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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Decriminalization, Legalization, and Medical Use: Understanding Marijuana Laws

Marijuana is at a crossroads as more and more states pass laws regarding its use. However, because marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, there is no real consistency from state to state. This can make a dangerous situation for people acting lawfully in one state, only to be arrested in another for possession or transporting.

If you are facing drug charges, please call (800) 843-3476 to schedule a free consultation with one of the the criminal defense lawyers at The Cochran Firm.

Understanding State Laws
Currently, 23 states allow marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes. In a majority of these states, medical users must have a card indicating that their condition allows for marijuana consumption. In medical-only states, having marijuana without a card is illegal.

18 states have decriminalized marijuana. Decriminalization does not make the drug legal, but it does turn possession into a minor civil offense – similar to a traffic ticket.

Recreational use of marijuana is legal in four states: Alaska, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. Even here, laws regarding sales, distribution, and consumption are often confusing and can lead to criminal charges when misunderstood. If you find yourself being charged with a drug crime in these or any other state, you need a defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible to help protect your freedom.

To schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced defense attorneys, please contact The Cochran Firm today. We have offices throughout the United States to better serve people in all areas of the country.

posted by Admin at 5:16 AM

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The Cochran Firm handles Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense claims for clients throughout the United States of America. The information on this website does not constitute legal advice nor form an attorney-client relationship.Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free consultation.

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