Smoke 'Em If It's Legal

What You Need to Know About the New Recreational Weed Laws

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.

California

What you get

Up to an ounce in your possession, plus growing provisions.

When you get it

Effective immediately

Details

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.

Massachusetts

What you get

Up to an ounce in your possession, plus growing provisions.

When you get it

December 15

Details

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.

Nevada

What you get

Up to an ounce (or 1/8 oz. of concentrate) in your possession, plus growing provisions.

When you get it

Effective immediately

Details

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.

Maine

What you get

Up to 2.5 ounces in your possession, plus growing provisions.

When you get it

December 19 (if passed)

Details

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.

Arizona

What you get

Nothing, since the measure didn't pass.

When you get it

Hopefully the next election

FYI

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
United
States
of Pot

The Cannabist has a map showing the legal status of marijuana throughout the United States.