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Marijuana means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. To some, weed is a nice way to relax at the end (or beginning) of the day, while others see it as a medicinal drug. To others still, it’s an evil threat to Christian life. Thanks to the beauty of democracy, everyone's views get to congeal into this giant, messy, gray area we call America. Until the day when our paranoid fundamentalist friends get stoned enough to stop worrying so much, the rest of us have to deal with varying regulation schemes state by state. Read on for a little clarity on getting smoggy from sea to shining sea. NOTE: This article describes the legal landscape as of March 2014. Laws probably (and hopefully) will change over time. Read and assimilate this information at your own risk, but don't be an idiot.
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Getting around.
If you're driving, keep your junk in the trunk. Even in states with full decriminalization, open container laws can get smokers in trouble for open baggies and jars in the passenger compartment, even if the weed in question isn't actively being consumed. You can also still catch a DUI for being high behind the wheel. As for planes, keep in mind the federal smackdown potential of the TSA and DHS, who run the show at airports and on planes. Then again, maybe like the other mile-high club, you think the risk of getting caught is what makes it fun.
Federal authority over interstate transportation.
Thanks to the magic power of the constitution, Uncle Sam DGAF about state legalization laws and continues to prosecute marijuana smokers. Federal pot penalties are harsh, starting at up to $1000 and a year in jail for first-time possession charges, and going up to three years and a $5000 fine for multiple offenders. So all you have to do is evade the FBI and ATF, right? Calm down, Al Capone. Potential points of federal contact that regular people should keep in mind are Highway Border Patrol stations, DHS inspection points at air and sea ports, and worst of all, National Parks, which are literally the best places in the world to get high.
My way, not the highway.
No legal highs here: If you find yourself in one of the states that have no legalization regimes, expect The Man to harsh your mellow. Penalties run the gamut from minor misdemeanors in states like Hawaii and Rhode Island, to the lunacy of Arizona, where first-time possession is a felony punishable by up to 18 months in jail. Come on—isn't living/being in Arizona punishment enough?
States with decriminalization laws.
Oregon was the first to decriminalize marijuana 40 years ago, which probably explains why Portland is the way it is. Thirteen other states have since followed suit. While in these states no criminal penalties are involved for possessing small amounts of cannabis, some still consider it a citable infraction (like a parking ticket). Selling and transporting also remain felonies.
States allowing medical marijuana.
Turn to the left and cough. Twenty states, as well as Washington D.C., have legalized the sale of medical marijuana to patients with a valid doctor's prescription. Check out this map or Wikipedia for the full list. Even with a medical marijuana card, be extremely careful bringing your stash out of state: many other states, as well as the federal government, don’t recognize them and will nail you with possession.
Pipe dreams.
Pipes, grinders, and other accessories are OK to possess and transport anywhere as long as they're free of residue. In states with paraphernalia statutes, though, resin or other residue can net you a civil fine or even a misdemeanor charge. This is just another great reason to clean the pipes regularly, especially if you'll be taking them across state lines or on public transportation.
States allowing recreational use.
Colorado and Washington are currently the states where, as Matthew McConaughey would say, it's gonna be alright, alright, alright. Both states legalized recreational use last year, so bust out your bongo drums. Colorado and Washington residents over 21 can buy and own up to an ounce of herb, though non-resident visitors to Colorado can only buy and possess up to a 1/4 ounce. Getting high (whether you are smoking or edibles) in public is still illegal in both places though, and smoking and driving can land you a DUI. No souvenirs, either: both states ban exporting your herb, so toke, but don't take.
