What's it like living in a legal state/country?

eatspam

eatspam

Well-Known Member
I'm curious as to what it's like growing/selling/smoking in a legal country/state.
Not just what it's like NOW, but how did you get there and what was it like before?

My questions to those of you lucky enough to live in a legalised area are as follows.

First off... What was it like when it finally happened?
Was there dancing in the streets?
Did people wait in line for days to be the first "legal" smokers?
Tell me your own personal story, I want to hear how it affected YOU as an average pre-legalisation smoker.

How recently has it happend?
Last week? Several decades?

What are the current legal prices for your average "deal" and did it go up or down after legalisation?
For example here (depending on where you live) it's roughly AU$20-35 per gram of hydro or $320-350 for an Oz of hydro and $200-250 for an oz of outdoor (outdoor is generally shit here as it seems to be always fluffy, pulled early and full of seed).

Can ANYONE just grow a plant, smoke it, sell it? Or do you need a recreational/medical licence that requires a background check, annual fee, doctors notes...etc.
What are the hoop's one must jump through to become a legal stoner if any?

What are the limitations to what you can possess, sell, grow?
Can you grow acre's of it or are you limited to one plant?
Can anyone open a dispensary/cafe? Do you even NEED to open a shop or can you just deal from your house?
Can you keep a couple hundred pounds in stock or can you only carry a 1/4oz?
 
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eatspam

eatspam

Well-Known Member
To get the ball rolling I'll explain what it's like in my ILLEGAL country. Australia.
If you want the complete statistical break down, here's where Australia's currently at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Australia

To save you the indepth reading, it's basically illegal but widely decriminalised. Even in states where it's NOT decriminalised the law has taken a "harm minimisation" stance over "punitive action" as long as you're not growing, selling or in possession of large quantities.
I've never been caught but I've had plenty of friends who have been and NONE of them have ever seen the inside of a prison cell. Every last one got away with fines or good behaviour bonds. All of them got off VERY lightly, from my mate who had half a gram in foil all the way up to a friend who got raided with a 3m (W) x 10m (L) x 3m (H) room filled wall to wall with 2m + MONSTER plants in full bloom.
That said, if you choose to be around this plant in any way you CAN be locked up for a VERY long time even for minor offences. This is something every smoker in Australia has to live with in the back of their mind every day.

We do have one tiny town in all of Australia that has managed to be the "grey area, not really legal but barely tolerated" weed capital of Australia. Nimbin, NSW.
nimbin-016_4000x3000.jpg
A tiny remote village deep in the mountains of what seems to be the 1960's! About a decade ago I was 18, newly free from school and managed to make the incredibly long pilgrimage to experience what it's like to live in a place where this magical plant has not only thrived but been accepted by everyone (without a badge at least).

It's a truly bizarre setup. Police are a constant presence but they never seem to do anything other than walk around and watch the main street (the main street being about 100m long with only 10 or so shops.)
The main rule is NO dealing in public. But generally before you've even gone past one shop you'll have a half a dozen people come up to you and ask "are you looking to smoke?" at which point you'll say "sure" then get ushered somewhere out of site for the transaction to take place. For me my first buy was from a sweet old lady that for $20 opened up her knitting bag FULL of the best outdoor bud I've ever had and just said "Go on love, grab a fist full and stick it in your pocket!" I must have grabbed a half an ounce!

But alas, it becomes apparent very quickly that no matter how alluring this utopia is, you can only go so long before you think "wow, I really need to wash my feet and eat something that has a soul".
I had to leave that place and because of the distance and lack of work out that way I've never been back since.

So now I'm trying to grow an ounce in a PC case every now and then because it's the most "personal supply ONLY" setup I can think of. To be honest if the law ever found it I'd be happy to say "well, I tried to do it as morally just as posible. I grew for myself, by myself and enjoyed what 700,000+ Aussies do every week without ever once harming another or funding a criminal!" Then I'd take my punishment and get the fuck out of this country to somewhere that allows their citizens the freedom of choice I so desire and deserve, or wait for my own country to wake up to the 21st century!
 
