Nowadays, MMJ laws are constantly changing, with Colorado being a prime example of how quickly they're forming. In addition, state and federal mandates have created a complex topic that even those with law degrees have trouble understanding what's going on.
This article will discuss the Colorado MMJ laws and provide information about what the future may hold for us.
Table Of Contents:
What is MMJ?
MMJ is a recreational and medicinal drug from the cannabis plant. MMJ is a very personal drug, as its effects vary from person to person.
Some people use MMJ for its calming effects, while others use it to help them experience a heightened sense of creativity. MMJ is also known to relieve anxiety and other symptoms of chronic disease.
MMJ is found in a plant that looks like cannabis and has the scientific name Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis is a Latin word meaning "cluster of branches," reflecting how its flowers grow in dense groups.
MMJ can be used to produce fiber, food, fuel, paper, and other products. MMJ can also be used as an organic pesticide because it contains THC that kills insects by causing their cells to rupture.
Laws Made For Colorado MMJ
Here's what you need to know about the laws in Colorado.
Colorado allows adults aged 21 and older to grow up to six plants at home. What's more, personal possession limits are set at an ounce for all adults, and it is legal for people with out-of-state licenses for a medical condition that qualifies them to possess more than 2 ounces of MMJ.
It's worth mentioning that out-of-state residents aren't required to have a medical condition that qualifies them for the higher limit if they're tourists or visitors who don't intend to consume MMJ in Colorado itself. Also, businesses can give away one ounce of MMJ per customer, but only licensed companies within Colorado can legally sell the drug.
Adults can legally grow up to six plants at home or possess up to one ounce of MMJ. However, they are not allowed to smoke MMJ in public places. Also, anyone caught with a small amount will no longer be a criminal offense and will not face jail time unless they have previous convictions for another crime.
Furthermore, a person can legally share up to 1 ounce of MMJ with another adult so long as there is no money involved and no exchange of goods. However, if you were to sell it or distribute it without the proper license, you would be breaking the law.
Purchasing limits: Colorado has a single purchase limit of one ounce.
Age: No specific period is specified for the possession or use of MMJ in Colorado.
Recreational use: Colorado does not have any state-level laws prohibiting recreational MMJ use. However, it is against federal law and may result in a fine and prison time if you're caught with the drug on federal property such as airports or national parks.
Possession with Intent to Distribute: Possessing more than one ounce is illegal in Colorado and carries up to $100,000 in fines or up to six months in prison. Penalties for distribution and possession increase if you are found with intent to distribute.
Possession with Intent to Sell: Intent to sell MMJ is considered a crime based on previous behavior. Possession charges can be filed when you're caught with less than an ounce of MMJ on private property such as your home, property where you live, and vehicles associated with that person's family members.
Possession with Intent to Deliver: The act of delivering more than one ounce is illegal in Colorado. It will lead to some jail time and the possibility of a hefty fine.
Possession for Personal Use: Possession for personal use is legal. It's also legal to possess two ounces of MMJ in a residence after you've been growing no more than six plants at home and not selling or distributing such an amount.
Selling MMJ under 16: There is a high amount of fine with no more than one year in jail if you are caught with less than one ounce of MMJ for personal use. However, if you are convicted of selling more than one ounce, the fine will increase, and there's a possibility of up to two years in prison.
FAQS
Q: What's the difference between medical and recreational MMJ?
Medical MMJ products, like oils, tinctures, or capsules, are typically recommended by patients experiencing a debilitating disease.
Adults usually consume recreational cannabis products with their physician's recommendation or adult patients without medical conditions and over 21.
Q: How am I obtain medical MMJ in Colorado?
Registered medical MMJ patients can obtain products from a licensed Colorado MMJ Facilities, through a delivery service or by transferring an amount less than or equal to 2 ounces; from another registered qualifying patient through a delivery service, or by transporting an amount less than or equal to 2 ounces.
Qualifying patients in Colorado who are under the age of 18 or who are residents of a state that does not have a provision for medical MMJ may be registered as medical MMJ patients in Colorado if they have their Medical MMJ Registry Identification Cards
The cards are valid for one year from the issue date shown on the card; These cards must be renewed before it expires. The registry identification card expires on the last day of the holder's birth month in years divisible by 5
Q. What are some side effects of using recreational MMJ?
There are no proven side effects of using small quantities for short periods. Long-term effects have not been determined due to lack of research because it's been illegal until now in Colorado.
However, some evidence proves that MMJ's side effects are more pronounced when it is smoked than when used in food products. If MMJ is consumed by food, then the THC ingredient loses much of its potency and may not cause a strong psychoactive reaction. As a result, researchers have been looking at cannabis-infused foods.
MMJ use can cause impairment of short-term memory, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and decreased reaction time. Research has shown that MMJ smoking can damage the cells in the bronchial passages, making the user more susceptible to lung infections.
Since MMJ stays in the body for days or weeks after use, frequent users risk developing chronic health problems. One study showed that daily pot smokers had more than four times the risk of lung cancer than non-smokers.
The "high" from MMJ contains hundreds of chemicals, but one in particular causes paranoia, anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Conclusion
The passing of Amendment 64 in Colorado has caused a buzz and created an opportunity for people to take action. Many new laws are being written, and others will be amended as the MMJ industry grows.
Regulating MMJ may become a huge task, but it allows the government to make money while only allowing legal adults to purchase MMJ products.
Colorado's population is torn on this issue with many pros and cons. The legalization of recreationally purchasing MMJ makes it cheaper for the consumer since they aren't paying outrageous taxes anymore. There is a possibility that the prices will go down even more if there's competition for growing MMJ crops, lowering the cost overall over time.
Colorado's tourism industry will benefit from this in the long run, as MMJ tourism will bring in a lot of tax money. The revenue that comes from these taxes will help local government and tourism boards around the state.
Also, they'll be able to start their businesses, creating even more jobs for Colorado residents to move around and open up new business ventures. Colorado could begin to expand its economy while saving millions of dollars due to eliminating unreasonable taxes on MMJ.
Experts and research groups have not thoroughly evaluated the legalization of Recreational MMJ, so that it may have many short-term and long-term effects on the state's economy.