Understanding Public Consumption Laws
First of all, it should be noted that in just about all the states where adult-use cannabis is now legal, public consumption is technically prohibited. Just like alcohol, this does not mean you can light up a joint while walking down the street or sitting on a park bench. Most legalization laws confine cannabis use to private residences and properties.
“However, some cities and counties have begun to establish specific sites where public cannabis consumption is legal, though. “In 2019, Illinois legalized the recreational consumption of weed, and the Chicago City Council approved a measure that allows for cannabis consumption in some tobacco shops and smoking lounges. But it is still illegal to light up a joint in city parks or on beaches.”
State by State Variations
Even in California, where weed has been legal since 2016, the rules on public consumption are slightly relaxed. Some cities, like San Francisco and West Hollywood, have licensed cannabis consumption lounges and restaurants. Last year, the state passed a law allowing jurisdictions to allow cannabis smoking at public events like festivals and concerts. And once again, it’s upon each city or county to decide.
Others have been more cautious. In Colorado–one of the first states to allow recreational weed, back in 2012–public consumption is still mostly illegal, with a few exceptions. Certain cities, like Denver, have licensed so-called “social use” clubs and lounges where people can consume cannabis on-site. But smoking in parks, and on beaches, is still a no-no.
Federal Lands Are Off Limits
How about national parks and beaches? Since these are federal lands and properties, the federal prohibition of cannabis still applies. Even in a legal state like Colorado or Oregon, you can’t legally light up in national parks, forests, monuments, or on federal beaches. Doing so could result in a citation or even arrest by park rangers or other federal law enforcement.
Same thing with most state parks and beaches: while the state itself may have legalized weed, the parks department usually follows suit with the federal government in keeping these areas weed-free. Take, for example, the state of Washington – one of the very first to legalize the recreational use of cannabis way back in 2012. The State Parks and Recreation Commission wasted little time in subsequently banning pot in all state parks.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions though In 2019 Oregon State Parks announced a new policy allowing visitors to smoke weed in state park campgrounds as long as they do so in their own tents or RVs And in Colorado some state parks have designated 420 friendly areas for cannabis consumption But these are very much the exception to the rule
So, if you would like to do this in outdoors, your best bet is to look for that quiet spot in some private property or look for a cannabis lounge or event that may somehow allow entry for its smoking. All the same, before smoking, it’s really good to learn about the local laws and regulations so you don’t get into trouble with the law enforcers.
If you choose to imbibe in cannabis in a public place, here is some advice on what you might consider:
Be discreet. Don’t draw attention to yourself through offensive smells or other public nuisances that would make you stand out.
Do not drive. Laws related to impaired driving apply to cannabis in the same way that they do to alcohol; have a safe way to get home.
- Take care of your own trash Do not litter waste, such as roaches or packaging
- Be considerate of others Not everyone loves the smell of weed smoke so do your best not to harsh others’ mellow by smoking where people don’t want you to
- Smoking on beaches, within national parks, and on federal lands is totally out of bounds.
- On the other hand, most state parks disallow marijuana use, with quite a few exceptions.
- As always, best to know local marijuana laws before public consumption, in hopes of preventing any tickets or arrest.
As cannabis legalization continues to grow throughout the US, the rules on public consumption remain a patchwork of state and local regulations. Though generally, specifically smoking weed is forbidden in parks and on beaches, a growing number of cities and counties look at ways to allow it in public spaces—but done right and responsibly. Whether at a designated lounge or 420-friendly event, the key to responsible public consumption is to know and follow the rules, thus keeping oneself out of trouble, and making sure all public spaces can be enjoyed safely by all.
