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Navigating marijuana laws in the United States can feel like walking through a legal maze. Each state seems to have its own rules, and staying informed is essential whether you’re a casual user, medical patient, or just curious about the legal status of cannabis. In this guide, we’re diving deep into marijuana legality, state by state, to help you understand where things stand and what the future might hold.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Federal vs. State Laws

When it comes to marijuana legality, the primary challenge is the disconnect between federal and state laws. At the federal level, marijuana is categorized as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification places it in the same group as heroin, making it illegal for any purpose, including medical use. However, states have been carving out their own paths, legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use in varying degrees.

So, how can something be illegal at the federal level but legal in individual states? It boils down to states’ rights. The federal government has largely taken a hands-off approach, allowing states to create their own cannabis regulations, though there are exceptions.

Why Marijuana Laws Vary Across States

The variation in marijuana laws across the U.S. is rooted in a mix of historical, political, and social factors. Some states prioritize personal freedom and progressive policies, while others focus on conservative values and concerns about public safety. The result? A patchwork of laws that can be confusing for anyone trying to understand where cannabis stands legally.

The History of Marijuana Laws in America

Understanding why marijuana laws are so varied today requires a look back at their history. From the early 20th century’s wave of prohibition to the gradual acceptance of medical marijuana in the 1990s, the legal landscape has been shaped by decades of political activism, societal changes, and shifting public opinion.

The Difference Between Medical and Recreational Use

Medical Marijuana: Legal States and Regulations

Medical marijuana has been a significant driving force behind the changing legal landscape. Today, many states have legalized cannabis for medical use, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access it with a doctor’s recommendation. However, each state sets its own rules about which conditions qualify, how much patients can possess, and where they can purchase their medicine. Popular states with medical marijuana programs include California, New York, and Florida.

Recreational Marijuana: Where It’s Legal

While medical marijuana paved the way, recreational legalization has been gaining ground rapidly. States like Colorado and Washington were among the first to legalize recreational use, and now over a dozen states have followed suit. Legalization typically comes with regulations surrounding the amount of marijuana individuals can possess, where they can buy it, and restrictions on its use in public.

How Many States Have Legalized Marijuana?

As of 2024, the landscape of marijuana legalization in the United States has continued to evolve. As of now, 28 states have completely legalized recreational marijuana for adults. This includes Virginia, Minnesota, and Ohio, which have now implemented their legalization policies and begun cannabis sales.

The medical marijuana situation remains largely the same, with 48 out of 50 states allowing some form of medical cannabis use. Nebraska and Idaho continue to be the only states with no legal medical marijuana program.

Decriminalization efforts have also progressed, with approximately 33 states now having implemented some level of decriminalization for marijuana use. However, the specifics of these policies vary significantly from state to state.

It’s important to note that even in states where marijuana is legal, regulations regarding its use, possession, and sale can differ. Some states have more restrictive policies, while others have embraced a more liberal approach.

The federal status of marijuana remains unchanged, creating a complex legal environment where state and federal laws sometimes conflict. This continues to present challenges for businesses and individuals in the cannabis industry.

As public opinion continues to shift and more research is conducted on the medical benefits and potential risks of marijuana use, it’s likely that we’ll see further changes in state policies in the coming years. However, the pace and direction of these changes may vary depending on political, social, and economic factors in each state.

Where Is Marijuana Legal in the U.S.?

When asking “How many states legalized marijuana?”, most people are referring to recreational marijuana states. As of 2024, 28 states have legalized recreational marijuana for adult use, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. It’s important to point out that even in states where pot is legal, there are several laws about how much you’re allowed to carry, keep in your house, and transport — obviously, driving while high is a bad idea. But there are important differences: Some states, like Vermont, allow home growing but it must be locked and not visible to the public, whereas others, like Washington, do not allow for home-growing of cannabis plants except for special circumstances. The medical marijuana situation remains largely unchanged, with 48 out of 50 states allowing some form of medical cannabis use.

