Are You Riding the Green Wave? Cannabis Legalization in 2021
CBD and cannabis have been in the news – in a good way! We’ve had some big victories over the past few years. Several US states have recently legalized the use of medical marijuana and/or recreational cannabis. We’ve also seen a widespread public acceptance of CBD and cannabis across the board!
The Green Wave of Marijuana Legalization in the US
Just 20 years ago, marijuana was illegal everywhere in the United States! We’ve made tremendous progress in the past two decades.
Starting in the late 70s, states began decriminalizing weed, which means that laws started relaxing around marijuana possession and use. It was still illegal, but there weren’t as many penalties for those who got caught. Next, states started legalizing marijuana so that people could freely grow cannabis plants and sell products!
One at a time, states have made changes to the laws governing marijuana and hemp. As of March 2021, there are:
- Fifteen states where recreational marijuana is legal
- Thirty-three states where medical marijuana is legal
- Thirty-nine states where Delta 8 THC is legal*
- Fifty states where CBD is legal!*
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, it is now easier to produce hemp and create hemp-based products. These products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, but they can still contain many of the most beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant. Every state in the US allows for CBD products made from industrial hemp.
*as long as the product contains 0.3% delta 9 THC or less.
What States Will Legalize in 2021?
It’s hard to know for sure what will happen in 2021, but looking back at the last few years, it seems very likely that we’ll see marijuana legalized in even more states. In 2020, five more states made cannabis legal for recreational use.
In 2021, we might see changes in marijuana legislation in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Virginia. Hopefully legalization becomes a reality for the residents of these states!
Will Federal Legalization Become a Reality?
With so many states now accepting recreational or medical marijuana, there’s a growing potential for federal legalization. This would make things so much simpler for people who travel across state lines! It’ll also help cannabis brands as they will have the same regulations to follow no matter what state they’re selling their products in.
Why the Green Wave Helps ALL Americans
The Green Wave isn’t just for weed enthusiasts or stoners… it’s beneficial for everyone! Marijuana definitely has a stigma due to its crimialization and its association with other, more dangerous substances. But thankfully, there’s a growing awareness that there is so much more to the plant than just “getting high.”
We’ve already seen how CBD and other hemp-based products have risen above the stigma. These products have been incredibly beneficial to people of all ages, including those with difficult-to-treat chronic conditions.
Now, we have Delta 8 THC, which is also extracted from hemp and does not cause the same psychoactive effects as weed. As we speak, scientists and growers are working to develop new strains and products with the goal of helping people live a healthier, happier life – and that benefits everyone!
Keywords: CBD, Delta 8 THC, Cannabis