Where is Marijuana Legal?
Our list of where marijuana is legal details the cannabis laws of all fifty states. As the societal perception and legislative landscape surrounding cannabis continue to evolve, an increasing number of states in the United States have embraced its legalization for both medicinal and recreational purposes. From the verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest to the bustling cities of the East Coast, a patchwork of jurisdictions now permits the cultivation, sale, and consumption of cannabis in various forms.
Whether for its therapeutic benefits or economic opportunities, the legalization of cannabis has sparked debate and transformation across the nation. This state-by-state listing provides a comprehensive overview of where cannabis is legally accessible, reflecting the diverse approaches and regulations implemented by each jurisdiction.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Cannabis Legality
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Overview of Cannabis Legality
Cannabis laws are changing at a rapid pace across all 50 states. As of January 2024, here is the status of individual states:
FULLY LEGAL
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
RESTRICTED to medical purposes
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin
FULLY ILLEGAL
Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wyoming
Alabama
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited medical cannabis program passed in May 2021. It is only available in capsules, lozenges, oils, suppositories, topical gels, and patches. So no smokeable flowers, vaping, or edibles are allowed, only to treat a short list of approved conditions. Alabama has allowed CBD, low-THC medically for a few years, and CBD is legal federally now. Look for movement in the legislature in 2022 for a proper medical cannabis program, although the odds are not good. Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure State Agency: Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
Alaska
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Alaska’s first adult-use sale took place in late 2016. Alaska’s medical program is limited to a card registry for patients and caregivers, with no business licenses. Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Alaska Regulatory Structure State and Agency: Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office
Arizona
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Arizonans voted to legalize adult use of cannabis in November 2020 and have already started approving applications allowing medical dispensaries to serve all adults. In November 2020, Arizona approved Adult Use sales which took effect in 2021. The pre-existing Medical Marijuana program is still in effect for those with a card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure State Agency: Arizona Department of Health Services
Arkansas
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. To legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Arkansas Department of Health
California
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Department of Cannabis Control
Colorado
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Colorado Department of Revenue – Marijuana Enforcement Division
Connecticut
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Connecticut has seen strong growth since launching adult-use sales in January 2023. BDSA forecasts total sales in the state to grow to $390M in 2024, with over $290M coming from the adult-use channel. Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Department of Consumer Protection
Delaware
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. To legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Office of the Marijuana Commissioner
Florida
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Florida could potentially join the adult-use cannabis industry in 2024. Medical Marijuana is legal in Florida. To legally consume cannabis, patients must present a Florida medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use
Georgia
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Medical Cannabis Commission
Hawaii
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program
Idaho
Allows Medical marijuana?: No
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Cannabis is illegal in this state. But we’re leading the fight to expand your future rights to wellness.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency:
Illinois
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois for adults 21 and older. Medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients with an Illinois medical cannabis registry card. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis. Check Illinois marijuana laws for details. Dispensaries serve Illinois marijuana patients and recreational marijuana guests 21+.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations & Illinois Department of Agriculture
Indiana
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Indiana may also join the march toward legalization after introducing a ballot initiative for November 2024. Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Compliance Commission
Iowa
Allows Medical marijuana?: No
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
Kansas
Allows Medical marijuana?: No
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Cannabis is illegal in this state. But we’re leading the fight to expand your future rights to wellness.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
Kentucky
Medical marijuana in Kentucky: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Kentucky: No
Senate Bill 47 established the framework for the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, including how patients apply to have a medical cannabis card and how to become a medical cannabis caregiver in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis
Louisiana
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Maine
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Office of Cannabis Policy
Maryland
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Maryland launched adult-use sales in July 2023 bringing a +105% increase in monthly total sales. Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. To legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission
Massachusetts
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and Medical marijuana is legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Control Commission
Michigan
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in Michigan for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Regulatory Agency
Minnesota
Medical marijuana in Minnesota: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Minnesota: No
Minnesota legalized cannabis for medical use in 2014. Patients who are legal Minnesota residents and have been certified with one of the qualifying conditions are eligible to obtain cannabis.