A Ultimate Guide to Marijuana Laws by State

Disclaimer: The information presented here is intended solely for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or an official legal opinion. Readers are fully responsible for how they utilize this information. Employers or employees needing a legal determination of their rights are advised to consult an attorney or an authorized representative from the relevant regulatory agency.

Alabama

  • Medically legal
  • Not decriminalized
  • Transportation is illegal

  • Growing is illegal
  • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

  • THC is limited

Possessing marijuana for “personal use only” in Alabama is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $6,000. Possession beyond personal use can be treated as a felony, which may lead to imprisonment ranging from one to ten years and fines up to $15,000. Medical marijuana is allowed for certain health conditions, provided that traditional medical treatments have proven ineffective. However, medical marijuana cannot be in the form of cannabis flower or edibles; it is limited to tablets, capsules, tinctures, or gel cubes for oral use, as well as gels, oils, or creams for topical application, or suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for inhalation use.

Qualifying Health Conditions

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Cancer-related cachexia, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, or chronic pain
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Depression
  • Epilepsy or a condition causing seizures
  • HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss
  • Panic disorder
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Persistent nausea that is not significantly responsive to traditional treatment, except for nausea related to pregnancy, cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting syndrome, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Spasticity associated with a motor neuron disease, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis or a spinal cord injury
  • Terminal illness
  • Tourette’s Syndrome
  • A condition causing chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or has proved ineffective

Alaska

  • Fully legal
  • Decriminalized
  • Transportation is legal with limitations
  • Growing is legal with limitations
  • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions
  • THC is not limited
  • Legal amount is limited

Alaska is among the states where recreational marijuana is legal, permitting dispensaries since 2014. Adults aged 21 and over are allowed to possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants. In 2021, the state generated $28.9 million from marijuana excise taxes.

    Arizona

    • Fully legal
    • Decriminalized
    • Transportation is legal with limitations
    • Growing is legal with limitations
    • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions
    • THC is not limited
    • Legal amount is limited

    Is marijuana legal in Arizona? Since November 2020, recreational cannabis use has been legal for adults aged 21 and older. Adults are permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and can cultivate up to six plants for personal use. Additionally, adults can transfer up to six plants to another adult, provided there is no exchange of money and the transfer is not publicly advertised.

      Arkansas

      • Medically legal

      • Not decriminalized

      • Transportation is legal with limitations
      • Growing is legal with limitations
      • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

      • THC is not limited
      • Legal amount is limited

      Although Arkansas has an official medical marijuana program, the Marijuana Policy Project considers it to be one of the more restrictive in the nation. Despite many people holding official ID cards, there are very few legal options for purchasing medical cannabis. For recreational use, possessing small amounts can result in up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,500, with the ACLU noting that enforcement disproportionately impacts Black Americans in the state. Patients with qualifying conditions are allowed to buy up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every 14 days.

        California

        • Fully legal

        • Decriminalized

        • Transportation is legal with limitations
        • Growing is legal with limitations
        • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

        • THC is not limited
        • Legal amount is limited

        California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 with the passage of the well-known Proposition 215. By 2016, recreational marijuana use was also legalized. So, is marijuana legal in California today? Yes, the state is home to marijuana cafés and hundreds of dispensaries. However, California’s cannabis laws come with restrictions: individuals are limited to growing up to six licensed plants, can carry up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana, and smoking in public is prohibited.

        Colorado

        • Fully legal

        • Decriminalized

        • Transportation is legal with limitations
        • Growing is legal with limitations
        • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

        • THC is not limited
        • Legal amount is limited

        While California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana, Colorado and Washington were pioneers in legalizing it for recreational use. Today, Colorado benefits significantly from marijuana tourism. However, there are restrictions under Colorado’s marijuana laws: similar to California, individuals can cultivate up to six licensed plants, possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis, and are prohibited from smoking in public. Visitors should be aware of a few other key rules: National parks are off-limits for cannabis use, many counties have their own specific regulations, and cash is often required since many dispensaries cannot accept credit cards.

