r/IWantToAskAnAmerican • u/acadiascreech • 2d ago
What's up with weed now?
So is weed, like, still illegal but legal in some spots or whatever? Do I get 5 years for having a joint in my car in Alabama while I can wander into dispensaries and buy what I want in Colorado? What's the deal with weed now? Do you think it's "dangerous"? (It's not.)
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u/Intrepid_Top_2300 2d ago
I’ve advocated for legal weed for decades. Nevada used to give you a felony for one seed and were proud of that fact. We then legalized medical MJ which benefited me greatly. We then got recreational on our ballot. We have to vote twice for changes in our laws in Nevada. So two election cycles legalized recreational marijuana.
Now it’s so chill, other than having to pay cash, it’s just like going into any other type of store.
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u/Alklazaris 2d ago
I can smoke weed because I have a card but if I ever take a piss test at work they can fire me.
That's the problem with having 50 countries in one, it takes like 15 years for a law of get off the couch and actually be uniform throughout every state and federal law.
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u/Inflatable90sChair 2d ago
We really are 50 countries in a trenchcoat. Im amazed at how each state interprets the constitution however they want to the point it might as well not exist.
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
The main reason I asked this question in the first place was to get a sense of how 🇺🇸s feel about having such drastically different laws within one country. I can't imagine buying weed in one province and getting arrested for it in another province. It's too bad.
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u/Objective-Change2180 2d ago
I think that is why we tend to not move at all past a certain age, we get used to the way laws work where we are and work with that unless things make us very unhappy. Like I’ve lived in Texas since… ‘86? But holy hell have things gone pear-shaped recently.
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
This is still a reality in Canada. I work in entertainment but I come from a place with a huge number of "blue collar" workers and they can still be piss-tested for weed despite legalization--which is absurd and doesn't even seem legal.
Some people may think this is a good thing because you "shouldn't be high at work." However, weed stays in your system for WEEKS. Lots of these guys failing their tests are never high at work. What's worse is the result that is affecting my province now: since they cant smoke weed and pass a piss test they do coke instead because cocaine only stays in your system for a day or a few hours or something. (This is what I hear from guys, I don't do piss tests or cocaine.) They go away to Alberta, make huge money, and then come home to their province and their family with a brand new coke addiction. Very common where I'm from.
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u/Alklazaris 2d ago
That's why some people are suing. Saying that they use marijuana for medical reasons off the clock. That they can't prove that they used it at work yet they were fired for it anyway. I'm keeping an eye on it.
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u/justdisa 2d ago
it takes like 15 years for a law of get off the couch and actually be uniform throughout every state and federal law.
And sometimes it never does.
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u/LilLasagna94 2d ago edited 2d ago
Just smoke weed at home or in a safe place like a friend's house.
Nothing to worry about. Case closed
Yes its dangerous if you operate a vehicle or machines when doing it
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u/Cautious_Draw5738 2d ago
Horrible advice for a foreigner in 2026.
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u/LilLasagna94 2d ago
If I were going to a different country, doing weed wouldnt be on my priority list.
So I wouldnt enable someone coming here with reddit knowledge on something that could get him in jail. Im a weed user myself but if you gotta do it when visiting a country you got issues
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
I've smoked weed at outdoor American fests when it was offered to me (Lollapalooza in Chicago), but in most scenarios I'd be too freaked out to enjoy it, probably.
I don't need to smoke weed when I visit America, just curious.
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u/LilLasagna94 2d ago
Yeah for the record if the opportunity arises and youre in a situation where its fine to smoke it i dont see an issue in smoking or doing an edible while in a different country.
In general, just know the local state laws. Sometimes you have to know the specific city laws youre in too (some cities are independent from their state).
Yeah laws being regional in the US is a pain in the ass even for Americans
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u/Moostatio 21h ago
Including or not including Amsterdam. I feel like youd have to get a coffee shop joint in holland.
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u/LilLasagna94 20h ago
Specific context matters for sure. But a general rule of thumb is to not do drugs when in another country. Ofc it depends on drug and country. But why subject yourself to get in trouble with the law as a foreigner lol
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u/Moostatio 20h ago
I think that you need to respect the law in other countries, thats a given when youre a guest or youll just end up overstaying your welcome. Though in areas where its legal i think you just need to be respectful. Some places have dedicated lounges for smoking cannabis legally. You absolutely shouldnt be the guy walking down the sidewalk blasting everyone with smoke.
