In the United States, federal and state laws are not always the same. Similarly, states can also have various laws between them.
For a perfect example of this, consider how some recreational drugs, like marijuana and other cannabis extracts, are legal in many places, yet those same substances are a felony drug charge according to federal laws and states like South Dakota.
Some form of cannabis is legal in 36 states
Across the United States, cannabis laws have been rapidly changing since Colorado and Washington voters chose to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. In addition to common marijuana flowers, other legal cannabis extracts like hash oils and edibles have also become regulated and popular, especially among adults in their 20s and 30s.
With 36 states allowing medicinal products and 16 states allowing recreational products, this trend is likely to continue.
At least one state has decriminalized all drugs
Another example of different drug laws comes from Oregon. In early 2021, Oregon residents voted to decriminalize all drugs, from cannabis to heroin and everything in between. While this does not mean it is legal to possess all drug, law enforcement will no longer consider drug possession to be a crime.
Other states’ drug laws are irrelevant in South Dakota
While some states may have lenient laws when it comes to drug use, South Dakota is not one of them. Indeed, you can end up facing serious charges if you happen to visit from out of state and the police catch you with drugs that are legal back home.
If you end up facing legal troubles due to drug possession in South Dakota, the charges can be alarming, but there is help out there. Additionally, understanding local drug laws can help you avoid problems while traveling in the future.