When we talk about laws related to the world of Cannabis, we are reminded of the fearful legal consequences that face offenders of drug-trafficking. But, surprisingly enough, that’s only a small fragment of the legal aspects governing this strange but less known herb. There are many other laws pertaining to the world of cannabis that have nothing to do with drug offenders!

Uses of Cannabis and Related Laws

The Cannabis herb, as we know, are predominantly used for three application areas:

- For medicinal cannabis - to produce medicines for treatment of cancer and other debilitating diseases

- To produce certain types of fiber for industrial uses. Hemp is a very versatile plant with uses ranging from oil, seed, clothing and fiber.

- To produce the intoxicating agent for recreation purposes.

The laws in any country have mainly been created to stop the third application. Its relevance and sustainability comes from the fact that it is the only negative aspect of this healing plant and supposedly produces no beneficial effect?

Most Cannabis Laws of the World

Why do we need laws for the use of marijuana? Research has proved that long-time users of drugs containing this herb have shown serious signs of brain damage, sometimes losing to complete memory loss and brain malfunctioning. In order to protect millions of drug users and prevent the widespread distribution of marijuana, most legal bodies or organizations had to come up with strict measures to control the spread of this plant. Just as in case of drunk driving, Law Enforcement agencies all over the world had to take stringent measures to stop traffic offenders, in case of drug trafficking, legal organizations had to design laws to stop drug trackers from using this potentially harmful plant in drugs. It is widely known that most deadly drugs such as the LSD or the Hashish contain harmful chemicals extracted from this plant.

Other Laws in other countries

Most countries have prohibited cultivating, using and selling of Cannabis except for medicinal reasons.

Some countries have used capital punishment to control trafficking in drugs containing marijuana. Other countries, such as Nepal still allow the use and selling of substances containing marijuana..

The only recognized, legal uses of the cannabis plant all over the world are for the purpose of manufacturing medicines for aiding people with terminal diseases or for industrial uses.

The use of Cannabis plants for ritualistic purposes, as in some Hindu festivals, is exempt from any legal review.

Cannabis Laws

If one has to quickly sum up the most salient points regarding Cannabis laws, then here is a list containing those:

Most countries have prohibited any use and selling of cannabis.

Few countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and so on allow the use of Cannabis herbs for manufacturing important medicines for a long list of diseases. Lets not forget Holland and their coffee houses that allow you to buy legally.

In some countries, such as India, Cannabis is used for ritualistic purposes and offered as food for gods. Such a unique application of this plant is beyond the reproach of the law.

New Jersey's drug possession laws go over whatever amount of marijuana that is in the possession or about the premises of any individual. The possible penalties for having marijuana, intent to distribute, and actual sales differ according to the sum of the illegal substance involved.

Possession of 50 grams or less of weed is viewed as a misdemeanor in the state of New Jersey. If charged, there can be a period of prison time of as much as six months, fines as high as one thousand dollars and license suspension lasting anywhere from several months and 2 years.

Having more than 50 grams of cannabis is a fourth degree felony and has up to eighteen months of jail time, a fine of up to twenty-five thousand dollars, and license suspension between half a year and two years. If found guilty of marijuana possession inside of a thousand feet of a school there could be an additional penalty of at least one hundred community service hours.

Distribution or planning to sell off below 1 oz. of marijuana in New Jersey is a 4th degree crime that could give you up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In cases where the amount is between an ounce and 1 pound it's a third degree crime and may incorporate around five years imprisonment and substantial fines. If the total is bigger than 5 pounds and under twenty-five pounds, it's a second degree offense from 5-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.00. Once the total surpasses 25 pounds it is a first degree crime implying ten to twenty years in prison and a monetary penalty of up to $300,000.

Possessing or cultivating pot plants for personal usage means the exact same penalties explained above, perhaps with some other fees and penalties added in. In some instances, New Jersey will grant an individual to participate in drug court, and that's an alternative penalty technique that involves drug treatment and regular drug screenings. Not every person would be allowed, though, and it'll depend upon the many components of your arrest. If you should need help dealing with a marijuana possession or distribution case, you may want to find a competent lawyer.

      It is illegal to smoke marijuana. It is also illegal to make moonshine, rape and to blow up buildings. The part that I find strange is, why is it illegal to own marijuana seeds but to own a still, benzodiazepines or even the material needed to build a bomb aren't. It’s illegal to drive faster than 65 mph but it isn’t illegal to build a car that can go faster than 65mph. (speeding cars have caused more deaths than all drugs combined)  What is even more idiotic to me is, things like pipes, bongs, and blunt wraps are all legal but the weed itself isn’t.  Now the legalizing of drugs of is an issue for debate for another time but the actual growing of weed shouldn't be. It is a drug that over 80% of all Americans will experiment with in their lifetime. Since exposure is an accepted social probable experience why the resisitance.  

       


        This is why I'm starting this blog. There is no good reason for not legalizing the right to grow it and right now is the perfect time to organize and get it done. The economy is terrible state and the taxes that could be generated from revenue gained by the legalization of marijuana would be more than helpful and in a lot of cases appreciated. At the bare minimum the money generated from fines caused by the increase smoking could do wonders in state revenue alone. It is already under major consideration in California for just those reasons.

      


      For me, the right to grow it is the perfect compromise. Whether or not you’re for or against the legalization of marijuana, the actual growing is a happy medium. It solves more problems than it causes, when you think about our overcrowded prisons, cancer, parkinsons and brain damage cause by smoking weed unknowing laced with other chemicals. It’s a way of taking a step towards of acceptance without sending a prodrug message.  Other, much harder drugs are legal to own the seeds and grow (coca leaf, poppy seeds), so why not marijuana. I’m not saying people should be able to have a farm of the stuff but a basic right with limitations would be acceptable. The legalization of cannabis is inevitable conclusion but if you’re one of those people that isn’t quite ready to embrace the idea for whatever reason, just being able to grow a plant is a pill you can swallow. So I say lets swallow the pill when it will be the most beneficial to everyone.