Did you know that about 15% of Americans are active, or “current,” marijuana users? According to Gallup, 47% of Americans say they have tried marijuana at some time. Common reasons for use include relaxation (64%), stress relief (59%), and anxiety reduction (52%).
In the present age, there are several changes in the use of marijuana. These changes reshaped how criminal cases involving the substance are charged and prosecuted or defended across the country.
With a number of states moving towards making things legal or no longer illegal, harsh punishments for using it may now lead to a lesser charge, different sentencing, or even dismissal.
Still, marijuana laws vary widely in different states. And these conflicts between state and federal law may create confusion. So, if you ever face such conflicts, having a marijuana lawyer by your side can help your case in handling the complexities of the changing cannabis laws.
Let’s learn how you can protect your rights if you ever face this criminal charge.
Table of Contents
The Shift in Legal Status of Marijuana
Evaluations pertaining to laws controlling marijuana have begun in the various states of the U.S. The legal status of marijuana may exhibit deviations. This change is rather exhilarating, as some states now permit people from all over.
Together with the evolving growing community, information, support, and insights are sometimes exchanged. You are not alone in your conception concerning the information before other changes are enforced.
The landscape is constantly evolving, and these changes serve as a bridge for you to navigate. You can teach society by joining friends and family who stay up to date on changes to the law and what they mean.
Marijuana discussions are more open and accepting in communities that recognize its potential benefits. There is something to celebrate—you’re part of this movement!
Impact on Arrest and Prosecution Rates
The marijuana laws are now changing extensively in different states. And with that, there is a significant decrease in arrests and prosecution. The stigma surrounding marijuana use has now started to diminish. With this, people are feeling a sense of relief to see the use of the substance becoming more open in the society.
There are fewer people standing before courts on charges related to marijuana possession or use. This has allowed them to reconnect with society without the weight of a criminal record.
Even as laws become less hostile and offer greater freedom to choose and accept personal responsibility, the sense of community binds people together.
According to a law firm attorney from Surginer Stewart PLLC, if you are arrested for any drug crime, you have constitutional rights that come into play in this situation. With the Fifth Amendment law, you have a shield to protect you from self-incrimination. This means you have the right to remain silent if you are placed under arrest.
Changes in Sentencing Guidelines
Numerous states have succeeded in passing new marijuana laws. This has changed the mechanisms in the rules of using marijuana.
You might have noticed that the changes in marijuana laws have led to a reduction in some of the harsher penalties. Another thing is the shift in the society’s perspective on marijuana use. What was previously under layers of consideration is beginning to surface in a familiar haze.
In fact, several people are feeling some relief with penalties being lighter, when they used to sound somewhat cruel.
These alterations assist in creating a more balanced way towards justice and remove the barriers a person encounters when otherwise returning to the community due to his criminal record. The majority and the status quo would both be harmed by accepting these shifts.
Implications for Past Convictions
The changes in marijuana laws recently took effect, affecting existing cases and also having much to say about past sentences. If you, your friend, or anyone else has been sentenced for a marijuana-related issue, these new laws could mean the possibility of the expungement or reduction of punishment for the case at hand.
Several states now allow individuals to petition for the removal of convictions that many years ago were felonious. This means anything formerly appearing in print due to your presence in court might soon be history and won’t hold you back anymore.
Such knowledge of your rights and the differing process details pertaining to different states will prove invaluable because it will help you chart present-day values with what’s already in line within the federal government, providing for the different avenues of knowing the marijuana legislation and criminal law.
Rest assured, there are numerous individuals worldwide who also support this development.
Future Trends in Marijuana Legislation and Criminal Justice
As attitudes to weed change over time, politics as such will see a shift towards decriminalization and regulation rather than punishment. There’s a possibility that states may prefer some form of public health and public safety model rather than this non-tariff setting.
We could start to see more of an all-inclusive arrangement that will ultimately result in some positive developments for the communities that have been affected over the past decades of criminalization.
Another effect that could come out of this debate could be jurisdictions taking a closer look at the clearing of criminal records for individuals who have already been prosecuted earlier for these crimes.
As the conversation rolls over, you will come to find advocates and politicians in the forefront trying to establish a fairer form of legislation in favor of equal opportunity, education, and harm reduction.
Those could eventually turn to encourage other issues related to the larger community to eliminate barriers and build the community further.