Marijuana also known as cannabis is a psychoactive drug obtained from a plant called cannabis sativa. It has been consumed worldwide for health and recreational purposes. People smoke marijuana in the form of hand-rolled cigarettes or pipes. It is the most widely used drug in the United States, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Mostly young generation consumes it, almost 35.4% of the people of ages 18-25 were reported to use marijuana in 2021.
Each year the United States welcomes thousands of tourists who love marijuana. Now most states have legalized the consumption of marijuana however there are some restrictions on it. This article will tell you if marijuana is legal to consume by tourists in the USA and the states where it is legal to consume it.
Is Marijuana Legal?
The legality of consuming marijuana by tourists and locals varies from state to state. There are different restrictions and laws in different states. It is important to understand the laws of the region before traveling to that state. You don’t want to get into any trouble while you are on vacation. Marijuana has been legalized in 23 states and Washington DC for recreational purposes, but only for adults who are 21 years or older. Consumption in public places might be illegal. There are many 420-friendly or in other words cannabis-friendly places where you can stay and enjoy a smoke.
In Which States Marijuana is Legalized for Tourists?
Following is the list of states where recreational marijuana consumption is legalized. So, if you are into smoking marijuana and planning a trip to the United States, make sure to stay in one of these states.
- Colorado
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Washington, D.C.
- California
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- Michigan
- Vermont
- Guam
- Illinois
- Arizona
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Virginia
- New Mexico
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Delaware
- Minnesota
Is Marijuana Legal at the Federal Level in the United States?
Marijuana is considered illegal at the federal level in the United States. Under the Controlled Substances Act, it is classified as a Schedule I drug which means that it has a high potential for abuse and has no or little medical use. It is illegal to cultivate, distribute, and possess marijuana on federal land. The states which have legalized the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana are in direct conflict with the federal government. This has created tension between the states with their right to make their laws and the laws of the federal government.
How to be a Good Marijuana Tourist in the United States?
While traveling to the United States or anywhere in the world, there are some etiquettes to smoking marijuana. First, make sure that you are smoking marijuana where it is considered legal. You don’t want to smoke it on federal land as you can end up in prison for doing that. Make sure to learn the marijuana laws dictated by each state before planning your trip. Illegal marijuana consumption can result in severe penalties for locals as well as for tourists.
How Can Tourists Buy Marijuana in the United States?
Tourists should follow the following instructions to buy and possess marijuana in the United States:
- You must be 21 years or over and you must possess an official ID or a driver’s license to buy marijuana in the United States.
- It is better to carry cash for purchasing marijuana as most marijuana businesses do not accept credit cards because they have a fear of going against federal laws. Some dispensaries have an ATM on-site from where people can get cash on the spot.
- It is suggested that tourists avoid black markets for purchasing marijuana, instead, they should shop at licensed dispensaries.
- The package from these licensed dispensaries will have a universal symbol on it which shows that it is tested.
- Make sure to ask questions from the budtenders about the dosage and consumption of marijuana.
- The limit of marijuana possession in the United States is 3 grams or less.
Conclusion
Marijuana is consumed worldwide for recreational and medicinal purposes. It is obtained as dried herbs from the plant cannabis sativa. The consumption of marijuana is legal in most of the states of the United States except for the federal land. It remains illegal on the federal level where it is classified as a Schedule I drug. In the United States, adults who are 21 or over can buy and consume marijuana. The buyer should possess an official ID to purchase marijuana from the licensed dispensary. It is advised that before traveling to any state in the US make sure to learn the marijuana laws of that state to avoid any kind of trouble on your vacation.
Diana was an active fitness model in the past. She has had numerous shoots done at different locations and found out that her true interest was in exploring the world! Later on, this passion motivated her to write multiple tarvel blogs about whatever place she visited and discovered, and here it is! Enjoy reading a variety of blogs by Diana to get a lively experience of several places.