WattSaver

WattSaver

Well-Known Member
I live in Colorado, where since the late 80's possession of an oz or less has been a misdemeanor. In 1988 I had to pay a $150 fine for possession of 0.08 grams, the fine would have been the same for 27.9gm. In 2000 we passed the med mj amendment. I got my tax card in 2002. Not many folks took this legal route, due to the federal level laws. I never had a problem or inquiry during this period. Still no dancing in the streets, but overall less tension in the smoking community. It took till 2010 for the red card system to come into effect for med mj. At this point a person needing the help of of mj could get an annual "Red Card". Depending upon your Dr you can grow from 6 to 99 plants. Also at this point doors opened for dispensaries. So with a card you could walk into a store front and buy pot, hash, hi grade extraction oils, and editable's.The first of several Cannabis Cups made it to Denver, I went to the first. The event was amazing, venders couldn't sell any pot,,, but they could give away all they wanted to. Had several dabs of different oils, and a cookie or 2. Was really happy to have the daughter in law pick up the son and I after the event.
Still no open air pot parties but the scent of smoking and growing was much more prevalent in neighborhood settings.

In late 2012 it was legal, now open air 420 parties did occur. It took till 2014 for the first stores to open thier doors for the sale of recreational pot. If you are a state resident you can purchase an oz max at a time, but you can go to as many different stores as you want with the same limit. If you are over 21 and from anywhere else in the world other than Colorado tthe max purchase is a 1/4 oz, (but that can be pot, hash, or oil) and I don't think there is a limit on infused products.

I'm in my latter 50's and I started smoking weed in the very early 70's, and I never thought I'd see this happen in my life time. I go to a dinner party now and it's okay to break out a fatty after dinner, not like yrs back where the stoner's at the party had to sneak off to spark one.

So now anyone over 21 is allowed to grow 6 plants (3 flower, 3 veg). You CAN NOT sell to anyone, but you can give it to anyone over 21. On the med side you can sell to someone who has designated you as their caregiver.

Really the only way to get yourself in serious trouble is selling.

Prices; The peak was from the early 80's to mid 90's for hi grade was $400/oz some was imported but most was grown in Colorado on the western slope. Prices dropped some from 94 on for some reason but only down to $300. As med shops opened and even more shops opened prices went from street prices to much cheaper. Right now same pot med $200 legal $260 the difference is taxes on the rec. So street prices for bootleg material has to be much lower than retail sales, so it's less than $180. This is specific to my region in the state. Go to Denver and the cities on the front range and this price range drops, and there are counties that don't allow rec sales and street prices are higher.

Every time I thumb through the local paper and I see ads for specials and sales at the local shops, I get the same rush feeling that this just couldn't happen. I don't buy much because I grow more than I need, but every now and again I want a different flavor or just need to walk into a store and purchase some bud just because I can.
 
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eatspam

eatspam

Well-Known Member
WattSaver said:
I live in Colorado, where since the late 80's possession of an oz or less has been a misdemeanor. In 1988 I had to pay a $150 fine for possession of 0.08 grams, the fine would have been the same for 27.9gm. In 2000 we passed the med mj amendment. I got my tax card in 2002. Not many folks took this legal route, due to the federal level laws. I never had a problem or inquiry during this period. Still no dancing in the streets, but overall less tension in the smoking community. It took till 2010 for the red card system to come into effect for med mj. At this point a person needing the help of of mj could get an annual "Red Card". Depending upon your Dr you can grow from 6 to 99 plants. Also at this point doors opened for dispensaries. So with a card you could walk into a store front and buy pot, hash, hi grade extraction oils, and editable's.The first of several Cannabis Cups made it to Denver, I went to the first. The event was amazing, venders couldn't sell any pot,,, but they could give away all they wanted to. Had several dabs of different oils, and a cookie or 2. Was really happy to have the daughter in law pick up the son and I after the event.
Still no open air pot parties but the scent of smoking and growing was much more prevalent in neighborhood settings.