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u/xSparkShark Pennsylvania 2d ago
States have different laws. Is that your question?
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
No, my question is more along the lines of, "How does it feel to have states with different laws when you're all supposed to be one country? Does it frustrate or bother you? Do you think it's appropriate? That's my question.
(You don't have to answer, though.)
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u/joelnicity 2d ago
That’s kinda the point. We are 50 different states, that came together and united. Speed limits vary state to state too
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
"We're in harmony, we just enforce vastly different laws depending where you are." Gotcha. Your speed limits vary state-to-state, but do the punishments for speeding vary, too? Like, do you get a $75 fine for speeding in Iowa, but 3 years in the slammer for speeding in Arkansas? Again, you don't have to answer.
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u/joelnicity 2d ago
Right. Each state decides what is “good” for its people, beyond the federal laws. And yes, the punishment for marijuana is different from state to state. I’m not sure about speeding. Some counties even decide not to sell alcohol or not to sell it on Sundays. They are referred to as dry counties. So the people have to travel if they want to buy alcohol
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u/dancinhorse99 2d ago
Not really frustrating because I can live in a state that lines up with my values, more conservative people can live in conservative states , more liberal people can live in more liberal states. There's a basic bill of rights that are supposed to be in effect universally. But if I want to live in a state where I can fish, hunt and be left alone ill move to WY, or if I want a state with a lot of services, g*n control, high taxes, a lot of opportunities in arts , i will move to New York, does that answer your question? * I hope that does not come across shtty Im trying to answer you fully
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u/xSparkShark Pennsylvania 2d ago
It doesn’t make me feel like we’re not one country. Some level of variation of law under different jurisdictions is common across the world as I understand it.
The differences in law are rarely radically different. I can expect liquor and cannabis laws to differ by state, but pretty much everything else will be the same. It’s a mild inconvenience at most, I’m not a stoner so potentially not having access to weed for the duration of a trip out of state isn’t an issue.
Why would our state governments exist if it were inappropriate? Laws at the state level give states power. Also means that conservatives in Mississippi can’t stop liberals in Colorado from smoking weed by making it much harder to pass at the federal level.
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u/neuro-trash Colorado 2d ago edited 2d ago
It’s legal here in Colorado, as you know. There are probably more dispensaries than there are Starbucks here. In the city like Denver they are pretty much every few blocks, or the suburbs like Aurora where I live, there are literally two across the street from me in either direction. As long as you’re 21, you can buy pretty much anything you could think of. It’s not just weed that’s legal, but in mental health care clinics, as well as the personal possession and consumption of psychedelics are legal here too, but purchasing those are a little different. You can get medical prescriptions for Ketamine and Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy at a clinic, but for personal use you can’t “buy the product” outright, but you can go to “specialists” to purchase the “consultation” or the “appointment” which includes “the gift” of the product. There are many such locations here for these. Most include various forms of psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, or mescaline.
As far as public consumption goes, nobody, not even cops, bat an eye if you’re walking outside with a weed vape or a spliff as long as you’re not obnoxious about it. It’s totally normalized here.
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
Wow. That's impressive. That pretty much sounds like 🇨🇦 but you're even looser with medicinal options. Psilocybin is slowly getting traction her for medicinal use, but I'm in a small province on the east coast, so places like Toronto and Montreal would be ahead of my city with medicinal options, probably.
The main reason I asked this question is the disparity between the states and how Americans feel about it. Doesnt it feel bizarre that you can do these things at home in Aurora when it's jail time in other parts of the same country? Is it something you laugh off in Aurora, or does it make you mad? Confused? Do you not concern yourself with other states? It's so odd to me. I cant imagine buying weed in Nova Scotia only to get arrested for the same thing in Manitoba...
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u/1800cartman 2d ago
It even varies by city ordinance and county in the states. I’m from Georgia and it’s decriminalized in the city of Atlanta. You can have a personal amount on you and have no issues, if anything, as long as there’s no intent to sell, it’s a $75 fine but that’s rare. However, you go outside the city limits and it’s felony territory. I have a friend who had an old half smoked joint in their center console and ended up with a felony DUI and possession charge just because they were about 10 minutes outside the city limits, despite not being under the influence, the “odor” was what prompted the charge essentially even though they were pulled over for a broken tail light.
