In 2024, significant changes to cannabis laws are taking place across the United States, both at the state and federal levels.
State-Level Changes:
The evolution of cannabis laws in the United States reflects a dynamic interplay between state innovation and federal restraint. Over recent years, a number of states have advanced progressive reforms that not only decriminalize or legalize the use of cannabis but also protect consumers and employees.
For instance, states like California have enacted laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against employees due to their cannabis use outside of the workplace. This move mirrors a broader national trend toward acknowledging and integrating the reality of widespread cannabis use into everyday life, balancing public safety with personal freedom.
Nevada
The state has significantly increased the limits for cannabis possession. Now, individuals can possess up to 2.5 ounces of flower, up from one ounce, and concentrate limits have increased from 1/8 ounce to 1/4 ounce.
California
A new law prohibits employment discrimination based on off-duty marijuana use. This recently activated law prevents employers from discriminating against employees for using cannabis outside of work and workplace premises (The National Law Review). Find licensed dispensaries such as the popular LAX CC in state and county official websites such as Los Angeles here.
Washington: Employers Now Restricted From Testing For Marijuana
The new law in Washington state restricts employers from conducting marijuana tests when hiring job applicants, though testing is still permissible for other drugs. Employers can test for cannabis in certain situations such as after an accident, if there is suspicion of impairment while on duty, or to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Testing for cannabis is still required under federal regulations for certain job roles including truck drivers, police officers, firefighters, airline crews, and corrections officers. This change reflects the ongoing adjustments to employment practices following the legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington since 2012.
Pennsylvania: New Bill Aims at Legalizes Recreational Cannabis
- Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce a bill to legalize marijuana ahead of a committee hearing on cannabis reform.
- The bill emphasizes safety measures like a 21+ age limit and DUI enforcement, along with a focus on social equity.
- The bill would allow adults to possess/gift up to 30 grams of cannabis and medical patients to grow a limited amount.
- It includes tax provisions and aims to automatically expunge prior marijuana convictions.
- The bill seeks to prioritize those disproportionately impacted by prohibition through social and economic equity licensing.
Other States
- Virginia: The state has planned to launch a retail market for adult-use cannabis by January 2024, although this is contingent on legislative developments and potential governor’s approval.
- Florida: There are moves to significantly expand the number of dispensaries, contingent on the approval of new licenses, which would nearly double the current number of medical dispensaries.
- New York: The state is expected to issue more retail licenses for cannabis sales in the first quarter of 2024, which marks a step towards expanding legal access.
- Oregon is also making notable changes, with Oregon considering measures to facilitate unionization among cannabis workers.
Federal-Level Changes:
- Rescheduling: The DEA is likely to make a decision on rescheduling cannabis, potentially moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III. This would recognize its lower public health risk and could significantly impact its medical and research applications (Politico).
These changes reflect a continuing trend towards the liberalization of cannabis laws in the U.S., driven by both public opinion and legislative actions. The landscape is evolving, with more states likely to follow with their own reforms in the near future. This updated article about the latest cannabis laws in California was sponsored by LAX Cannabis Club, check out their 420 deals this 2024.
