Weed legalization has become an increasingly common topic in the United States over the past decade. Despite the fact that marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, many states have made it accessible for adult medical or recreational use. On Sunday, April 23, 2023, pot aficionados in over 20 states will be able to buy marijuana legally on Thursday's informal holiday.
At the moment, 18 states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. These states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. In addition, medical marijuana is legal in 36 states, including Washington D.C.
The latest state to legal recreational use is Minnesota. On Friday, April 21, 2023, Minnesota lawmakers voted to legal recreational use of marijuana, joining the string of policy moves to the substance. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by the governor, making Minnesota the 19th state to legal recreational marijuana.
Marijuana is a multibillion-dollar industry, and more states are getting in on the green rush, incentivized by the potential tax revenue and job opportunities. In fact, it is estimated that the legal marijuana industry could reach $73.6 billion by 2027. As more states legal recreational marijuana, the industry will continue to grow and create more job opportunities.
While many states have legalized some form of marijuana, few have approved it for recreational use so far. However, more states are expected to follow suit in the coming years. Some states, such as Idaho, have neighboring states with medical or recreational marijuana programs, and many residents are in support of legal medical marijuana.
The trend of legal marijuana for both medical and recreational uses is not just limited to the United States. In Europe, several countries have also legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. As of 2020, 11 US states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, and more are expected to follow.
However, not all states are on board with legal recreational marijuana. New Hampshire's Senate recently rejected a bill that would have legalized adult-use marijuana, making it the only New England state that has not yet legalized marijuana for recreational use.
In conclusion, the trend of legal marijuana for both medical and recreational uses is growing in the United States and beyond. While it remains illegal on a federal level, more and more states are legal it for recreational use, incentivized by the potential tax revenue and job opportunities. As the industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see which states will follow suit and what impact it will have on the economy and society as a whole.
