California poised to legalize recreational cannabis

At 1^er January 2018, California will be the eighth US state to legalize the sale and use of recreational cannabis. Voted 56% in 2016, this new legislation could make the great state of the American West the largest legal dealer of marijuana in the world. The legalization of cannabis is at the center of debates in the United States. Twenty-two states have already legalized the trade and consumption of medical marijuana.

In 2014, Colorado was the first to extend this legalization to recreational use. But the fact that California is following this lead gives another twist to the debate: an additional 39 million people will be allowed to use cannabis for recreational purposes legally. A market that promises to be colossal. According to initial estimates, this market could bring in 7 billion dollars (5.8 billion euros) in 2020. As pointed out Le Figaro, the legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado has created 18,000 jobs in 3 years. This trade would also have brought the state a profit of 50 million dollars and an increase in tourism. Colorado, which collects a maximum amount of taxes, even had to return $ 7.63 to each of its inhabitants in 2016.

28 grams per person and six plants at home

Only 27% of California’s 500 local communities have approved the over-the-counter sale of cannabis in the state, still federally recognized, as a Category 1 dangerous substance. But California law now provides that adults can purchase up to 28. , 3 grams of cannabis and grow six plants at home, provided you obtain a municipal license in advance. For comparison, in Maine, consumers can purchase up to 75 grams of cannabis. In Massachusetts, they can store up to 250 grams at home.

In San Francisco, the opening of the first cannabis stores will take place on January 5. The city of Los Angeles will be the last to participate. The others will open their doors on January 1, 2018.