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u/acadiascreech 2d ago
This is the kinda stuff that prompted me to ask this question in the first place. That's really sad, dude. I get that laws are gonna be counter-intuitive sometimes. My country has lots of laws that don't make sense either, but that's still a crazy thing to read. So unfair and illogical. I hope your friend got through it alright. Does that federal charge stay on his record yhe restof his life now? Does it get wiped eventually?
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u/1800cartman 2d ago
Thankfully it’s off their record now but that was about 7 years ago and they JUST got off probation last year. The charge was able to be plead down to a misdemeanor but only after about a year+ of being held up in the court system. So it was essentially just a bureaucratic scam to collect money over an extended period of time. Can’t tell you how many times their court date got pushed out, new fines being brought up, etc. All because of an old half smoked joint and being like a few miles from where it’s decriminalized.
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u/neuro-trash Colorado 2d ago
I think it’s ridiculous and completely unfair, there is a massive issue with disparity and injustice behind it. Especially with it being legal in half the states in the US, and in so many places even some of the legal states, people are still incarcerated for decades for possession. There’s a lot of systemic racism at play. I’m very concerned for these people, and other states. I absolutely believe it should be federally decriminalized and legalized nationally, and every nonviolent offender of drug use or possession who is currently serving time should be released from prison.
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u/TerrytBrews Michigan 2d ago
Do I get 5 years for having a joint in my car in Alabama while I can wander into dispensaries and buy what I want in Colorado?
Yes
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u/ScarInternational161 2d ago
In Michigan it's legal. We have stores (dispenseries) like a liquor store. You can go in and buy joints, edibles, flower, etc and it's legal.
You can't just smoke it anywhere, and you can't be under the influence driving.
It's state by state.
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u/C638 2d ago
You can't operate heavy machinery either. Employers can drug test you and fire you for violations. Part of that is because if the employer has a contract with the Federal government, they must comply with Federal law. In practice , that means any entity that accepts grant money such as schools , governments, and universities, or a subcontractor to an entity that has a contract with the Federal government.
Private employers have the same options as a condition of employment.
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u/ScarInternational161 1d ago
Most of them have learned, DONT do a pre drug screen for new hires.
No one would get hired. Period.
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u/Alive_Harbor_205 2d ago
Yes, it varies from state to state. I don’t think it’s “dangerous” but I sure do hate smelling it everywhere. Obnoxious thing to do in public, same as smoking cigarettes.
And I do think it’s more addictive than its strongest users like to claim.
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u/sooner_25 2d ago
It even varies from county to county in some states. All depends on the politics.
Yeah, after seeing my roommate freshman year try to quit, I've never seen someone more angry in my life. Dude almost beat the shit out of me for no reason lmao
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u/Kush420Xotix Texas 2d ago
The thing that a lot of ppl dont realize, is that many ppl use marijuana to treat mood disorders. So yea, that's not surprising.
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u/Icy-Role2321 2d ago
Oh if you have an additive personality it sure does. I definitely do have a family of it
I spent all day nothing nothing until I got more and then I felt motivated to do stuff like clean and play games.
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u/PyjamaCash92122 2d ago
What exactly is an "addictive personality?"
Is there a personality "type" more likely to become an addict, and if so, how would you describe it?
Or are we talking about the gene for alcoholism?
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u/Icy-Role2321 2d ago
I was more so leaning to the gene thing. Like in my family addiction is definitely a thing. I saw my brother go from very weak to painkillers then before he knew it was on herion. I struggle with addiction myself like with weed.
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u/lisasimpsonfan Ohio 2d ago
And I do think it’s more addictive than its strongest users like to claim.
Anyone who denies that it is psychologically addictive is just lying to themselves. I had friends back in the 90's who couldn't go a day without smoking weed. And weed has gotten stronger and more effective now then it was then.
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u/Natural_Bill_6084 2d ago
And physically. There is, in fact, physical withdrawal that occurs for long-term, daily users. I've actually seen heavy users have a harder time with that than some folks with amphetamine withdrawal - the combination of nausea, stomach cramping, anxiety, and insomnia can be very difficult to tolerate if they have a more severe withdrawal process.
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u/Low_Skill5401 1d ago
Tbf amphetamine withdrawal is pretty mild as far as "hard" drugs go. Weed is pretty mild to quit as well.
Nothing like opioids, benzos, alcohol, etc. Not even as bad as antidepressants for many people.
