How Cannabis Users In Prohibition State Are Accessing Weed

Here’s How American Stoners In States That Ban Weed Are Getting High 

It’s an exciting time to be alive for cannabis users in the United States. The “green wave” has swept the country, as we’ve seen plenty of states pick up the pace on cannabis legalization. Five states held important votes on cannabis legalization during the 2020 election cycle, and the House is preparing to vote on an act that may remove cannabis from the country’s Controlled Substances list. 

Despite the excitement, millions of Americans who use cannabis are left without a happy ending. They live in what are known as “prohibition states” – in other words, states in which cannabis use or possession is firmly illegal. Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota are all examples of prohibition states. 

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With so many Americans turning to cannabis for stress and pain relief, among other benefits, legalization advocates can’t help but wonder: what do cannabis users in prohibition states do to get by? The answer includes many complicated realities.  

Here’s what you need to know about the fight for cannabis in prohibition states. 

Americans Are Moving Across The Country For Cannabis 

 

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Some Americans leave their home state, being drawn to other states with more accepting stances on cannabis. There is little research on cannabis-minded movers, as most evidence of the trend is anecdotal. Still, you don’t have to look far to find Americans who consider cannabis laws when moving. A 2019 research paper published in Economic Inquiry found that movers were drawn to Colorado for its widely popular stance on cannabis legalization. 

In serious cases, like those in which medical patients relocate for access to cannabis, the phrase “medical refugee” is often used. A 2014 documentary series on cannabis by CNN illustrated the phenomenon in an episode hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. 

Yes, The Black Market Is Still In Operation 

 

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Fears of the black market’s toll are often cited as reasons to legalize cannabis. Whether these concerns would be evaded by further legalization or not, one thing is clear: the black market is very active.  

Plenty of growers have a stake in the black market. Some growers operate with what could be seen as ethically-motivated courage by their consumers: they risk their freedom to support needy cannabis users who feel they have no other options for a supplier. 

Not every illicit market grower operates with concern, though. Cannabis can contain pesticides, molds, and other contaminants that would otherwise be filtered out in legal cannabis. 

Cannabis Users Are Learning To Grow Their Own 

 

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In 2018, the federal government passed the Farm Bill, effectively legalizing hemp in all 50 states. With that in mind, many Americans in prohibition states have taken to growing their own cannabis products. There’s a risk to this, despite what the law would have you think. 

Idaho placed measures to delay the impact of the Farm Bill, meaning that holding a CBD tincture or THC-heavy strain could still land you jail time and a hefty fine. 

It’s frustrating to see Americans forced to navigate a labyrinth of technicalities and risky transactions for safe cannabis access. Hopefully, the wave of legalization will continue at a rapid pace, so all Americans can feel the effects of the green wave. 

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