How many states have decriminalized

The map below summarizes cannabis policy throughout the states as of June Colorado and Wa shington approved adult-use recreational marijuana measures in Alaska , Oregon and District of Columbia followed suit in fall of In , Ohio voters defeated a ballot measure that addressed commercial production and sale of recreational marijuana.

On Nov. In , Vermont became the first state to legalize marijuana for adult use through the legislative process rather than a ballot initiative. Recently, New Jersey AB 21 legalized certain personal use, while removing marijuana as a schedule I drug.

The newsletter discusses studies on crime rates, traffic accidents, prices, jobs, state budgets, and state workers' comp programs. In , Virginia adopted SJR 67 - having Virginia begin it's journey to join the other states in legalizing cannabis for recreational use.

The resolution begins a study requiring recommendations for implementing legalization by July 1, The measures in New Hampshire and Rhode Island were enacted and established commissions to study the legalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana.

Bills to repeal voter initiatives approving adult-use legal marijuana were introduced in but did not pass in Washington. Several bills before state legislatures in addressed the federal role in marijuana policies. Delivered Fridays.

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Give Give. The law took effect June 29 — allowing state residents to possess and consume marijuana — but recreational sales will not start until April 1, After two failed attempts to legalize adult-use cannabis in New York, the state finally passed recreational marijuana on March 31, Though New Yorkers are now able to possess and smoke cannabis legally, sales aren't expected to begin for at least a year. Andrew Carter, an analyst at Stifel, said he expects recreational cannabis sales to begin in late South Dakota in voted to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis, the first time a state has voted in favor of both at the same time.

State lawmakers have until April to create rules around cannabis, including regulations around dispensaries. Vermont became the first state to legalize marijuana through the legislature , rather than a ballot initiative, when Republic Gov.

Phil Scott signed a bill into law in January Adults in the Green Mountain State can carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana and grow no more than two plants for recreational use. The law went into effect in July But it was limited in scope. It didn't establish a legal market for the production and sale of the drug. In , the state legislature passed a bill that would allow for adult-use sales in the state. All localities must opt-in to allow for dispensaries, however.

Sales are expected in A majority of state legislators in Virginia approved Gov. Ralph Northam's suggestion to legalize the consumption, possession, and cultivation of marijuana on July 1, years earlier than the initial legislation intended. The state allows people to carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana, but they must use the drug for medicinal purposes to be eligible for a grower's license. Residents in the nation's capital voted overwhelmingly to legalize marijuana for adult use in November The bill took effect in , allowing people to possess 2 ounces or less of marijuana and "gift" up to an ounce, if neither money nor goods or services are exchanged.

For you. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.

It often indicates a user profile. Log out. Marijuana is legal for adults in 18 states and Washington, D. Medical marijuana is legal in Most recently, New Mexico, Virginia, and Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis. A slew of states have passed cannabis reform measures in recent months.

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