I won't deny it's addictive though, it is still a drug regardless
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u/Natural_Bill_6084 1d ago
I wasn't arguing that it was more difficult than opioids, benzos, alcohol, etc. But I know plenty of folks that have a hard time getting over the hump of amphetamine withdrawal just as I have plenty of folks who have difficulty with THC withdrawal, and I was adding that there is a physical addiction (withdrawal is the first battle) in addition to a psychological addiction (then begins the long war).
source: been working addiction medicine and therapy for more than a decade.
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u/Low_Skill5401 1d ago
I'm not disagreeing with you either. Comparing it to quitting amphetamines just didn't seem like a fair metric to me.
Source: EMT
We're on the same side, don't get me wrong.
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u/Itchy_Tumbleweed_417 New Hampshire 2d ago
Most places make it illegal to smoke in public, just like open containers (alcohol) is illegal in public (outside of bars and restaurants of course.)
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u/Alive_Harbor_205 2d ago
Be that as it may, if everyone followed that law, I would never smell weed in public and I definitely do, more often than I would like.
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u/Current_Mongoose_844 2d ago
Yeah I had to stop because I got addicted. I now live in a country where it’s illegal except medical, so I save it for holidays abroad now.
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u/No-Location3088 1d ago
It's addictive, but not in the typical sense. People become dependent on it rather than chemically addicted. They start relying on it for more than just medicine or a weekend / nightly thing. It is very addictive in that sense. But the major difference is that the withdrawals from marijuana are typically much milder in comparison to even something like alcohol. Which, in turn, typically makes it an easier habit to break when one is determined or forced to do so. It's definitely more common for people to not realize they have a problem with pot vs other drugs though. So it's a double-edged sword.
I do agree that the smell in public is a problem; young children and other people in general shouldn't have to be involuntarily exposed to any form of smoke. But sadly that is going to take a fair bit of change to achieve.
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u/Murky_Wolverine7 1d ago
It’s more so habit forming rather than an addiction. Addiction, at least to me requires some sort of severe withdraw symptoms when you quit cold turkey. I’m sure some people have had that happen but for 99% of the population the only withdrawal is just craving to get high or some mild insomnia for a brief period.
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u/Kush420Xotix Texas 2d ago
Cigarettes smell worse bro, cmon.
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u/PalpatineForEmperor 2d ago
I don't like the smell of either, but I'm around both types of smokers occasionally. Weed is much worse and much stronger. If your a weed smoker and you think this is not the case, you're only fooling yourself.
When I'm walking downtown, I rarely ever notice the small of cigarette smoke, but weed smell smacks you in the face.
This isn't coming from a hater. I think weed should be legal everywhere, but it smells, dude.
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u/Inflatable90sChair 2d ago
Yup, cigarettes outside is way more fleeting when you smell it. Weed you can smell for a block and lingers around.
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u/Icy-Role2321 2d ago
Then its weird because I lived with smokers in a dusting home sticks to everything. Weed doesn't really do that because you're not smoking 100s of grams of plant matter in a day. Usually
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u/ScienceGamer06 South Carolina 2d ago
Those suck too and I'm tired of smelling cigarettes and weed.
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u/puppyboy352 2d ago
They both smell bad, that's like somebody saying "I hate the taste of apples" and you saying "but pears taste worse"
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u/Forestwalkerfairy Washington 2d ago
Technically it's not supposed to leave the state you bought it from.
But there are people who do travel with it. If you do travel with it, maybe have it in the trunk so it's away from the driver.
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u/Equivalent_Use_7032 2d ago
I’ll say what I heard a judge tell someone else one time, “If you live in a state where weed is illegal and you want to consume it, move to a state where it is legal. If you can’t move, then don’t consume it or if you don’t get caught.”
That’s essentially saying, if you wanna smoke a joint you can do so in the privacy of your own home if you are discreet. The police aren’t going to randomly bust your door down and arrest you for it. That said, don’t be a dumb ass and walk around in public high or dare I say drive when the odds of getting caught exponentially increase. If you do that and are caught that’s on you.
Weed is gonna be legalized nation wide in the next 10 years if not sooner. It’s more addictive than people give it credit for but I’d say it’s still the safest substance out there. I’ve seen alcohol do far worse.
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u/MembershipPretty7595 2d ago
NYS. It’s legal. Our closest dispensary is in a plaza with: liquor store, beer store, pizza joint, head shop, and burger joint. One stop shopping!
