Marijuana Legalization in the United States is slowly moving forward. Keeping track of how recreational marijuana laws are progressing these days is a full-time job. In certain states, recreational weed is legal, in some, it’s treated like the gravest of offenses, and in others, it occupies some mixed state of legality. Whether you grow your own bud for personal use or are trying to get into the commercial game, below is a state-by-state list to help you keep track of the latest laws.
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Alabama
In Alabama, recreational weed is illegal. However, medical marijuana is legal under statute SB46, passed in 2021. There’s a patient registry/ID card system, and dispensaries are legal. Patients from other states cannot access medical marijuana.
Alaska
In Alaska, recreational marijuana is fully legal, as are dispensaries. The same goes for medical marijuana, which is available to state residents only. Recreational marijuana is available to all adults of legal age.
Arizona
Arizona allows recreational marijuana as well as medical marijuana, which was legalized under 2010’s Proposition 203. Medical marijuana is also legal and involves a patient registry/ID card system. Dispensaries are legal in the state.
Arkansas
Though it is legal to purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas thanks to Issue 6, passed in 2016, recreational weed is still illegal.
California
Recreational marijuana is legal in California, as is medical marijuana (first legalized with Proposition 215 [1996] and SB 420 [2003]). Dispensaries (cooperatives/collectives) are legal and available to adults.
Colorado
Colorado legalized recreational marijuana with Amendment 64 in 2012. State-licensed retail sales began in 2014. Colorado is a big spot for cannabis tourism.
Connecticut
Recreational marijuana is legal in Connecticut as of July 2021. Adults can possess up to 1.5 oz. on their persons and up to 5 oz. in a sealed container at home. There are 18 state-licensed dispensaries.
Delaware
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Delaware. However, the state legalized medical marijuana sales in 2011 with SB 17. There’s a patient registry/ID card system, and dispensaries are legal. Out-of-state patients are allowed to purchase.
Florida
While recreational weed is illegal in Florida, medical marijuana is legal under Amendment 2 (2016). There’s a patient registry/ID card system, and dispensaries are legal. Out-of-state patients are not allowed to purchase.
Georgia
Georgia has not yet legalized recreational marijuana. However, medical marijuana is now legal in Georgia.
Hawaii
Hawaii has not yet legalized recreational marijuana. However, medical marijuana is legal in Hawaii under SB 862 (2000).
Idaho
Marijuana is illegal in Idaho.
Illinois
Recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois on January 1, 2020, and dispensaries operate throughout the state. Up to 15 grams of cannabis are legal for a person to carry.
Indiana
Marijuana is illegal in Indiana.
Iowa
Marijuana is illegal in Iowa.
Kansas
Marijuana is illegal in Kansas.
Kentucky
Marijuana is illegal in Kentucky.
Louisiana
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Louisiana.
Maine
Recreational marijuana became legal in Maine in 2016, as did its retail sale and taxation. Dispensaries operate throughout the state and sell to anyone 21 years or older.
Maryland
In Maryland, recreational weed is illegal. However, medical marijuana is legal in Maryland under HB 702 (2003), SB 308 (2011), and other legislation.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana on November 8, 2016. Dispensaries operate throughout the state, and both home use and cultivation are also described in the law.
Michigan
Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018 with the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. Dispensaries operate throughout the state and sell to adults 21 years or older.
Minnesota
While recreational weed is still illegal, Minnesota legalized medical marijuana in 2014 with SF 2471, Chapter 311.
Mississippi
Marijuana is illegal in Mississippi.
Missouri
While recreational marijuana is illegal, Medical marijuana is legal in Missouri under Amendment 2 (2018).
Montana
Recreational marijuana is legal in Montana under Initiative 190, which went into effect on January 1, 2021. Dispensaries are also legal and operate throughout the state.
Nebraska
Marijuana is illegal in Nebraska.
Nevada
Recreational marijuana is legal in Nevada as of January 1, 2017. Dispensaries operate throughout the state, and adults 21 and over can carry up to 1 oz. of cannabis on their person.
New Hampshire
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in New Hampshire under HB 573 (2013) and HB 89 (2021).
New Jersey
New Jersey legalized medical marijuana on April 21, 2022, making it one of the most recent states to legalize. Dispensaries are opening their doors throughout the state.
New Mexico
Recreational marijuana is legal in New Mexico as of June 29, 2021, with the Cannabis Regulation Act. Adults 21 years and older can possess as much as 2 oz. of marijuana.
New York
Recreational marijuana is legal in New York as of March 31, 2021. The law signed by Governor Cuomo also erased past convictions for cannabis-related offenses. Dispensaries operate throughout the state.
North Carolina
Marijuana is illegal in North Carolina.
North Dakota
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in North Dakota under Measure 5 (2016).
Ohio
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in Ohio under HB 523 (2016).
Oklahoma
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in Ohio under SQ 788 (2018).
Oregon
Recreational marijuana is legal in Oregon under the Oregon Legalized Marijuana Initiative, Measure 91, enacted in 2014. Private users can carry up to 8 oz., one of the highest limits in the country.
Pennsylvania
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania under SB 3 (2016).
Rhode Island
Recreational marijuana became legal in Rhode Island in May 2022, making it one of the most recent states to legalize. Retail sales are set to begin as early as December. Adults 21 and older can carry up to 1 oz. of cannabis and possess up to 10 oz. in their homes.
South Carolina
Marijuana is illegal in South Carolina.
South Dakota
Marijuana is illegal in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Marijuana is illegal in Tennessee.
Texas
Marijuana is illegal in Texas.
Utah
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in Utah under Prop 2 (2018).
Vermont
Recreational marijuana is legal in Vermont as of July 1, 2018. Dispensaries can legally sell to adults starting in October of 2022. Adults can carry up to 1 oz.
Virginia
Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in July 2021. However, there is no legal recreational market, as recreational dispensaries are illegal.
Washington
Legal recreational marijuana became a reality in Washington in December 2013, with legal recreational sales going into effect on July 8, 2014. Washington was the second state to legalize recreational pot. Adults can purchase up to 1 oz.
West Virginia
While recreational marijuana is illegal, medical marijuana is legal in West Virginia under SB 386 (2017).
Wisconsin
Marijuana is illegal in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Marijuana is illegal in Wyoming.
