With the issue of Medical Marijuana’s legality cropping up in several states (and the states of Washington and Colorado being recreationally legalized), more and more people will become legitimate users of this substance. If you are one of them, you may want to take certain precautions, by reading our advice below, on what is legally acceptable as a marijuana user, what may get you arrested, and how to avoid legal pitfalls.

1. Always carry your Medical Marijuana card.  In the event that you are detained by the police and are under the influence or have marijuana in your possession, you will have the proof that you are a legal user of marijuana. Make sure you are following the guidelines of the amount your card says you are allowed to have and not more.
2. Never use marijuana and drive. It is important to exercise caution and not operate a car or machinery while under the influence as driving under the influence is still illegal. Just as you would not drive a car after too many drinks, one puff of marijuana may make you intoxicated and once you partake in any marijuana use through any method of ingestion, you should not drive. Before getting high, designate a sober driver if you plan on going anywhere after you use marijuana. It is never a good idea to have the smell of burnt marijuana in your vehicle.
3. Smoke in the privacy of your home. Just because you are legally authorized to use marijuana does not mean you can smoke it anywhere you go. Even in the states where it is recreationally legalized, it may still be illegal to smoke marijuana in public.
4. Make sure to store your marijuana in a safe place away from children and animals. Sometimes marijuana comes in fun-to-eat baked goods and candies. Kids who cannot read or just aren’t careful could accidentally ingest something and become very ill. With both animals and kids, keeping your marijuana in a childproof container, in a hidden place, is a good way to make sure they do not ingest some and become sick or worse.
5. Know your rights. If you happen to have the unfortunate experience of getting arrested for a marijuana related offense, know that you have the right to remain silent and to refuse to being searched (without a warrant) and the right to an attorney. Research a good lawyer and keep his or her contact information in your phone in case you need someone to come to your defense.

Although it is exciting that Marijuana laws are more liberal in some places and that people are able to reap the benefits of it for their medicinal needs, it needs to be said that there are still serious restrictions on when, where and how it is legal to use medicinal (or recreational) marijuana. If you want to avoid legal problems and damaging your record, you should strictly adhere to these guidelines, so you can remain a safe, happy, and legal marijuana user.