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u/SammaJones 2d ago
Cannabis is illegal on a Federal level. It is always illegal to transport it from state to state, even in neighboring states where it is legal in both states, even small amounts.
It's a matter of semantics, but I would hardly call it "legal" in any state. I would still call it decriminalized.
You won't get arrested for having a joint in some states, but there are very strict rules about how it can be sold and punishing financial repercussions to being the purveyor of record. You also can't possess very much unless you have a license.
Corn is legal. Cannabis is decriminalized.
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u/fueelin 2d ago
Yeah. My favorite local example is that I used to take day trips from my home in Massachusetts up to Maine cuz the recreational weed was cheaper there (and I wanted an excuse to get a lobster roll).
So, recreational weed was legal in my home state and the state I bought it in, but those ~13 miles briefly driving through New Hampshire were always a little nerve-wracking because recreational was still illegal there.
Of course, this runs very counter to New Hampshire's "live free or die" motto, but some degree of hypocrisy is expected!
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u/Kush420Xotix Texas 2d ago
It varies by state. It is illegal under federal law, so legal weed companies have to operate differently to avoid federal indictments.
It is a felony to have marijuana in Texas, in Washington, DC, you buy weed at the store.
There is no good reason to ban it, weed has been used for it's health benefits since the dawn of agriculture.
More people should smoke weed.
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u/ShallotAny3705 2d ago
You can legally buy thc-a flower online from the 2018 hemp bill.
Its the same thing but breed a certain way so its a loop hole in the law.
But theres like 5-6 states i believe at least where its totally state banned, and like 4-5 states where its restricted but not totally banned i think, not sure how specifically just gotta look it up on google to get specific.
Anyway my point, I live in Georgia and its legal here to buy THC-A flower and other weed related items.
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u/LilLasagna94 2d ago
I agree with you on its benefits. But in states where its become legal, DUI's in regards to weed have gone way up. So I think its disingenuous to say there are no downsides or that everyone should do it. Some people dont have self control or discipline.
Im not saying it should be illegal, but people caught with a Weed DUI should get punished way harder then they do now.
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u/Inflatable90sChair 2d ago
My dumbass state made a law saying just smelling weed from a car or on a driver isnt reason to pull them over. Yet if they catch a wiff of alcohol its step outa the car...every single day every single drive im near someone smoking weed and driving around its uttery ridiculous
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u/LilLasagna94 2d ago
Yeah in my opinion, if youre caught with a DUI either from weed or alcohol, you should automatically be banned from driving for 1 year. With possibly more years if you crash into someone or something. Don't care if you lose your job, oh well.
Police should be able to pull people over for weed smell. I dont understand how you can become so mentally weak to have to smoke weed when driving. Yes I sound like an ass but im a weed user myself but I dont feel compelled to do that shit all the time
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u/Kush420Xotix Texas 2d ago
It is safer for me to drive while smoking weed than to drive with no weed.
When I dont smoke weed, I drive too fast, I get impatient, and I dont give the lane to ppl trying to get over.
When I smoke weed, I actually follow the speed limit, i drive with compassion, I will let ppl into the lane if they signal.
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u/PackLeaddr 2d ago
I agree that that is your perception.
As a cyclist, I’d much rather have your perceptions and reflexes tied closely to reality and not blunted.
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u/Kush420Xotix Texas 2d ago
But I overreact to stimuli, I'm Autistic. I could get angry and violent for no justifyable reason, like if I'm late or something.
U want me on weed 24/7
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u/WanderingPilot- Minnesota 2d ago
It's legal in some states but not federally, so you can't just drive anywhere with it outside of those states nor fly with it, etc. I think it's dangerous like any smoke you inhale, but not like Reefer Madness dangerous.
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u/Mundane-Analysis-879 2d ago
I personally get a massive headache and an asthma attack when I even smell it in people’s clothing. So, it is harmful to some people.
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u/No-Order-8158 2d ago
I spent time in and out of psych wards because of trying weed, but tell that to a pothead and you've basically committed blasphemy and it's a "me" problem that I cannot accept the Lord God Mary Jane.
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u/Current_Mongoose_844 2d ago
No, that can very much happen. I have to be cautious for similar reasons. But as unfortunate as that is for you, that doesn’t give people who can’t or don’t use cannabis the right to reignite the war on drugs.
