Hazy Confusion | Clearing Tourist Misconceptions About Legal Marijuana
Posted on: 6 July 2015
Marijuana may be well on its way to being fully legalized in some states, but even with these changes there are still people who have a lot of confusion about where the lines are drawn where laws are concerned. Whether you occasionally smoke marijuana yourself and want to pay a visit to Colorado or are planning a trip to newly weed legal Oregon, it is crucial that you understand the laws about "legal" marijuana. Otherwise, you could end up with a drug charge on your record and the need for a criminal defense lawyer in court.
You Cannot Have Extensive Amounts of Marijuana On You
You may have this big idea that you will take a trip to a fully legalized state and buy huge amounts of marijuana to enjoy with your co-travelers. However, even if you could buy a lot of weed at a dispensary (which you cannot), it would be illegal to be caught with it. For example, in Colorado you are only allowed to have up to one ounce on you at any time. Additionally, the weed that you do have must be kept in a sealed or unopened container, or you could be charged with an open container violation as a driver.
Smoking Marijuana In Public Could Get You Arrested
There is a lot of debate about where and how marijuana can be consumed in legal states. However, a good rule to keep in mind is to be respectful and use your common sense. Do not go walking through a public area while smoking a pipe, or you could be arrested and charged with public consumption of marijuana. Keep the marijuana use either behind closed doors or in private smoking lounges.
Federal Land Does Not Allow Marijuana On the Premises
One thing that many people do not recognize is that even if a state has fully legalized marijuana, the federal government has yet to agree. Therefore, you may be in a secluded place away from everyone, but on federal land, and still get slapped with a marijuana possession charge. The worst part is, it is not only illegal to smoke or use marijuana on the premises, but to bring it in these areas at all.
When it comes down to it, you really have to be cautious about spending your time in a marijuana legal state if you plan to take part in the new relaxed atmosphere. Even though weed may be referred to as legal, there are a lot of ways that you could end up with a drug charge. If you have been charged with marijuana possession, contact a criminal offense lawyer or law firm like Kalasnik Law Office for advice.
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