          Connecticut

          • Fully legal

          • Decriminalized

          • Transportation is legal with limitations
          • Growing is legal with limitations
          • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

          • THC is not limited
          • Legal amount is limited

          Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana in June 2021, allowing adults aged 21 and older to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public and up to 5 ounces at home. The law also allows residents to grow up to 6 marijuana plants—3 mature and 3 immature—starting on July 1, 2023. In just the first half of 2023, Connecticut generated nearly $5 million in excise tax revenue from marijuana sales. However, using marijuana in public remains illegal and can result in penalties.

            Delaware

            • Fully legal

            • Decriminalized

            • Transportation is legal with limitations
            • Growing is illegal

            • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

            • THC is not limited
            • Legal amount is limited

            Delaware recently joined the list of states legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over. In April 2023, the state officially allowed personal possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. Edible cannabis products must contain Delta-9 and cannot exceed 750 mg. However, home cultivation of marijuana plants remains illegal in Delaware. The state plans to start accepting business license applications by August 2024, with cultivation licenses expected to follow in October 2024.

              Florida

              • Medically legal
              • Not decriminalized

              • Transportation is legal with limitations
              • Growing is illegal

              • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

              • THC is not limited
              • Legal amount is limited

              Is marijuana legal in Florida? Generally, it is not; possessing more than 20 grams can result in a felony charge. Medical marijuana is permitted for individuals with qualifying conditions. Although there was previously a ban on smoking medical marijuana, it has been lifted, with a limit of up to 2.5 ounces for smoking allowed within a 35-day period. Obtaining legal marijuana in Florida can be challenging, as you must meet specific qualifying conditions.

              • ALS
              • Cancer
              • Chronic nonmalignant pain
              • Crohn’s disease
              • Epilepsy
              • Glaucoma
              • HIV/AIDS
              • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
              • Parkinson’s disease
              • PTSD
              • Seizures
              • Terminal condition

                Georgia

                • Medically legal
                • Not decriminalized

                • Transportation is legal with limitations
                • Growing is illegal

                • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                • THC is limited

                Georgia is known for its strict marijuana regulations, where possessing over 1 ounce can result in a felony charge. House Bill 324 permits the medical use of CBD oil with less than 5% THC content. Although some major cities, such as Atlanta, have decriminalized it, obtaining approval remains challenging. Approval for low-THC oil is available for individuals with the following conditions:

                • AIDS
                • Alzheimer’s disease
                • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
                • Autism
                • Cancer
                • Crohn’s disease
                • Hospice care patients
                • Intractable pain
                • Mitochondrial disease
                • Multiple sclerosis
                • Parkinson’s disease
                • Post-traumatic stress syndrome
                • Severe or end-stage peripheral neuropathy
                • Seizure disorder
                • Sickle cell disease
                • Tourette’s syndrome

                    Hawaii

                    • Medically legal
                    • Decriminalized

                    • Transportation is legal with limitations
                    • Growing is legal with limitations

                    • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                    • THC is not limited
                    • Legal amount is limited

                    In Hawaii, marijuana is approved solely for medical use, with a maximum limit of 4 ounces of usable cannabis and no more than seven plants at a time. While possession has been decriminalized, possessing large quantities—one pound or more—can result in a felony charge. Medical marijuana is accessible with a prescription if you have one of the following conditions:

                    • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
                    • Cachexia
                    • Cancer
                    • Chronic pain
                    • Crohn’s disease
                    • Epilepsy
                    • Glaucoma
                    • HIV or AIDS
                    • Lupus
                    • Multiple sclerosis
                    • Nausea
                    • Persistent muscle spasms
                    • Post traumatic stress
                    • Rheumatoid arthritis
                    • Seizures

                          Idaho

                          • Prohibited
                          • Not decriminalized

                          • Transportation is illegal

                          • Growing is illegal

                          Marijuana is entirely illegal in Idaho, and possessing more than 3 ounces is considered a felony.

                                  Illinois

                                  • Fully legal

                                  • Decriminalized

                                  • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                  • Growing is legal with limitations

                                  • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                  • THC is not limited

                                  • Legal amount is limited

                                  Recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois on January 1, 2020. Adults 21 and over are permitted to possess up to 30 grams of raw cannabis or 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. Medical cannabis patients are also allowed to cultivate up to 5 plants.