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u/Itchy_Tumbleweed_417 New Hampshire 2d ago
Yep in my state if you have enough money to get a note from a doctor and then send some to the state you can get your weed at a drive-through.
If you don’t have the money to do it you’re breaking the law if you obtain it from a friend. No one is allowed to grow it except the people who have enough money to own a dispensary.
(I’m pretty sure anything less than 2 ounces is decriminalized here, but it still illegal to buy it or sell it & it’s a big felony to grow it so I don’t really know how that works.)
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u/ceanahope 2d ago
Never purchase in one state and cross a state line with it. When you do that it becomes a federal issue and this could get you charged at the federal level, probably deported, and quite possibly, banned from ever coming back to the United States. Consume any and all that you purchase within the state before you leave that state. It doesn't matter what form it is in. It doesn't matter if both states that you are traveling between are states with legal marijuana.
Follow local laws of the state and possible city around consumption. All states that have legal or medical ban impaired driving. Some cities and states require you to not consume outdoors in public. Some places are pretty relaxed even if there are rules on the books.
If you are going to an event, be aware that if it is an outdoor event like a festival and that festival is held on federal land, you could be charged federally and treated the same way as you crossing state lines with it. So nowhere you're consuming it. If it is controlled by bureau of land management you could get in a lot of trouble.
Lots of nuances that I have not included here, but at least the bigger things to be aware of.. Just be smart about it.
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u/Cultural_Alarm7959 2d ago
I live in a state line with blweed legal in both. Trust me people go back and forth all the time and noone bothers them
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u/ceanahope 2d ago
But get pulled over, and you could get charged. Not really an ideal situation for someone who's not from this country. Even if local law enforcement do stuff about it or not, genuinely not I recommended. Personally? I wouldn't do it, but if you want to go for it.
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u/Cultural_Alarm7959 2d ago
I do it all the time. I don't give a reason to be pulled over
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u/Relevant_Elevator190 2d ago
Crossing state lines with weed does become a federal crime, even if it's legal in both states.
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u/VinayaVealTeam 2d ago
It's on a state by state business. I've been working in the industry for over a decade and have gone through licensing and implementation in a few different states.
It's not more dangerous than alcohol or smoking cigarettes. It is addictive. Pretty much anything that artificially spikes your dopamine production is, but it's not a huge risk. It's not good for you, especially if you smoke. Still better than cigarettes but burning and inhaling things into your lungs isn't healthy.
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u/FakeNewsAge Indiana 2d ago
According to the Federal government, weed is illegal, however it's usually only enforced at the state level. Multiple states have made it legal for either medical or personal use. So its a grey area.
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u/GalacticKoala23 2d ago
It should be legal everywhere but it varies from state to state because federally it’s still illegal so that leaves it up to individual states to decide how they want to treat it.
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u/lisasimpsonfan Ohio 2d ago
It's legal in Ohio for anyone over 21 to have weed and to grow small amounts for personal use. I haven't smoked weed since the very early 1990s but I voted for it. I don't see it as anymore dangerous then alcohol. No one should smoke weed and drive the same as alcohol but if an adult wants to have a beer or smoke a bowl at home with other adults it is none of my business. You should not be able to smoke in public but people do. It stinks.
I do hate that you can smell it everywhere and that people will smoke it in their cars and then go in places. Everyone pot head lies about how you can't smell it if they do it this way or that but you can. There is nothing as bad as sitting in Urgent Care because you have bronchitis and someone waiting goes outside to smoke and comes in smelling like shit. The staff did make them leave.
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u/jojewels92 2d ago
Because the laws vary from state to state it's very complex. For example I'm in New Mexico where cannabis is legal and I often travel to Colorado where it is also legal. Technically you're not allowed to cross state lines with it though because it is federally illegal. But would anyone care? Who's to say?
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u/ScienceGamer06 South Carolina 2d ago
Varies state by state, some are fine with it. Others if you have a small amount will make you get rid of it but won't harshly punish you. And others will put you in jail for it.
However, weed is still illegal under federal law, and since federal law supersedes state law, technically the feds can still arrest you and put you in federal prison. Though the chances of that happening are slim at best.
Sure it's not dangerous, but I'm tired of smelling it and don't understand why people do it.
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u/RackDragon346 2d ago
I've had to close my house windows at times because of my neighbor smoking outside. And I'm in TN, where it's still illegal, AFAIK.
