. If marijuana is still illegal in your home state, donโt take it back. And even if it is legal, you might not be able to transport it.
If youโre heading out of town, check the laws before you leave. Donโt forget to look at county and citywide laws as well. The best way to stay out of trouble is to know your rights. Not all law enforcement officials even know the legal status of cannabis in their own state. Print out the laws and carry them with you. Also consider where you are allowed to consume cannabis. Sometimes you can only consume it on your own property or private property. Other states allow recreational usage in cafes or public spaces.
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ย Medical
Most states distinguish between medical and recreational usage. The vast majority of states have legalized cannabis to some extent for medical usage. This differs from state to state. Some states are much more lenient about marijuana prescriptions than others. Youโll always need some sort of documentation for medical marijuana. Marijuana has been widely approved for the treatment of neurological disorders and seizures and epilepsy. In some states, it has also been approved for the treatment of mental health issues.
Itโs common to prescribe marijuana for anxiety, PTSD, and depression. It can also be used for pain treatment. There is no reason why cannabis should not be recognized as a medicine.
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Recreational
Several states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Colorado was one of the first states to do so, and it attracts a lot of tourists for this reason. If youโre headed to Colorado, check out this list of great ski areas. Itโs a great place to enjoy nature as well as marijuana. Since there are no negative side effects associated with cannabis consumption, there is no reason it shouldnโt be legalized for recreation. Other substances such as alcohol have been legalized for recreation. As long as you consume responsibly, there is no danger in using marijuana.
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Federal Law
Under federal law, cannabis is still illegal. This means that the legal status of cannabis is still somewhat confusing. Itโs always best to practice caution when using marijuana. Responsible and informed consumption is the best way to encourage lawmakers to advocate for change. If youโre really passionate about the issue, call your state senators and representatives. Let people know that this is an issue thatโs important to you. If you donโt voice your opinion, no one else will do it for you.
Conclusion
Marijuana law is complicated and hard to understand. Hopefully that will change soon.
