Moving into a new home in another state or city entails several adjustments. You don’t only adjust to your new neighbors, new surroundings and new people. There are also new laws from the state or city that you need to adjust and be familiar with in order to make a smooth transition. This is particularly true when you move to a state that legalized recreational marijuana use. While it may be a good development for those who have experienced using marijuana, there are still limitations and boundaries set by the state and going beyond these limitations can have harsh penalties.
Understand the Colorado Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization Laws
The concepts of legalization and decriminalization have been used interchangeably, but they are actually different. This should be what you will need to determine when you are in the state of Colorado. Since the passing of Amendment 64 on November 16, 2012, the state’s law has been amended to legalize the production, distribution, sale, and use of cannabis recreationally.
Even though the laws of the state have changed, the public use of marijuana is still illegal. Thus, when it comes to a deeper understanding of Colorado’s marijuana legalization and decriminalization laws, www.tranicriminaldefense.com is one of the most trusted criminal defense websites that provide clear and concise explanations of Colorado’s laws regarding marijuana. Top criminal defense attorneys from Colorado all agree that sufficient understanding of the state’s marijuana laws can help its citizens, both old and new. When boundaries, limitations and the penalties that come with violating these limitations are made clear, the tendency for breaking the law will be lowered significantly.
Legal Use of Marijuana
First and foremost, the state of Colorado only allows the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 years and older. Adult Colorado residents are allowed to use and purchase up to 1 ounce or 28 grams in a single transaction per day. Selling marijuana to minors is strictly prohibited. While the state allows recreational use, it doesn’t equate to using marijuana in public. Open and public use of marijuana is still not permitted and anyone caught using marijuana in public will be issued a citation ticket for public marijuana use.
Opening cannabis clubs is also prohibited, but private cannabis clubs may offer a day membership, which allows marijuana consumption in that venue. Federal land is also off-limits for consuming marijuana. These include national parks, national forests, monuments, and courthouses. Some Colorado ski runs are also located on Federal land, which technically places them under the prohibited places for marijuana smoking.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws
The state of Colorado has set a legal limit for the amount of active THC in the body. The legal limit is five (5) nanograms per milliliter of blood. Determining impairment based upon THC level readings can be complicated, as different people metabolize THC at different rates. Police officers can stop you for impaired driving and you may be required to take a blood test, much like the procedure for breathalyzer test for drunk driving. Thus, refusing to take a blood test can result in penalties like confiscation of license. Also, having THC in your system can put you at serious risk for a criminal offense if your car gets involved in an accident, whether or not you are at fault. Thus, it is wise to drive sober or let a few hours pass for THC to fully metabolize.
In cases where you will find yourself in a legal pinch due to a DUI charge, it is recommended that you choose an experienced and capable criminal defense attorney who is familiar with marijuana laws in the state. Certain factors that impact the way in which evidence is presented and how the apprehension was conducted can be revisited and their expert legal counsel can help you obtain the best possible outcome.
There is a need to be fully knowledgeable of your city or state’s laws in order for you to feel more secure and confident as you stay in the place. Being a new resident in a state with relatively open marijuana laws like Colorado can be both welcoming and challenging at the same time. While you don’t have to worry about possessing a few joints as long as they don’t exceed one ounce, you still are not allowed to smoke one in public and drive while stoned. Thus, your best defense is prevention, but if in case you overstep the law and need legal assistance, always reach out for the top criminal defense attorney in your area.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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