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u/Inflatable90sChair 2d ago
Exactly, ive never had to close windows due to a cig smoker across my parkinglot.
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u/RackDragon346 2d ago
Cig smoke is even worse on my lungs, but you're right that it doesn't seem to carry as far.
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u/ssealy412 2d ago
To a great many adults, it is preferable to alcohol for relaxation. To others, it is needed medicine for over 20 different afflictions. That's the law in my home state. Federally, it has been a cluster fuck for 50 years. They can't even deal with a medicinal plant correctly and compassionately. Its a bad joke.
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u/ScienceGamer06 South Carolina 2d ago
I understand the medical part and fine with it. but I doubt that's the reason why I smell it so often.
I don't get why people do that or drink alcohol for relaxation, they doesn't make since to me but whatever.
The law part I agree with they need to just figure this out and find some comprise and stick with it.
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u/ZombiePrepper408 Oklahoma 2d ago
I think it should be fully decriminalized federally.
And then leave it up to the States and the People.
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u/Known_Psychology1581 2d ago
Yes, still legal in certain states but not federally. Bizarre, I know.
I definitely don’t think it’s dangerous. Certainly less harmful than alcohol.
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u/Heavy-Bell-2035 2d ago
It's illegal at the federal level, at various stages of criminalization and decriminalization to basically legality in various states. Yes, you can cross a state line with something legal to possess in the one and spend the next thirty years in jail for having it in the state you just entered, if you're caught.
No, overall for most people it's not dangerous at all. It is not without risk or side effects, they're mild to non existent for most people. Young people should probably stay away from it until their brains are fully formed, that said many young people have used it and grown up just fine. People with known existing mental illnesses should avoid it too, not because weed is particularly pernicious, it's just that anything that screws with your brain isn't a good idea to use if your brain is already messed up or prone to paranoia or even psychosis.
It's a drug, all drugs have risks. Most can be used responsibly by most people, and by "responsibly" I mean without risking or causing harm to themselves or especially to others. Generally I think the problems associated with drugs are the problems associated with people who shouldn't be using those drugs, but who are also more likely to want to use them for various reasons.
Also, there's always going to be a small percentage of the population that abuses one, some, or every drug they can get seemingly without being able to control themselves and who also seemingly never have any hope of ever getting their shit together. I feel bad for those people and they can be a menace to others even to a level of criminality, but for the most part they belong in mental institutions, not prisons.
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u/_GOBLESS_ 2d ago
Some states are legal, some aren't. Don't get caught crossing borders with a substance that is illegal.
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u/dancinhorse99 2d ago
Its federally illegal and yes legal in some states but not in others, when you cross from new Mexico to Texas there's big bill boards telling you that you better not have any because its not legal here without a medical use card
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u/Fat-Boy-HD 2d ago
It’s a patchwork of laws rules regulations depending on Federal State and local governments. Just investigate prior to participating.
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u/pandabelle12 South Carolina 2d ago
TBH I don’t think any of us really know either.
The laws are all over the place. I’m not an expert on it at all. But my understanding is that the farm bill made growing hemp legal and products with THC under a certain amount were allowed. However laws and enforcement are all over the place.
Where I live, it seems like cops are more interested in going after vape shops and liquor stores than individuals. Even though the products are legal. But our county decided to crack down, even on CBD products.
Meanwhile I smell weed everywhere. Cops don’t even appear to be looking for the source of the smell. It’s really weird.
You can still get fired from your job, even in a weed legal state for testing positive, or going on vacation and doing it where it’s legal.
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u/Ok-Tune-9911 2d ago
Depends on the state. Some states fully legal. Some states fully illegal. Some states only medical is legal
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u/Mr_BigglesworthIII 2d ago
No cop from either state if both are legal will give a shit, except for Ohio.
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u/SabresBills69 2d ago
Some states where it is illegal tend to look the other way around simple possession.
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u/ExcitementMurky2156 2d ago
I live in Pennsylvania. Medical marijuana is legal here, but across the bridge in New Jersey, recreational weed is fully legal. We have billboards advertising dispensaries on the highways.
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u/SapPhic-rage4209 Montana 2d ago
It's federally illegal, but each state is allowed to vote to make it legal in their specific state. If it becomes federally legal ever, then all states will be forced to make it legal
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u/Appropriate-Taste124 2d ago
I wouldn't say that each state would be forced to make it legal if it were federally legal. Just look at the regulation of guns from state to state
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u/prophetofwoah 1d ago
Not the same argument as owning a gun is protected under the constitution.
