Table of Contents
- 1 Cannabis Legal: Medicinal Use Only
- 2 Cannabis Legal: Medicinal and Recreational Use
- 2.1 Alaska
- 2.2 Arizona
- 2.3 Colorado
- 2.4 Connecticut
- 2.5 Illinois
- 2.6 Maine
- 2.7 Maryland
- 2.8 Massachusetts
- 2.9 Michigan
- 2.10 Mississippi
- 2.11 Missouri
- 2.12 Montana
- 2.13 Nevada
- 2.14 New Hampshire
- 2.15 New Jersey
- 2.16 New Mexico
- 2.17 New York
- 2.18 Oregon
- 2.19 Rhode Island
- 2.20 Vermont
- 2.21 Virginia
- 2.22 Washington
- 2.23 Delaware
- 2.24 Idaho
- 2.25 Indiana
- 2.26 Kansas
- 2.27 Kentucky
- 2.28 Nebraska
- 2.29 North Carolina
- 2.30 South Carolina
- 2.31 Tennessee
- 3 Legal Cannabis – A Conclusion
Many citizens started realizing the benefits of marijuana in the early 1990s instead of continuing to see it in the bad light often enforced by the federal government. The fact of “Cannabis Legal?”, a common reference, has started becoming a normal topic in conversation.
In 1996, use of medical marijuana in California was legalized. It brought hope to many other Americans who hoped to one day use this beneficial substance without fearing prosecution.
This created momentum for the cause. Thanks to a lot of citizen support and lobbying, in the decades since the marijuana laws in California changed, we’ve seen many changes of marijuana laws by state governors. Although it’s not legal in all states, many now allow for marijuana sales and use, for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
However, trying to comprehend marijuana laws by state can be confusing because they change regularly. Also, the details of laws differ, even between states that have legalized the substance. Our summary of marijuana laws by state clarifies where you can legally use cannabis and which actions exactly each state finds acceptable. Use it to act within your rights and prevent accidentally overstepping guidelines when traveling.
Take note, despite marijuana laws by state showing that usage and sales are legal in a certain state, federal laws still view it as an illegal substance. Therefore, rather don’t travel with it, especially when crossing state lines.
Cannabis Legal: Medicinal Use Only
Alabama
Although legal for medicinal use, you can’t use marijuana recreationally.
Arkansas
You can use marijuana legally for medicinal purposes, if you’re older than 18 and purchase from registered retailers. Legalization of recreational use was rejected in 2022.
Florida
You can use marijuana for medicinal, but not recreational, purposes.
Georgia
There are some allowances for medicinal use, but you can’t use marijuana recreationally.
Hawaii
You can legally use it for medicinal purposes. Having small amounts have been decriminalized, but general possession for recreational purposes is still illegal.
Iowa
Certain medical cannabis products have been legalized but general use has not been decriminalized.
Louisiana
You can obtain medical marijuana, so yes, cannabis legal, in a way.
Minnesota
You can’t legally smoke marijuana for recreational purposes, though medical marijuana use is allowed, as well as some low THC hemp products.
North Dakota
You can use marijuana for medicinal purposes, but not recreationally.
Ohio
Registered patients can use medicinal marijuana products but recreational use is illegal.
Oklahoma
Medical marijuana use is acceptable, but recreational use is illegal. There may be a vote on the topic in 2023.
Pennsylvania
Only medical marijuana is legal.
South Dakota
Marijuana is only legal if used for medicinal purposes.
Texas
You can use cannabis for medical purposes in Texas but recreational marijuana use isn’t legal.
Utah
Only medical marijuana use is acceptable.
West Virginia
You can use marijuana for medical purposes, but not for recreation.
Wisconsin
Marijuana use for recreational purposes has not been decriminalized.
Cannabis Legal: Medicinal and Recreational Use
Alaska
The state doesn’t allow public consumption, but you can buy up to 1oz from licensed parties. Regarding cultivation:
– 6 plants/person
– Only 3 plants may be mature
Arizona
You’re not allowed to smoke marijuana in public but can possess and use it if you’re over 21.
California
If you’re older than 21 you can legally have 1 oz or less, but you can’t use it in public.
Colorado
Public use is illegal but you can grow up to six plants and be in possession of 1 oz maximum. Selling marijuana is legal if you have a license.
Connecticut
Cannabis legal, yes, but note these guidelines:
– Must be 21 or older
– Can possess 1.5oz in public
– May possess 5oz at home or in a vehicle
Illinois
Public consumption is illegal and there are restrictions for non-residents. Locals can possess 1oz if you’re over 21.
Maine
There’s a regulated retail market. Individuals older than 21 can use or possess a maximum of 2.5oz, or cultivate 6 plants (12 if they’re immature).
Maryland
Approval was given to legalize marijuana, with changes taking effect in 2023. Next year, Cannabis Legal, Yes!
Massachusetts
You can legally purchase from licensed outlets and possess 1oz in public, or a maximum of 10 oz in private. Cultivating 12 plants or less per household is legal.
Michigan
If you’re older than 21 you can grow plants (max 12 plants/household) and carry up to 2.5oz.
Mississippi
Personal marijuana use has been decriminalized but there are strict guidelines regarding possession and use. You can use it for medicinal purposes.
Missouri
It’s legal for medical use but will become available for recreational use towards the end of 2022.
Montana
Adults over 21 can legally possess and use cannabis, although amounts are limited.
Nevada
Adults older than 21 can possess a maximum of 1 oz and grow 6 plants, but no public use is allowed.
New Hampshire
Having small amounts of marijuana has been decriminalized but you can be fined for possession or use of more than ¾oz.
New Jersey
It’s legal to possess and use marijuana if you’re 21 or older. So, Cannabis Legal.
New Mexico
You can grow 12 plants per household or purchase from licensed outlets. In public you can possess up to 2 oz.
New York
Residents older than 21 can carry a maximum of 3 oz recreationally.
Oregon
No use of marijuana in public but you can possess up to 8 oz if you’re 21 or older. You can legally grow 4 cannabis plants.
Rhode Island
Retail framework is in process, but you can grow up to 3 plants privately and carry up to 1oz if you’re 21 or older.
Vermont
Growing and possessing is legal, but selling isn’t permitted, although these laws are being amended.
Virginia
You can grow up to 4 plants and possess 1oz maximum for recreational use. There’s no retail licensing framework yet.
Washington
Individuals older than 21 may purchase marijuana, but only from licensed outlets. Restrictions:
– Can’t consume in public
– Cultivation at home is illegal
– May only buy and possess 1 oz or less
States Where Marijuana Use is Still Illegal
Delaware
Possession of small amounts have been decriminalized, but usage is still illegal.
Idaho
Marijuana use hasn’t been decriminalized and you can’t use it for either recreational or medicinal purposes.
Indiana
You can’t legally use marijuana, but some products with low THC levels are approved.
Kansas
Use of marijuana is illegal.
Kentucky
Certain products, such as CBD oil, are allowed, but general marijuana use is illegal.
Nebraska
It’s illegal to use marijuana recreationally and for medicinal purposes.
North Carolina
State laws prohibit the use of marijuana.
South Carolina
Both medicinal and recreational use of marijuana is prohibited.
Tennessee
It’s illegal to use marijuana, although low THC level products are acceptable.
Wyoming
Both medicinal and recreational use of marijuana as illegal.
Legal Cannabis – A Conclusion
Note that this list of cannabis legal laws by state is relevant as of end 2022. To confirm updates to laws in your area you can research state statutes or ask the community by leaving a question in the comments section.
