Recreational Marijuana Gains Momentum Across the U.S.
On February 7, 2023, the first legal recreational marijuana dispensary opened its doors in New York City.[0] This milestone came after the state legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over in 2021 and signaled the start of what is expected to be one of the most successful cannabis markets in the country.[1] Legally Rooted, a local medical marijuana dispensary located on 6th Street, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the launch.[0]
The same year, Minnesota lawmakers passed a bill to regulate recreational marijuana, touching on topics such as child-proof packaging, labels and Poison Control contact information.[2] Additionally, Maryland lawmakers introduced legislation in January of 2023 to create a framework for a legal cannabis market.[3]
In October of 2022, the President issued pardons for individuals with marijuana-related convictions.[4] This was part of a set of actions that recognized the ineffectiveness of federal cannabis prohibition and opened up the possibility of employment, housing, education and more for thousands of people with federal criminal records for simple marijuana possession.
0. “Meridian cannabis dispensary opens | Local News | meridianstar.com” www.meridianstar.com, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/meridian-cannabis-dispensary-opens/article_b8071b52-5ee0-579a-b5fd-424fb4c6de79.html
1. “Cannabis News | Cannabis Blog | Herban Creative” herbancreativenj.com, 21 Feb. 2023, https://herbancreativenj.com/cannabis-news
2. “Cannabis reform bill continues to be debated in Annapolis” www.wmar2news.com, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.wmar2news.com/local/cannabis-reform-bill-continues-to-be-debated-in-annapolis
3. “Presidential Pardons for Federal Cannabis Possession Convictions …” communitynewspapers.com, 21 Feb. 2023, https://communitynewspapers.com/featured/presidential-pardons-for-federal-cannabis-possession-convictions-still-unavailable/
4. “Biden Signs Equity-Focused Executive Order That Touts Marijuana …” www.marijuanamoment.net, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-signs-equity-focused-executive-order-that-touts-marijuana-clemency-actions-calling-criminalization-a-failed-approach/
