Each state has its own marijuana laws. If you are arrested, you need to know which laws are applicable to your case.<\/p>\n
In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first two states to legalize, regulate and tax recreational possession of cannabis. The laws in those states permit a person 21 years of age to buy up to one ounce of the drug at authorized storefronts. These existing laws are close cousins to laws regulating the use of alcohol and nicotine: smokers may not smoke in public, employees may not work under the influence and states may have blood test limits relating to driving under the influence.<\/p>\n
Since the advent of medical marijuana use, many states have limited forms of punishment for possession of cannabis to a small fine. California took the lead to legalize marijuana for medical use in 1996 and gave the nod to storefront dispensaries in 2004.<\/p>\n