                                          Indiana

                                          • Medically legal

                                          • Not decriminalized

                                          • Transportation is illegal

                                          • Growing is illegal

                                          • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                          • THC is limited

                                          Currently, Indiana permits the use of CBD oil with a THC content of less than 0.3%. Medical CBD is available to residents with treatment-resistant epilepsy, including conditions such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

                                                  Iowa

                                                  • Medically legal

                                                  • Not decriminalized

                                                  • Transportation is illegal

                                                  • Growing is illegal

                                                  • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                  • THC is limited

                                                  Marijuana remains illegal in Iowa, which imposes some of the harshest penalties for first-time offenses in the nation. Even possessing just one marijuana joint for the first time can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. The state does permit medical use of cannabis oil products, allowing up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days for individuals with certain qualifying conditions.

                                                  • AIDS/HIV
                                                  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
                                                  • Autism (with self-injurous or aggressive behavior)
                                                  • Cancer
                                                  • Cancer-related chronic pain, nausea, or cachexia
                                                  • Chronic pain
                                                  • Crohn’s disease
                                                  • Multiple sclerosis
                                                  • Parkinson’s disease
                                                  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
                                                  • Intractable epilepsy
                                                  • Terminal illness
                                                  • Ulcerative colitis
                                                  • Chronic pain

                                                          Kansas

                                                          • Medically legal

                                                          • Not decriminalized

                                                          • Transportation is illegal

                                                          • Growing is illegal

                                                          • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                          • THC is limited

                                                          In 2018, Kansas enacted a law permitting CBD products with 0% THC, making it one of the most restrictive medical marijuana laws in the U.S. However, this creates a challenge, as most CBD oils contain small traces of THC, meaning it remains effectively illegal.

                                                                    Kentucky

                                                                    • Medically legal

                                                                    • Not decriminalized

                                                                    • Transportation is illegal

                                                                    • Growing is illegal

                                                                    • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                    • THC is limited

                                                                    In March 2023, Kentucky passed medical marijuana legislation, although it won’t take effect until early 2025. The law prohibits smoking raw cannabis but allows its consumption through vaporization. It also imposes THC limits: 35% for raw cannabis, 10 mg for edibles, and 70% for concentrates. Medical marijuana in Kentucky will be available to patients with specific qualifying health conditions, including:

                                                                    • cancer
                                                                    • chronic severe, intractable, or debilitating pain
                                                                    • epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder
                                                                    • multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity
                                                                    • chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting
                                                                    • post-traumatic stress disorder
                                                                    • other medical condition or disease for which medical cannabis is deemed appropriate

                                                                              Louisiana

                                                                              • Medically legal

                                                                              • Decriminalized

                                                                              • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                              • Growing is illegal

                                                                              • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                              • THC is not limited

                                                                              Louisiana’s medical marijuana program is limited in functionality, with just two state-licensed cultivators, Louisiana State University and Southern University. The state has only approved 10 locations to dispense medical cannabis, with additional satellite locations expected in late 2023 and 2024. The program provides patients with a 30-day supply of non-smokable marijuana, available to those who have one of the qualifying conditions.

                                                                              • Autism spectrum disorders
                                                                              • Cachexia/wasting syndrome
                                                                              • Cancer
                                                                              • Crohn’s disease
                                                                              • Epilepsy
                                                                              • Glaucoma
                                                                              • HIV/AIDS
                                                                              • Intractable pain (defined as “pain so chronic or severe as to otherwise warrant an opiate prescription”)
                                                                              • Muscular dystrophy
                                                                              • Multiple sclerosis
                                                                              • Parkinson’s disease
                                                                              • Post-traumatic stress disorder
                                                                              • Seizure disorders/spasticity
                                                                              • Severe muscle spasms
                                                                              • Other debilitating conditions

                                                                                          Maine

                                                                                          • Fully legal

                                                                                          • Decriminalized

                                                                                          • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                          • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                          • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                          • THC is not limited

                                                                                          • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                          Is marijuana legal in Maine? Yes, the state permits both recreational and medical use of cannabis. Residents are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of cannabis and 5 grams of concentrate. They can also grow up to three flowering plants or 12 immature plants. However, marijuana consumption is restricted to private property, and using it in public is considered a civil infraction, which can result in a fine.

