Currently, 23 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. These states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
This means that adults in these areas can legally purchase and consume recreational marijuana. However, each state's regulations and policies may vary slightly. Plus, because recreational marijuana remains illegal under federal law, the possession, use or sale of recreational marijuana is still considered a crime in other parts of the country.
Some states that have approved the legalization of recreational marijuana have conducted in-depth research and evaluation before implementing legalization, and have adopted a series of safeguards to ensure that the legalization of marijuana will not adversely affect public safety and health. For example, these states all have strict sales and consumption regulations to prevent underage exposure and use of recreational marijuana, and tax revenues from recreational marijuana sales are used to improve education, public health, and welfare through taxation and revenue-sharing programs .
The legalization of recreational marijuana has sparked fierce controversy in the United States. Some believe it can bring economic and social benefits, while others worry that it can lead to abuse and negative health effects. The controversy is expected to continue as more states consider legalizing marijuana.