In late 2012 it was legal, now open air 420 parties did occur. It took till 2014 for the first stores to open thier doors for the sale of recreational pot. If you are a state resident you can purchase an oz max at a time, but you can go to as many different stores as you want with the same limit. If you are over 21 and from anywhere else in the world other than Colorado tthe max purchase is a 1/4 oz, (but that can be pot, hash, or oil) and I don't think there is a limit on infused products.

I'm in my latter 50's and I started smoking weed in the very early 70's, and I never thought I'd see this happen in my life time. I go to a dinner party now and it's okay to break out a fatty after dinner, not like yrs back where the stoner's at the party had to sneak off to spark one.

So now anyone over 21 is allowed to grow 6 plants (3 flower, 3 veg). You CAN NOT sell to anyone, but you can give it to anyone over 21. On the med side you can sell to someone who has designated you as their caregiver.

Really the only way to get yourself in serious trouble is selling.

Prices; The peak was from the early 80's to mid 90's for hi grade was $400/oz some was imported but most was grown in Colorado on the western slope. Prices dropped some from 94 on for some reason but only down to $300. As med shops opened and even more shops opened prices went from street prices to much cheaper. Right now same pot med $200 legal $260 the difference is taxes on the rec. So street prices for bootleg material has to be much lower than retail sales, so it's less than $180. This is specific to my region in the state. Go to Denver and the cities on the front range and this price range drops, and there are counties that don't allow rec sales and street prices are higher.

Every time I thumb through the local paper and I see ads for specials and sales at the local shops, I get the same rush feeling that this just couldn't happen. I don't buy much because I grow more than I need, but every now and again I want a different flavor or just need to walk into a store and purchase some bud just because I can.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story, I only hope one day soon something similar happens in Australia.
 
eatspam

eatspam

Well-Known Member
A question @Tim Fox & @WattSaver, Do they count your clones in your vedge numbers? What happens if you go over your count? misdemeanor fine or criminal conviction?
Also, how is there a retail side to it if you can't sell to anyone? Do you buy a $200 toy car and get a "free" ounce of weed?
 
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
there are 2 sides here in Oregon, there is the medical side , which has been legal for several years, the medical people can grow many many plants, especially if they grow for other patients,
but I am Rec side, and the rec side says 4 plants, and thats all it says, nobody has spelled it out any other way, to me I take it to mean, 4 all together, no differance the size or shape or cycle, Can I live with 4 plants total, HELL YES,, easy as pie man, I can harvest way more from 4 total each year to keep me and all my friends happy for free, if I grow outside, and some electricity if i use my grow cab I built
the legislature has a commitee they organized to discuss measure 91 that legalized marry jane here in oregon , but they have spent all thier time dicussing how close to schools and shit, also they spent the majority of time on how to change up the medical side, or merge the 2 sides, ect ect, the commitee is locked in a stalemate right now, So the law appears to go in effect the way its written, and that is what he rec people and the medical side want , enact the law the way we voted on it, its very close now
measure 91 sets home limits too, but the county and state will never know how much a person has at home, especially if you store it well, and in differant places on your property
the state is working with the state police to hire officers just for the Oregon liquor commision to use, but they talk about keeping those police busy full time enforcing code guidelines thru the legal rec stores, making sure they are only saling to over 21, weights and measures, liscense following, by all the growers , distrubters and sellers in the rec legal stores
people from portland oregon are already driving to washington state just across the columbia river and buying pot legal there in the store located in vancouver washington, you can shop for pot there like you buy cheese at the super market, those types of stores wont be in oregon until 2016, so home growers and the medical side will be providing the pot for people who want it still, or drive across the river, either way everything I said above is legal here on July 1st
 
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
Q: After July 1, how much marijuana can I have?

A: Quite a bit. In addition to growing four plants and possessing up to 8 ounces at home or 1 ounce away from home, anyone 21 and older can possess up to 1 pound of solid edibles, or about 10 chocolate bars; 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquid, or a six-pack of 12-ounce sodas; and 1 ounce of marijuana extract.
 