                                                                                                        Maryland

                                                                                                        • Fully legal

                                                                                                        • Decriminalized

                                                                                                        • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                        • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                        • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                        • THC is not limited

                                                                                                        • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                        In November 2022, Maryland became the 20th state to legalize recreational cannabis. When the law took effect on July 1, 2023, adults 21 and over were allowed to legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, 12 grams of concentrate, and grow up to two plants per household. In the first month alone, Maryland saw $87 million in cannabis sales. However, smoking cannabis in public is illegal and can result in a $50 fine for a first offense.

                                                                                                        Massachusetts

                                                                                                        • Fully legal

                                                                                                        • Decriminalized

                                                                                                        • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                        • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                        • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                        • THC is not limited

                                                                                                        • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                        Massachusetts has fully legalized marijuana! Legalization began with a vote in 2016, and sales officially started in 2018. Adults 21 and older in the state can legally possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis outside the home and up to 10 ounces inside. Each adult is also permitted to grow up to six plants, with a maximum of 12 plants per household, as long as they are not visible from a public area.

                                                                                                                      Michigan

                                                                                                                      • Fully legal

                                                                                                                      • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                      • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                      • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                      • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                      • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                      Recreational marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2018. Dispensaries began operating in late 2019, generating $10 million in sales within the first six weeks. Residents can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis outside their home and up to 10 ounces inside, with a household limit of 12 plants.

                                                                                                                                    Minnesota

                                                                                                                                    • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                    • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                    • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                    • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                    • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                    • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                    • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                    As of 2023, marijuana is legal in Minnesota! The state approved recreational use in May 2023, and the regulations for legal possession and cultivation took effect in August. Adults aged 21 and over can possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis, 8 grams of concentrate, and edibles containing up to 800 mg of THC, with a home limit of up to two pounds of cannabis. Additionally, they can grow up to 8 plants. However, smoking and vaping marijuana are banned in multifamily housing units. Legal cannabis sales are anticipated to start in early 2025.

                                                                                                                                                  Mississippi

                                                                                                                                                  • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                  • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                  • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                  • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                  • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                  • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                  • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                  Mississippi’s medical marijuana program began in 2023, following voter approval of the initiative in 2020. The state has also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis (30 grams or less), replacing jail time with fines. Under the medical marijuana program, individuals with qualifying conditions can purchase up to 3.5 ounces of cannabis flower or 1 gram of concentrate daily, with a monthly limit of 3 ounces of cannabis flower. The THC content is limited to 30% for cannabis flower and 60% for concentrates. The following conditions are eligible under Mississippi’s new medical marijuana legislation:

                                                                                                                                                  • Alzheimer’s disease
                                                                                                                                                  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                  • Autism
                                                                                                                                                  • Cachexia
                                                                                                                                                  • Cancer
                                                                                                                                                  • Chronic pain (refractory)
                                                                                                                                                  • Crohn’s disease
                                                                                                                                                  • Diabetic/peripheral neuropathy
                                                                                                                                                  • Dementia-realted agitation
                                                                                                                                                  • Glaucoma
                                                                                                                                                  • hepatitis
                                                                                                                                                  • HIV/AIDS
                                                                                                                                                  • Huntington’s disease
                                                                                                                                                  • Muscular dystrophy
                                                                                                                                                  • Nausea
                                                                                                                                                  • Parkinson’s disease
                                                                                                                                                  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
                                                                                                                                                  • Seizures
                                                                                                                                                  • Severe and persistent muscle spasms
                                                                                                                                                  • Sickle cell disease
                                                                                                                                                  • Pastic quadriplegia
                                                                                                                                                  • Spinal cord disease
                                                                                                                                                  • Ulcerative colitis

                                                                                                                                                                Missouri

                                                                                                                                                                • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                In November 2022, Missouri voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, and by February 2023, sales to adults aged 21 and over were underway. The combined sales of adult-use and medical cannabis exceeded $126 million in the first month. Adults are permitted to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to 6 mature plants, 6 immature plants, and 6 plants no taller than 14 inches.

