United States Of Confusion
What’s with our system of laws?
Federal laws are generally applicable in all states. However, under constitutional laws, states are allowed to create, implement and enforce their own laws in addition to federal laws. This is because every U.S. state is also a sovereign entity in its own right and has the power to create laws and regulate them according to their needs. Some categories of laws that vary from state to state are: gun control laws, child custody laws, trucking, and motor carrier laws, business and corporate laws, and marriage licensing laws, especially with regards to same-sex marriage. Oh, and marijuana laws. Case in point:
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Four states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. In Alaska, adults 21 and older can now transport, buy or possess up to an ounce of marijuana and six plants. Oregon voters approved a similar measure allowing adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana in public and 8 ounces in their homes, set to take effect July 1, 2015. Colorado and Washington previously passed similar ballot measures legalizing marijuana in 2012. In February, a measure approved by voters went into effect in the District of Columbia that legalizes possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Other states have passed medical marijuana laws allowing for limited use of cannabis. Some medical marijuana laws are broader than others, with types of medical conditions that allow for treatment varying from state to state. Other states have passed laws allowing residents to possess cannabis oil if they suffer from certain medical illnesses. Most recently, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed a law legalizing the possession of up to 20 ounces of cannabis oil. *
So the states march on, some passing laws allowing the medical and/or recreational use of marijuana. But ultimately it is still illegal on the federal level. Confused yet?
*Information is current as of April 17, 2015.
This article appeared in View From The Hot Tub, Livinoutloudmag.com, July 2015 edition.