Life Lessons from Anthony Bourdain
One of the world's coolest globetrotters on ambition, being a man and, of course, the importance of travel.
Look, the election didn't turn out the way we, or many others, expected. But regardless of your party affiliation, there's definitely some good news that more of us should focus on. More than 63 million Americans now live in states where it's perfectly legal to consume weed recreationally. Of the five states that had a marijuana measure on the ballot, four passed it (along with three additional states that approved medical marijuana), while just one state out-and-out rejected it. Here's what you need to know about each.
Up to an ounce in your possession, plus growing provisions.
Effective immediately
Anyone over 21 can have an ounce of weed, along with six plants. But California has until January 2018 to institute rules and regulations, along with licenses to recreational dispensaries. So it may be some time before you can legally buy the stuff easily.
Up to an ounce in your possession, plus growing provisions.
December 15
Anyone over 21 can have an ounce of weed on them personally. At home, you're allowed up to 10 ounces (with some storage restrictions), along with six plants. Using pot in public, or possessing over an ounce in public, will still be illegal.
Up to an ounce (or 1/8 oz. of concentrate) in your possession, plus growing provisions.
Effective immediately
Anyone over 21 can carry an ounce of weed or an eighth of an ounce of cannabis concentrate in public. The state is giving existing liquor distributors priority on the first licenses, so you'll likely see pot and alcohol being sold side by side in many locations.
Up to 2.5 ounces in your possession, plus growing provisions.
December 19 (if passed)
The new measure (which is currently undergoing a recount) will allow Maine residents to legally posses up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, along with six plants and consume weed in non-public places. But dispensaries and social clubs would likely not open for a year or so to give the state time to set up licensing and regulatory rules.
Nothing, since the measure didn't pass.
Hopefully the next election
Marijuana is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, the same as heroin.
The Cannabist has a map showing the legal status of marijuana throughout the United States.