How California’s Marijuana Laws Are Changing the Cannabis Industry
In the 21st century, there has been a change in the attitudes of many Americans when it comes to Marijuana. Presently it is legal in 9 States and the District of Columbia, and it is decriminalized in 13 other states. The states that have legalized cannabis have seen a sharp increase in businesses related to the industry. In fact, many people are moving from states that have harsher penalties for marijuana to set up businesses in these legal areas. Companies including dispensaries, restaurants, health supplements, and many others have been set up to take advantage of this new economy. Even though cannabis is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the Federal Government, and therefore illegal, these companies continue to rise unabated.
Because of marijuana’s questionable legal status, many states compensate by requiring cannabis businesses to undergo rigorous regulations to operate. An amendment in the federal budget inhibits federal resources to be used to prosecute cannabis businesses that operate within the laws of that state, so that gives states further incentive to follow the rules. California’s new marijuana laws allow anyone with a license to purchase marijuana in approved locations, but they are not allowed to smoke in public. This being said, there are companies planning to create “cannabis lounges”, similar to Dutch coffee shops, where people can meet and smoke. Retailers will need separate licenses to sell both medicinal and recreational marijuana. The medical dispensaries still require a medicinal card to purchase medicinal cannabis from their dispensary. There is also a lot of autonomy from the cities about dealing with marijuana. Many cities still do not allow recreational Cannabis to be sold.
In the cities where it is allowed, however, they are taking full advantage of the new laws. Many companies have set up their shops to look …
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