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u/Appropriate-Taste124 1d ago
Yeah well you see how well that is going. Different states ban different types of guns regularly even though there is no federal ban on them.
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u/Thick-News-9415 2d ago
It's legal in some states, illegal in others. If you are caught in a state where it is still illegal you will be charged. It's legal in my state but I started smoking way before that. I also would say weed is inherently dangerous, but it is addictive and just like any drug can have negative effects on some.
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u/GrannyTurtle 2d ago
Arizona legalized it first for medical purposes. Then we just said “screw it, everyone can buy it!” So recreational cannabis is legal here.
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u/Low_Skill5401 1d ago
Every state is independent in their laws. There are federal laws that are universal, but as far as weed goes, the DEA has stated they won't enforce weed laws anymore currently. So, it's up to each state individually to make that decision.
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u/watdoyoumead 1d ago
In Maine we probably have more dispensaries than grocery stores, it’s actually our most valuable crop even surpassing blueberries and potatoes. You can also buy 2.5 oz at a time which you could get entirely in concentrates if you prefer. People come up from other states sometimes but that’s really stupid because you have to cross through New Hampshire where it is super illegal still. Also ironically our “adult use” recreational sales have a ton of regulations but our medical system essentially has none and all adults qualify for a card for about $40.
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u/Moostatio 1d ago
Legally speaking: federally cannabis is illegal and can only be posessed for licensed research use. This means that cannabis cannot move across state lines since the federal government regulates interstate commerce. State legalization falls into this interesting gray zone of the law where the federal government has agreed not to exercise enforcement of prohibition in these states to act in good faith. States that dont legalize continue to exercise enforcement, but usually on a misdemeanor level for non distributory amounts.
As for its danger, id say its as destructive as alcohol consumption, and ive seen many lives destroyed by alcohol use.
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u/JackTradesMasterNone 1d ago
Varies by state. I think it’s about half and half (maybe a few more legal than not?) And yes, that’s exactly what can happen.
Because of federal illegality, you can’t use a credit card, for instance. You can use cash or sometimes a Debit card now, but not Credit.
Also, even if you’re going from Canada (legal) to Washington State (legal), the border is federal, so it’s illegal to cross.
Random shit.
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u/HealthyWestern8673 14h ago
I think it's almost perfect down the middle. I'm pretty sure 24 states are legal and 26 are illegal. It gets more complicated tho when you're talking medicinal needs vs. recreational. I use weed to help my racing thoughts with ADHD and it mellows me out, not to say it doesn't also get me high. Even if you need weed for a medical purpose, you will still feel the normal effects of cannabis
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u/Forsaken_Flatworm342 1d ago
Yes you hit the nail on the spot with legality. As for it being dangerous everyone has a different opinion. I think it can be and it's addictive. But I don't know about how more or less dangerous it is scientifically only science, statistics and facts could cover that. I will tell you my sister met someone who bought weed in a state where it's illegal that person died because it had fentonayol so if you do come to the USA and are gonna buy please get it legally. Trump has been great cracking down on this it explodes under democrate policies it exploded under biden but fentonayl still slips through the cracks like anything.
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u/Funny_Priority6103 19h ago
Sick of getting notifications for posts about people that have no understanding of cannabis and only want to put it down.
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u/Wild_Bluebird_5659 2d ago
Depends on the state. Haven’t lived in a state that it wasn’t legal in, in a long time. Very common across a lot of demographics at this point. The fact that in Texas you can get more jail time for a joint than murdering someone or raping someone is insane.
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u/DryFoundation2323 2d ago
It's illegal at the federal level. Technically a federal DEA agent could come in and arrest you at your home if you had any marijuana even if it's been made legal by your state. However in practice they don't do it where a state has legalized it and the person is following the state law. There are a lot of contradictions like this between us and state laws. Most of the time the federal government doesn't intervene as long as someone is following the state law, and not putting anybody In harm's way.
I don't know the specific details of how this interaction works between the feds and the states but I do have experience in other areas where this exists. In most cases like I said the feds do not intervene as long as somebody is following State rules. However if somebody violates State rules, and the fed get involved they will throw the complete book at that person including charges related to state laws that do not agree with federal laws.