In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two states in the US to legalize the recreational use of Marijuana. Since then, seven other states followed, which include Alaska, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Vermont.
Under federal law, the use, sale, and possession of Marijuana (Cannabis) are illegal in the United States. It is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This means that Marijuana does not hold any medical advantages and is said to cause physical and psychological dependence. However, the historical timeline of legalizing Marijuana has been through many amendments with individual states combating to decriminalize it and have it made available for medical, industrial and recreational purposes.
The legal minimum age limit for having Marijuana for recreational purposes is 21, common for all states. However, the quantity you can have, whether or not you can buy and sell it, the permission to smoke it in public and authorization to grow it at home differs from state to state.
Colorado
As mentioned above Colorado was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes in 2012. Users in Colorado can be found in possession of up to 1 ounce of Marijuana and can buy and sell it through licensed retail stores. As of 2018, they can grow up to 12 plants with 3 flowerings of Marijuana at home. It is impermissible to smoke it in public.
Washington
Washington as well took an early lead when it came to legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Users in Washington can purchase up to 1 ounce of Marijuana and be in possession of up to 6 ounces. You can buy and sell it from licensed stores. However, it is prohibited to grow it at home or smoke up in public.
Alaska
Alaska legalized the recreational use of Marijuana in 2014. You can have up to 1 ounce and are allowed to grow up to 12 plants with only 3 flowering at a time. It can be purchased from licensed dispensaries and it is not permissible to smoke up in public.
California
Marijuana for recreational use was legalized in California in 2016. You can have up to 1 ounce, can purchase it through licensed stores, and grow up to 6 plants at home. It is prohibited to smoke in public, however.
Maine
Maine legalized Marijuana in 2016 for recreational use. You can have up to 2.5 ounces, can grow about 6 plants at home and can the process of buying and selling it is still being legalized. It is not permissible to smoke marijuana in public in Maine.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized Marijuana in 2016. Users are allowed to have up to 1 ounce outside the home and up to 10 ounces inside the home. It is permissible to cultivate 6 plants at home and public smoking is not allowed.
Nevada
Nevada made legal recreational use of Marijuana in 2016. Users can have up to 1 ounce, can grow 6 plants at home whereas public smoking is banned.
Oregon
Marijuana was made legal in Oregon in 2014. Users are allowed to have up to 1 ounce publicly and 8 ounces at home. It can be bought and purchased from legal stores. It is permitted to grow 4 plants on private property.
Vermont
Vermont became the first state to legalize recreational use of Marijuana through legislation in 2018. Users are allowed to have up to 1 ounce and grow 2 immature and 4 mature plants on private property.
The process of legalizing Marijuana becomes extensive given the negative side effects of the drug. The permit to smoke up Marijuana for recreational purposes has been a long-sought combat and the coming years will see the legalization of the drug for further intended purposes.