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
What are the limits on how much an individual can possess, grow, or buy? Once the law takes effect, adults 21 and older can possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and grow no more than four marijuana plants in their households. Those amounts are total limits for the household. Each adult can possess up to an ounce in public. Individuals 21 and older may also gift — but not sell – up to an ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana products in solid form, or 72 ounces of marijuana products in liquid form to other adults. The purchase limit will be one ounce, or the amount set by the liquor commission, whichever is lower.
 
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
What kinds of businesses will be allowed under this law? Four types of marijuana businesses will be allowed and regulated by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. “Marijuana producers” will cultivate marijuana for wholesale. “Marijuana processors” will produce marijuana extracts and products. “Marijuana wholesalers” may purchase marijuana and marijuana products to sell to marijuana retailers and other non-consumers. Lastly, “marijuana retailers” are allowed to sell marijuana and related items to individuals 21 and older. Application fees will be $250, and licensing fees are $1,000 per year.
 
WattSaver

WattSaver

Well-Known Member
For fees in Colorado its much higher to open retail outlets.
Legal Growing,,, anyone can grow 6 plants (3 flower 3 veg). A couple in a home it's 12 plants, if you have kids over 21 at home, you can add 6 for them also. Possession limit is 2oz per person.

For me I have a med card, with a 12 plant limit but it also has a 12oz possession limit so I can grow more to do extractions for my ails. So in my home with the wife's allowance I have 18 plants and can have 14oz laying around.

As far as clones, if you go by the letter of the law a rooted clone would count against your veg number. That being said I've only heard of one case where someone was investigated, and it was a neighbor feud. Complaint was "Major Grow Opp" next door. Investigation found (for couple) 4 flower, 6 veg and 6 clones. The investigators filed no charges. So it seems like there is an allowance to let you grow your own, with minor timing issues in your grow cycle.

As far as retail sales there are no tokens. Just walk into a store, all strains are in jars on the shelf. You can look at it, smell it, then order the amount you want of it, just like a deli.
 
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
That's what it s like when I drive across the river into Washington, walk into the store, the security guard hands you a menu, lol, browse and shop, last time I went g there I walked out with an oz of Chem dog for 225
 
innerG

innerG

Well-Known Member
I just moved from IL to WA, and boy is it a whole different ball game.

I felt like I was in Amsterdam when I went into my first rec shop when we came out here to house hunt.

My wife has some serious medical stuff and has an MMJ card. In WA, recreational users cannot grow at all. I am her provider and we have a couple little plants.

The stores are crazy. Everything you could want, dirt cheap. You see everyone walking down the street with tiny brown bags and you know what's up, lol.

It's weird though, some towns don't allow shops so people have to drive to go get it, and they neutered MMJ with a new law a couple weeks ago.

Imo, Colorado has a much better system than WA since it allows for some rec growing

Still cool to walk into a store a get something like these:
 

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Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Well-Known Member
That's exactly why I am thrilled with Oregon new law starting in just a few more days we get to grow 4 plants at y home no questions asked, it is awesome, and y if I want the rec store for now I drive across the river, the best of both worlds, and when Oregon's rec stores open the prediction is cheaper than Washington
innerG said:
I just moved from IL to WA, and boy is it a whole different ball game.

I felt like I was in Amsterdam when I went into my first rec shop when we came out here to house hunt.

My wife has some serious medical stuff and has an MMJ card. In WA, recreational users cannot grow at all. I am her provider and we have a couple little plants.

The stores are crazy. Everything you could want, dirt cheap. You see everyone walking down the street with tiny brown bags and you know what's up, lol.

It's weird though, some towns don't allow shops so people have to drive to go get it, and they neutered MMJ with a new law a couple weeks ago.

Imo, Colorado has a much better system than WA since it allows for some rec growing

Still cool to walk into a store a get something like these:
Click to expand...
 
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