                                                                                                                                                                                Montana

                                                                                                                                                                                • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                In the November 2022 election, Montana voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, although some opponents have since tried to overturn the new laws. Sales of recreational cannabis began in Montana at the start of 2022, and by March 2023, the state had collected over $53 million in taxes from these sales. Adults are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis and grow up to 2 mature plants and/or 2 seedlings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Nebraska

                                                                                                                                                                                                • Prohibited

                                                                                                                                                                                                • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                In Nebraska, marijuana remains illegal for both medical and recreational use, although decriminalization efforts are underway—possessing less than one pound is now classified as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Advocates for medical cannabis are working to place a medical cannabis initiative on the 2024 ballot for voters, despite encountering numerous challenges in recent years.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Nevada

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Is marijuana legal in Nevada? Yes, it is fully legal for both recreational and medical use. Adults 21 and over can purchase recreational cannabis from any licensed retailer. Nevada permits individuals to possess up to one ounce of marijuana or 3.5 grams of concentrate and grow up to 6 marijuana plants if they live more than 25 miles from a retail store. However, consumption in public places or while in a moving vehicle is prohibited.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                New Hampshire

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                New Hampshire legislators have faced repeated challenges in passing a bill to legalize recreational cannabis, but the state’s Governor has recently indicated willingness to sign a bill with specific provisions, suggesting that legalization may soon be possible. Meanwhile, medical marijuana is already legal in the state, allowing individuals with qualifying medical conditions to possess up to two ounces. The qualifying conditions include:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • ALS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Alzheimer’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Cachexia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Cancer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Chemotherapy-induced anorexia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Chronic pain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Chronic pancreatitis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Crohn’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Elevated intraocular pressure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Epilepsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Glaucoma
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Hepatitis C
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • HIV/AIDS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Lupus
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Moderate to severe vomiting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Multiple sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Muscular dystrophy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Nausea
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Parkinson’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Persistent muscle spasms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Post-traumatic stress disorder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Seizures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Severe pain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Spinal cord injury or disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Traumatic brain injury
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Wasting syndrome

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                New Jersey

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In November 2020, New Jersey voters approved Question 1, amending the state constitution to permit recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and over. Although the rollout faced several delays as lawmakers refined the regulations, the adult-use cannabis market officially launched in April 2022. Recreational users are allowed to buy up to one ounce of cannabis per transaction and possess up to 6 ounces, but cultivating marijuana plants remains illegal for them.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  New Mexico

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In 2021, New Mexico enacted The Cannabis Regulation Act, which took effect on June 29, 2021. This legislation permits adults aged 21 and over to buy and possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower, 16 grams of extracts, and 800 mg of infused edibles from licensed retailers. It also allows for home cultivation, with each adult able to grow up to 6 mature plants. Retail sales of marijuana commenced in April 2022, and within the first year, New Mexico’s recreational cannabis market generated over $300 million in sales.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    New York

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    On March 31, 2021, New York’s Governor signed The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) into law, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. This legislation permits individuals to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and/or 24 grams of concentrate. Home cultivation of marijuana plants is set to begin eighteen months after cannabis sales start in the state, which is projected to be around June 2024. Adults are allowed to grow up to 6 plants (3 mature and 3 immature), with a maximum of 12 plants per household (6 mature and 6 immature).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      North Carolina

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      North Carolina is among the few states that have not yet implemented a medical cannabis program. Currently, only CBD oil is legally available in the state, and it is permitted solely for the treatment of intractable epilepsy. Additionally, North Carolina has partially decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis, with up to 0.5 ounces being classified as a misdemeanor.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        North Dakota

