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7 Fast Facts About Recreational Marijuana

Marijuana is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Although recreational marijuana has been legalized in a few states, it is still illegal to use on federal property such as national parks or forests. However, if you are caught with less than an ounce of marijuana at these locations, you might only receive a ticket instead of jail time. If this interests you and/or someone who knows about these laws, read on for 7 facts about recreational marijuana and what happens when you're caught using it in a national park or forest!

7 Fast Facts About Recreational Marijuana

1. Around 9 Out Of 10 Americans Favor The Legalization Of Some Form Of Recreational Marijuana

  • Recreational marijuana use has increased by 60 percent since 2006

  • Recreational marijuana is legal in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. It will also be on the 2016 ballot for voters to decide on whether or not it should be legalized in Maine

  • Recreational marijuana laws are more lenient than medical cannabis laws allowing adults 21+ years of age to legally purchase up to one ounce from a recreational dispensary as opposed to only those who have been diagnosed with qualifying conditions allowed under the state's medical programs. In some states like Florida, anyone 18+ can attend a weed college called "Oaksterdam University" where they learn about the industry firsthand!

  • In addition, recreational pot shops allow customers over 21 +years old to make purchases without requiring a medical card.

  • Recreational marijuana is expected to be an over $20 billion dollar industry beyond 2020 and in turn, create over 400k new jobs within the next three years.

  • Recreational marijuana has been found to help many different conditions including anxiety, arthritis pain relief, nausea from chemotherapy treatments associated with cancer treatment, etc.


2. As Of April 2021, Seventeen States And The District Of Columbia Have Authorized Small Quantities Of Marijuana For Adult Recreational Use

  • Eight states and the District of Columbia have also legalized recreational marijuana.

  • While recreational use is relatively new, it should be noted that medical cannabis has been legal in some form for over twenty years.

  • The recreational use of cannabis became legal in California in January 2018, making it the most populous state to legalize it.

  • Despite its fast rise in popularity recreational marijuana is still only available legally in a small handful of states.


3. The Marijuana Business Employs 5 Times As Many People As Coal, According To The Chamber Of Commerce

The increasing demand for recreational marijuana is predicted to create more than one million jobs within five years if legalized at a national level. If all 50 states legalize recreational marijuana that number could grow as high as 340,000+ jobs nationwide with 18% of those being home-based business opportunities. Recreational weed dispensaries offer many job positions including:

  • budtenders who serve customers over the counter;

  • trimmers who prepare harvested plants before they're sold;

  • security guards hired to protect facilities against theft or other threats;

  • consultants whose advice helps recreational marijuana entrepreneurs address challenges;

  • growers who cultivate the plants.

The recreational weed business is expected to create an unprecedented number of new jobs in territories where recreational marijuana is legalized, but also across all major sectors including real estate, banking/finance, construction, food services/hospitality, technology, and even government positions as regulators are needed to monitor compliance with the laws that have been passed.


For example, Colorado required more than 200 state licenses for different companies involved in recreational marijuana sales so there was a need for specialized accountants to help these businesses comply with tax requirements.


4. The Median Marijuana Salary Is 10% Higher Than The Us Median Salary

The median salary for people working with medical marijuana was $70K/year as of this year. Even after legalization, many places still have subpar medical marijuana laws that restrict the ability of doctors to prescribe and recommend medical cannabis for their patients. This means many people can't get access to legal recreational pot, even in states where it has been approved by voters at a state level.


5. A New Poll Finds That 52 Percent Of American Adults Have Tried Marijuana At Least Once

  • 56 Percent Say The Drug Is "Socially Acceptable" In The U.S Toda

  • Recreational marijuana has been found to have many health benefits

  • Recreational marijuana can also help with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression

  • Recreational marijuana is less addictive than alcohol

  • The chance of overdose on recreational marijuana is extremely low compared to opioids


6. The Legalization Of Marijuana Benefits The Economy

In 2016, the legal marijuana market generated $7.2 billion in economic activity, with cannabis firms paying millions of dollars in federal taxes. According to one research on adult-use marijuana in Nevada, the first seven years of legalization would generate $7.5 billion in economic activity, including $1.7 billion in labor income.


According to research conducted by the University of California Agricultural Issues Center, California's legal marijuana industry might earn $5 billion per year.


7. Some US states have decriminalized the use of recreational marijuana

Many U.S states have decriminalized the use of recreational cannabis but there are still rules that must be followed by users regarding its purchase and consumption laws vary from state to state so it is important that you understand your local laws before doing anything related to recreational weed usage even though they might seem similar as per reports most law enforcement agencies across

Law enforcement will not arrest anyone who has about one ounce as long as that person is using it within a private property like a home or garden otherwise if caught in public that person will be dealt with according to the laws of your respective state.

We know that you want to stay in the loop about recreational marijuana and we’re happy to share these 7 fast facts. If you’d like more information, call us today!

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Dixon Wellness is on a mission to bring safe, affordable, and compassionate access to cannabis to the people of Northern California and beyond. Our products have been lab-tested by independent, state-licensed laboratories so they can be free of any harmful contaminants while ensuring that we keep the cost down for our loyal customers. We are constantly working with credible brands, legacy farmers, and environmentally conscious producers in order to help sustain our community! Dixon’s first and only women-led cannabis resource, we are founded on the pillars of community, compassion, and education. Interested in our products? Check out our online menu or plan your visit today!

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