Burning Up Frequent Legal Marijuana Myths With Real Facts

Whether you live in a state that has just made marijuana legal for recreational purposes or you are planning a visit to check things out, you do have to be careful with this newly found freedom as an adult. If you do not take some time to get to know the laws surrounding legal marijuana, you could easily end up with a drug charge and the need for a criminal lawyer, such as those from the Dimeo Law Offices. Here are a few of the most frequent myths concerning legal marijuana in recreational usage states and the real facts that you should make sure you know before you take part in the new changes. 

Myth: You can buy and possess as much marijuana as you want. 

Facts: You may be able to legally buy marijuana, but there are limitations on how much you can buy. For example, in Colorado, a person is only allowed to have one ounce of marijuana at any given time. If you are caught with more, you could be facing hefty legal charges and fines. 

Myth: As long as you legally buy the marijuana, you can take it back home with you. 

Facts: Even if you live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, you cannot go to the next closest state with the same laws and bring some marijuana back with you that you just purchased. There are strict laws regarding the transportation of marijuana across state lines. Therefore, whatever you buy in one state should be used or discarded before you head back home. If you get caught with marijuana in your car going over state lines, you could be charged with a felony drug offense. 

Myth: In recreational states, you can use marijuana anywhere. 

Facts: Even though some states have relaxed their laws enough to allow legal marijuana usage for recreational purposes, it does not mean that usage is widely accepted. Some states have specific regulations about where the marijuana can be used or consumed. You may not be able to walk down the street while smoking or even sit in a front porch and use marijuana. Additionally, you have to keep in mind that marijuana is still an illegal drug according to federal laws, which means you could be arrested for taking marijuana on federal property, such as public parks or nature reserves. 

Before you head off on your own discovery adventure in areas that have legalized marijuana, be sure you take a little time to get educated. If you find any rules and regulations that you do not clearly understand, it is always best to talk to a criminal lawyer for guidance. Doing so could be the difference between you having a good time and finding yourself with an unwanted drug charge on your record.