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        North Dakota has established a medical marijuana program and has decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis. Under this program, only patients with debilitating medical conditions or cancer are permitted to use cannabis with a combustible delivery method. Other patients can only access cannabis through infused tinctures, topical solutions, capsules, and patches. The conditions approved for medical marijuana use include:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Agitation from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Anorexia nervosa
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Anxiety disorder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Autism spectrum disorder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Brain injury
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Bulimia nervosa
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Cachexia or Wasting syndrome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Cancer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Chronic or debilitating disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Crohn’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Endometriosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Epilepsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Fibromyalgia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Glaucoma
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Hepatitis C
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • HIV/AIDS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Interstitial cystitis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Intractable nausea
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Neuropathy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Migraine
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Multiple sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Rheumatoid arthritis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Seizures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Severe and persistent muscle spasms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Severe debilitating pain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Spinal stenosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Terminally ill patients admitted to hospice care
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Tourette syndrome

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Ohio

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          On November 7, 2023, Ohio became the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults after voters approved Issue 2. The new law went into effect in December 2023, allowing adults aged 21 and over to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, 15 grams of concentrate, and grow up to 6 plants, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. Sales of adult-use cannabis are anticipated to start toward the end of 2024.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Oklahoma

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In 2018, the state legalized medical cannabis, establishing one of the largest programs in the country. By September 2020, over 368,000 licenses had been issued, and the program had generated more than $45 million. In March 2023, a special election was held to consider an initiative to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults; however, low voter turnout resulted in the initiative’s rejection.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Oregon

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Marijuana is fully legal in Oregon, with the legalization measure going into effect in 2015 and recreational sales commencing in 2017. By 2020, marijuana sales in the state had surpassed $1 billion. Recreational users are permitted to carry up to two ounces in public or up to eight ounces at home, and each household can grow up to four plants.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Pennsylvania

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Several cities, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA, have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Initially, medical cannabis could only be administered in the form of pills, oils, ointments, tinctures, or liquids. However, in 2018, vaporized herbal cannabis was also approved for medical use. Medical marijuana is available for the following conditions:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Anxiety disorders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Autism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Cancer, including remission therapy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Chronic Hepatitis C
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Crohn’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Damage to the nervous tissue of the central nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity and other associated neuropathies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Dyskinetic/spastic movement disorders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Epilepsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Glaucoma
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • HIV/AIDS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Huntington’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Inflammatory bowel disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Intractable seizures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Multiple Sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Opioid dependency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Neurodegenerative disorders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Neuropathies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Parkinson’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Post-traumatic stress disorder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Sickle cell anemia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Severe chronic or intractable pain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Terminal illness (defined as 12 months or fewer to live)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Tourette syndrome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Other conditions that are recommended by the advisory board and approved by the secretary

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Rhode Island

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Is marijuana legal in Rhode Island? Yes, as of May 25, 2022, recreational cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over in Rhode Island. Adults are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis in public and up to 10 ounces at home. They can also grow up to 6 plants, with a maximum of 3 mature and 3 immature plants.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              South Carolina

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In South Carolina, only CBD oil containing less than 0.9% THC is permitted for medical use, and it is specifically available for individuals with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or refractory epilepsy. Although the state Senate passed a medical cannabis bill in 2022, it did not advance because the House did not take it up for debate. There is hope that South Carolina might approve a medical marijuana program in 2024.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  South Dakota

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Recreational cannabis remains illegal in South Dakota, but medical marijuana is available for patients with qualifying health conditions. Activists are planning to push for the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2024. However, their efforts may face additional challenges, as opponents have proposed a measure to repeal the state’s medical cannabis program in the coming year.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Tennessee

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      CBD containing less than 0.9% THC can be prescribed for specific conditions, such as epilepsy, but the law does not facilitate the legal purchase of this oil within the state. Although some cities, like Nashville and Memphis, have advocated for decriminalization, overall progress in marijuana law reform is slow and lags behind that of other states.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Texas

