Marijuana use is becoming more mainstream in the United States. In 2021, about 52.5 million people reported using marijuana—and that number is growing. However, the legislation in this field may seem confusing, especially for people who want to move to the US. It’s crucial to be aware of some important facts about Americans and marijuana: for example, there are places where you’ll have trouble smoking weed in public!
The United States has some of the most complex marijuana laws in the world—the legalization of cannabis in the US has been a long and complicated process that took place over several decades. Here are some facts about Americans and marijuana that expats should know before coming to the US.
The Legislation Differs from State to State
The first and most critical thing to remember is that the rules are different from state to state. In some states, medical marijuana is legal; in others, it isn’t. Recreational use is also allowed in some states, but not others. At the same time, there are products you can order online and enjoy legally in most states — click site to see an example of Delta-8 flowers.
Medical vs Recreational
As of today, 37 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical cannabis. In 1996, California became the first state to do so. Today, 21 states have legalized recreational marijuana use (including California, Illinois, and New Jersey). Also, medical use is legal in all US territories except American Samoa.
Smoking in Public Spaces
You can legally smoke marijuana on your own property. However, it’s important to check the law of your state/territory before lighting up anywhere else—and always make sure that you are doing so safely away from children and others who may be offended by second-hand smoke. The best choice would always be to smoke in private.
Public Opinion
The legal landscape is changing quickly. Recreational marijuana use is now legal in several states, while others have legalized medical marijuana. Several states are planning to legalize or are holding discussions on the matter, too, as more research becomes available to the public. However, about 8% of Americans still oppose the idea of legalization and may have especially radical opinions concerning expats or migrants involved in this issue.
CBD Market Is Growing Fast
CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, and it’s used to treat a wide range of conditions. It’s legal in all 50 states and can be sold online or in specialty shops. CBD products are typically derived from hemp plants, not marijuana, which means that they don’t have any psychoactive effects (i.e., you won’t get high).
The growth in popularity of CBD has been explosive: Sales reached $4.1 billion in 2022, and this number is expected to grow continuously in the coming years.
To Sum Up
Americans are becoming more accepting of marijuana and its use. This is reflected in the increasing number of states that have legalized medical or recreational cannabis. If you’re planning to come to the US and are interested in trying marijuana products, be sure to check legislation in this field specific to your state.
