Timeline For Getting Your Hands on Cannabis in States That Just Legalized it

Cannabis won big at the November 2016 election for both medical and recreational uses. California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada all showed a majority of support for recreational cannabis, and Arkansas, Florida and North Dakota all legalized cannabis for medical use. While cannabis consumers across the nation celebrate, it doesn’t mean that adults in these states have access to recreational and medical cannabis quite yet. Here is a breakdown of when adults in each state can expect to legally purchase cannabis.

Arkansas

Voters in Arkansas passed the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, which immediately permits cannabis for 17 qualifying conditions. There are currently no approved dispensaries within the state, and patients will have to wait for the Arkansas’ Alcohol and Beverage Control’s approval for anywhere between 20 to 40 dispensaries to open. The state won’t start accepting dispensary and cultivation facility applications until June 1, 2017. Patients are not allowed to grow their own cannabis under this new law, so they will have to wait until legal dispensaries are up and running in Arkansas to access cannabis legally.

California

Although Californians can now legally possess, cultivate and consume cannabis for recreational purposes, adults ages 21 and over cannot expect retail locations to sell cannabis until January 1, 2018. Adults who are of age can now grow up to six cannabis plants in one residence, given that the grow is hidden from the public and is an a secured area. Also, Californians are still able to become medical cannabis patients if they are eager to get their hands on cannabis.

Florida

Florida has voted in favor of the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization, which allows medical cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions or as recommended by a licensed state physician. The program isn’t set to start functioning until next October. By then, officials should begin registering dispensaries, cultivation facilities and patients.

Maine

It’s still too close to call that Maine has passed recreational cannabis, although the majority vote is in favor for the Maine Marijuana Legalization Measure. If Maine does end up permitting recreational cannabis, this law will go into effect 30 days following the governor’s approval. Following that 30-day period, Maine will be given up to nine months to create regulatory framework for recreational cannabis.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts voters gave a majority of support to passing The Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which allows recreational cannabis for adults ages 21 and over. Adults of age will be allowed to possess and consume cannabis starting December 15, 2016. Like California, retail locations for cannabis are not expected until January 1, 2018.

Nevada

Recreational cannabis is now legal in Nevada thanks to the passing of the Nevada Marijuana Legalization Initiative. The Nevada Department of Taxation has until the end of 2017 to come up with regulatory framework, so retail stores can be expected sometime in 2018.

North Dakota

North Dakota joined the majority and has permitted medical cannabis under the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act 2016. The law will go into effect 90 days after it was voted for by the public. Patients who live 40 miles or more away from a dispensary will be permitted to grow up to eight plants of cannabis at their residence.