Many states are rethinking marijuana legalization and decriminalization. However, these terms differ. You should fully understand them before you decide to advocate for one. So, if marijuana becomes legal, it won’t be against the law to buy and use marijuana. However, if marijuana gets decriminalized, this means that the punishments for selling, buying, or using marijuana will reduce. Understanding these terms and how your state views substances can prevent you from getting arrested for using marijuana.

Legalization

It is not yet legal in the state of Connecticut for recreational users to buy and use marijuana. However, it is possible that marijuana will be legalized eventually. Remember that alcohol got legalized in the United States after the prohibition. If marijuana is legalized, our government would determine at what age adults can buy marijuana. This might be twenty-one years of age, as alcohol is, or it could be a different age over eighteen. This means that it would still be illegal to buy marijuana if you are under the age requirement.

In order for stores to sell marijuana, they would probably have to obtain permits and licenses. The system would be similar to buying alcohol. Selling marijuana to people who are underage will be a crime. There will probably be strict limits or regulations concerning advertising for marijuana. Legalization of marijuana and the regulations concerning it would vary from state to state.

Decriminalization

If marijuana gets decriminalized, it will reduce the penalties associated with possession of marijuana. Right now, possession of marijuana ranges from expensive fines to jail time, depending on many factors. Some factors include how much marijuana you are in possession of and how many prior offenses you have. Decriminalizing marijuana only mean that getting caught in possession of marijuana will not result in jail time. Possession of marijuana would be punishable by fines or other, less serious penalties. This is comparable to most driving violations – you receive a speeding ticket and pay a fine if you are caught speeding, not sent to jail. Possession would probably be considered a misdemeanor, which is a less serious crime than a felony.

What Will Happen?

The question of legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana is still up for debate. There are pros and cons for both cases, as well as for leaving marijuana laws as they are. The state of Connecticut has already deemed medical marijuana legal in some cases. While this does not mean that Connecticut will legalize or decriminalize marijuana, it is a possibility. For now, it is important to remember that possession of marijuana is illegal and caries with it serious penalties.

If you face a marijuana related charge, you need to contact a strong criminal defense lawyer. This can make sure that your rights are protected throughout this difficult process. It will also help build a strong case for you, since a lawyer can do this on your behalf.