Marijuana and pipe - wikimedia commons[/caption]Charity Bailey-----The legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado has drawn attention from around the country. Some people oppose the drug's legality, others are in favor of these new laws, while some people don't fully understand them or their ramifications. The following breaks down each state's law regarding marijuana, including limitations on its use as well as legal repercussions for violating these laws.
Colorado's Rules for Recreational Marijuana
What the Law Does: In November 2012, the state's new law allowing the recreational use of marijuana, including marijuana store signage; product labeling; cultivation; testing and warehousing passed. The law is the first of its kind in the United States, as it permits the legal use of recreational marijuana, as opposed to previous laws that limited legal marijuana use for medicinal purposes only.
Under the law, distributors of medical marijuana who are in good standing can convert into recreational retailers. The law permits adults of 21 and older living in Colorado to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana. The law also permits these same residents to purchase marijuana seeds for growth at home, up to three flowering at a time.
What Legal Limitations are in Place: While those 21 and over can smoke marijuana legally in their homes, the law still prohibits the open or public use of marijuana. Additionally, you can't give more than 1 ounce of purchased marijuana to a friend or family member, and distributing to a person under age 21 is illegal. Also, just as with alcohol or other mind-altering substances, you can't legally drive while impaired by marijuana.
The Repercussions of Breaking the Law: If a youth is found in possession of marijuana, it is considered a petty crime -- if the person possesses less than 1 ounce -- subject to a fine no larger than $100 dollars. Adults caught with the same amount are subject to a fine of $100-$500. If caught in possession of less than 8 ounces but more than 1 ounce of pot, the crime is considered a class 1 misdemeanor and a class 5 felony.
Washington Initiative 502
Legal Summary: The November 2012 ballot initiative that legalized small amounts of Marijuana passed by a 56 to 44 margin. Like Colorado's legalization law, Initiative 502 allows adults over the age of 21 to possess, consume, and purchase recreational marijuana in quantities up to 1 ounce. Washington citizens can also grow marijuana, but individuals can use only up to 30,000 square feet of garden space for the plant. Growers also need to have a license.
Limitations and Consequences: In order to acquire a license to grow marijuana -- a single grower can only hold 3 licenses at a time -- growers must undergo background checks. Additionally, the licenses must track the marijuana from seed to sale, a provision of the law mandated to protect public safety. Just as in Colorado, though, using it underage; selling or growing without a license; or distributing can result in various penalties, including a fine and jail time.
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This article was provided by Charity Bailey, Environmental Studies student and advocate for progressive social change. Charity reminds you, although consumption is now legal in some states, it is never alright to driving under the influence, which can lead to injury or a DUI.
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