Best State to Live for Marijuana Access in the Southeast

There are many reasons to live in the Southeast. South Carolina is one of those reasons. The state has a favorable attitude towards marijuana access. In fact, nearly 72 percent of the population supports the legalization of medicinal marijuana. Similarly, North Carolina is an ideal place for medical marijuana. Listed below are the other reasons to live in the Southeast. Hopefully, these reasons will help you decide where to settle down.

North Carolina

The Southeast is a very diverse region when it comes to marijuana legalization. While the states nearby are divided on the issue, North Carolina is on the right track when it comes to marijuana legalization. Polls from Elon University indicate a majority of residents support medical marijuana. And in a recent Senate committee vote, a medical marijuana bill was approved. North Carolinians are now able to buy cannabis products that contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that affects mental state. In North Carolina, Delta-8 THC is widely available, allowing for medical marijuana sales in the state.

The Garden State has recently joined the club. Although its Cannabis Regulatory Commission has yet to get its sea legs, the medicinal program continues to serve patients with qualifying conditions. Though the current recreational law does not permit home-growing, it is under study to allow for up to six plants. In the meantime, the Garden State is one of the best states in the Southeast for medical marijuana use. But, the state will still have a long way to go.

While North Carolina is one of the thirteen states that do not have medical marijuana, there are steps lawmakers can take now to make it legal. The NC Compassionate Care Act, introduced by Sen. Paul Lowe, has bipartisan support, but has not yet been voted on in the Senate. The bill is expected to come up for a vote in the state’s legislature this spring. This bill is a big step towards legalizing marijuana in North Carolina.

Virginia

The passage of the bill in Virginia is the first step in legalizing the drug. The legislation would allow home cultivation of marijuana while a retail marijuana market is put in place. The bill would also legalize the sale of the drug for medical purposes. Despite the hurdles, the Virginia cannabis bill remains the best state for marijuana access in the Southeast. The General Assembly will reconvene on April 27 to consider the governor’s recommendations.

The changes have made Virginia the first Southern state to legalize cannabis. Lawmakers approved a bill in February that includes amendments that would speed up the legalization process by three years. The amendments were welcomed by advocates for racial justice. The amendments are also aimed at ensuring that people who suffer from medical marijuana do not fall victim to discrimination and mistreatment. The law also allows citizens to cultivate four plants per household.

In contrast to other states, Virginia allows home cultivation of up to four plants per household. There are some restrictions that must be followed, including not letting the plants be visible from the street. Moreover, each plant must be tagged with the grower’s name, license number, and personal use. These requirements are in place to protect the state’s residents from being harmed by unauthorized marijuana use.

South Dakota

In recent months, voters in South Dakota passed Initiative Measure 26 and Constitutional Amendment A, which legalized recreational marijuana. The former allows adults to grow up to three marijuana plants and possess up to one ounce for personal use. The latter law allows qualified patients to grow and possess cannabis for medical reasons. The South Dakota medical marijuana industry has already begun to grow. But the state is not without its share of problems.

The first wave of states to legalize marijuana began in 2012, driven by coastal states. Today, more states are expected to follow. Polls show that two-thirds of American adults support marijuana legalization. And a new bill in the Senate could change the federal classification of marijuana in 2022. But before that happens, there are still many states to pass. In the meantime, South Dakota should stay legal.

Nevada

In June 2016, Nevada became the first state in the Southeast to legalize recreational marijuana. Now, adults over 21 can possess an ounce of flower or 3.5 grams of concentrated cannabis. In addition, many dispensaries have opened, including drive-through shops. In addition to legalizing the sale of marijuana, the state has also begun working on restorative justice. Governor Steve Sisolak recently pardoned over 15,000 people for cannabis-related offenses.

While the law still has some ways to go, the state is one of the most progressive in the nation in terms of cannabis legalization. In February, a bipartisan pair of state senators announced that they will sponsor marijuana legalization legislation. Though the church’s stance is against the recreational use of marijuana, it has endorsed legalization in Nevada. As a result, it will soon be the best state for marijuana access in the southeast.

With legal marijuana access for adults, Nevada is also one of the most progressive states in the nation. The state is also home to the largest cannabis dispensary network. Its residents will have the ability to grow up to four cannabis plants and possess one ounce of marijuana. Additionally, dispensaries are open to medical marijuana patients. In addition, Nevada will allow the sale of marijuana to minors, meaning that there is no need to worry about being arrested for possessing a small amount of cannabis.

New Jersey

The legalization of marijuana is a step in the right direction for the region. While Connecticut is not the first state to legalize marijuana, the current climate in New Jersey makes legalization a must-have. While Connecticut voters rejected legalization in November, the governor has stated that legalization of marijuana is necessary to protect public health and prevent the development of cannabis tourism. This is one reason why a legalization referendum in New Jersey is so important.

Medical marijuana in New Jersey is legal for patients with certain conditions. Patients who are under the age of 18 may consume edibles infused with cannabis, as long as the dosage is no larger than four grams. Patients must have a valid Medical Marijuana Program card to possess the drug and keep it secure. Patients must keep their medical marijuana in their residence and keep their cards in their possession at all times. Patients must only transport the medication for medical purposes when absolutely necessary.

The state has been on the edge of legalizing cannabis for years. The law was signed by Governor John Corzine in 2010, but Republican Governor Chris Christie stalled the initiative by limiting the list of qualifying conditions and keeping the barrier to entry high. In February 2018, new Gov. Phil Murphy expanded the law. Now, there are thirteen medical dispensaries in the state serving an estimated 100,000 patients.

Montana

In November, the voters in Montana approved Initiative I-190, legalizing marijuana for adults over 21. The initiative also requires the Department of Revenue to develop rules for marijuana businesses and allows for resentencing and expungement of marijuana-related crimes. As a result of the initiative, the legislature has reached a compromise on an implementing bill that will create rules for the state’s marijuana market. House Bill 701 will make it possible for businesses to begin operating in Montana.

Last month, federal agents raided marijuana facilities in 13 Montana cities. Federal prosecutors said that the raids targeted purported medical marijuana suppliers. Although marijuana remains an illegal narcotic under federal law, 15 states have passed laws allowing people to use it for medical purposes. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws tracks these laws. The law isn’t always well enforced.

As of April 2018, five states have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. In addition to California, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Nevada, recreational marijuana laws are pending in these states. The laws could lead to a federalism showdown. Even though the state of Maine has passed recreational marijuana legislation, the federal government has yet to pass any such legislation. However, the recent referendums in Maine and Massachusetts have paved the way for legalization of marijuana in the region.