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Is marijuana legal in Texas? No, it is not. The state only permits CBD oil with less than 1% THC for medical purposes, and even then, it’s limited to patients with specific severe conditions. Texas is recognized for having one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the nation, and the current program includes coverage for the following conditions:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Autism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Cancer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Incurable neurodegenerative disorders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Intractable Epilepsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Multiple sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Seizure disorders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Terminal cancer

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Utah

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The medical marijuana program is somewhat limited, permitting use only for individuals with the following conditions:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • ALS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Alzheimer’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Autism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Cachexia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Cancer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Chronic pain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Crohn’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Debilitating muscle spasms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Debilitating seizures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Epilepsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • HIV
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Hospice care
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Persistent nausea (except nausea caused by pregnancy)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • PTSD
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Terminal illness
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Ulcerative colitis

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Vermont

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Vermont has legalized marijuana, allowing residents to cultivate up to two mature plants and four immature plants at home, and to possess up to one ounce. Legal cannabis sales commenced on October 1, 2022. Adults 21 and older can now legally buy up to one ounce of cannabis or the equivalent of 8,400 mg of THC in other cannabis products.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Virginia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Virginia made history as the first southern state to legalize the personal use and possession of marijuana, with the law coming into effect on July 1, 2021. Adults 21 and older can “share” up to one ounce of marijuana with each other. Home cultivation is also allowed, with a limit of four plants per household, provided the plants are not visible to the public and are properly labeled with the grower’s information. Regulations for the commercial production and retail sales of cannabis in Virginia are set to take effect in early 2024.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Washington

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Washington, alongside Colorado, was one of the first two states to fully legalize recreational marijuana. Since legalization in 2012, it has generated millions in tax revenue. However, home cultivation remains prohibited except for medical use. Adults 21 and older are permitted to purchase up to one ounce of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of solid edibles, and 72 ounces of liquid edibles. Public consumption of marijuana remains illegal in the state.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Washington

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Fully legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Transportation is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing is legal with limitations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions don’t require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Legal amount is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Washington, alongside Colorado, was one of the first two states to fully legalize recreational marijuana. Since legalization in 2012, it has generated millions in tax revenue. However, home cultivation remains prohibited except for medical use. Adults 21 and older are permitted to purchase up to one ounce of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of solid edibles, and 72 ounces of liquid edibles. Public consumption of marijuana remains illegal in the state.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              West Virginia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • THC is not limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              West Virginia has a well-established medical cannabis program that permits prescriptions for individuals with the following qualifying conditions:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Cancer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Crohn’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Epilepsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • HIV/AIDS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Huntington’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Intractable seizures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Multiple sclerosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Neuropathies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Parkinson’s disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Post-traumatic stress disorder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Severe chronic or intractable pain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Sickle cell anemia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Spinal cord damage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Terminal illness

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wisconsin

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Currently, CBD oil is the only legally available form of medical marijuana in Wisconsin. Access has expanded over the years, moving beyond seizure-related conditions to cover any medical condition that a physician deems appropriate for treatment. While the state itself has not decriminalized marijuana, certain cities, such as Green Bay and Madison, have taken steps to do so.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wyoming

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Medically legal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Not decriminalized

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Transportation is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing is illegal

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Prescriptions require specific medical conditions

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • THC is limited

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wyoming technically permits the use of CBD oil for intractable epilepsy, but there is no legal way to obtain it within the state. Instead of moving toward decriminalization in 2018, the legislature attempted to impose harsher penalties for marijuana.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Marijuana laws in the U.S. are constantly changing, and it’s important to stay informed. Whether you’re a resident of a fully legal state or someone hoping for legalization in your area, understanding these laws is crucial. As more states move toward legalization, the future of marijuana in the U.S. looks promising.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For those involved in the marijuana industry, packaging plays a vital role in branding and compliance. UKPACK provides specialized packaging solutions for CBD products, ensuring that your products are not only protected but also presented in a way that meets legal requirements and appeals to consumers. Contact us now.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          allen chen
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Allen Chen

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Content Manager at UKPACK. I have extensive experience in the packaging industry and specialize in creating engaging content. I’m passionate about staying ahead of industry trends.

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