The Current State of Cannabis Legalization in 2022
As of 2022, the landscape of cannabis legality has significantly changed in the United States. Marijuana, colloquially known as weed, is no longer a universally prohibited substance. In different states, the laws revolving around cannabis range from full recreational and medical marijuana programs to more limited medical marijuana programs, while in some states, it remains entirely illegal. Understanding the legality of cannabis can provide insights into trends and policy changes.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that marijuana is still defined as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This class is for substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, despite the federal prohibition, individual states have the power to institute and maintain their own marijuana laws.
As of the beginning of 2022, 18 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational, adult-use marijuana. These states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Laws vary significantly from state to state, with each having its regulatory structures surrounding the growth, distribution, sale, and use of recreational cannabis.
Some 37 states, along with four territories, and the District of Columbia have approved comprehensive, publicly available medical marijuana/cannabis programs. These states include those that have legalized recreational use as well. In addition to the previously mentioned 18 states and two territories, nineteen additional states allow for medical marijuana use. Medical marijuana regulations also differ widely among the states, concerning qualifications for usage, possession limits, and whether home cultivation is allowed.
While some states allow for the medical application of marijuana, it’s not just about THC (the psychoactive component). CBD (cannabidiol), a compound with therapeutic benefits but without the psychoactive effects of THC, has also gained ground. In Brisbane, Australia, for example, many residents use “cbd for anxiety Brisbane” to assist with mental health concerns. However, CBD’s legality in the USA is separate from THC and depends on whether it’s derived from hemp (legal at the federal level) or marijuana (legal status varies by state).
The states where marijuana remains fully illegal in 2022 are Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas. In these states, both recreational and medical use of cannabis is prohibited. Despite this, efforts continue to decriminalize or legalize marijuana in some form in these states.
With increasing momentum behind the cannabis legalization movement and changing societal attitudes, it’s expected that the number of states offering legal access to marijuana in either recreational or medical forms will only rise. It is important for consumers and businesses alike to stay informed of developments as the landscape continues to evolve. Laws and regulations regarding marijuana including CBD for therapeutic use, will change, and with it brings new opportunities and challenges in 2022 and beyond.