Minnesota Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Office of Cannabis Management
Mississippi
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
In November 2020, Mississippi approved a Medical Marijuana program.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Mississippi Department of Health
Missouri
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in Missouri. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician. Missouri monthly total sales increased almost three-fold with the addition of adult-use cannabis in February 2023.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Department of Health and Senior Services
Montana
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
In November 2020, Montana approved Adult Use. The pre-existing Medical Marijuana program is still in effect for those with a card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Control Division
Nebraska
Allows Medical marijuana?: No
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Cannabis is illegal in this state. But we’re leading the fight to expand your future rights to wellness.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
Nevada
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational marijuana and medical marijuana are both legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Compliance Board
New Hampshire
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
New Jersey
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
In November 2020, New Jersey Dispensary approved Adult Use. The pre-existing Medical Marijuana program is still in effect for those with a card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Regulatory Commission
New Mexico
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Control Division
New York
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
New York momentum is finally starting to build as new licenses and dispensaries get issued and open. The state has 400+ provisional adult-use retail licenses issued as of December 2023. Medical Marijuana is legal in New York. Medical cannabis has been legally available in New York State since 2014 for eligible residents. Adult-use cannabis is technically legal as of March 31, 2021, but sales are not expected to begin until at least late 2022. To legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Office of Cannabis Management
North Carolina
Allows Medical marijuana?: No
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state. Must be less than 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD. The program lacks a mechanism to obtain oil. Legislation to legalize full medical cannabis expected to come up for vote soon.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: The Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees patients and caregivers.
North Dakota
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in North Dakota. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician. North Dakota voters passed medical medical cannabis in November 2016. The first dispensary opened in Fargo on March 1, 2019. A registered qualifying patient can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of dried leaves and flowers (special authorization from the health care provider is required) in a 30 day period. A patient can purchase up to 2,000 mg of other cannabis product in a 30 day period. Concentrates, tinctures, capsules, transdermal patches, and topicals are permitted. A measure to legalize recreational marijuana in the November 2018 election failed. The House passed a number of bills to expand the medical marijuana program in February 2019, including a bill that would add 13 new medical conditions to the list of debilitating medical conditions. Home grow is not allowed for patients.
North Dakota Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Division of Medical Marijuana
Ohio
Medical marijuana in Ohio: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Ohio: No
Ohio legalized adult-use in November 2023, expecting to launch sales in 2024. This will be one of the fastest growing markets in 2027–M&A activity may explode and hiring will increase as new licenses are issued. Medical Marijuana is legal in Ohio. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a Ohio medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician. Ohio’s Medical Marijuana program became law in June 2016 and is currently in operation. Smoking and combustion are not allowed but oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, vaping, and patches are permitted. The amount of medical marijuana a registered patient or caregiver possesses must not exceed a 90-day supply.
Ohio Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Ohio Department of Commerce – Division of Cannabis Control
Oklahoma
Medical marijuana in Oklahoma: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Oklahoma: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in Oklahoma. In order to legally consume marijuana and cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician. Voters passed State Question 788 in June 2018, legalizing medical marijuana in Oklahoma, followed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act in 2019, which created the initial regulatory framework within the state. Those with a state issued medical marijuana license can legally possess up to three (3) ounces of marijuana on their person; possess six (6) mature marijuana plants; possess one (1) ounce of concentrated marijuana; possess seventy-two (72) ounces of edible marijuana; and possess up to eight (8) ounces of marijuana in their residence. Patients with a medical marijuana card from a different state can now apply for a temporary medical marijuana license in Oklahoma, which is valid for only 30 days.
By mid-2021, there were 380,000 active patient licenses, and more than 10,000 registered businesses, making it one of the largest programs in the country. Cannabis consumption is allowed anywhere tobacco can be legally consumed, including sidewalks and smoking bars.
Regulatory Structure State Agency: State Department of Health, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority division (OMMA).
Oregon
Medical marijuana in Oregon: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Oregon: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in Oregon for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Oregon Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Pennsylvania
Medical marijuana in Pennsylvania: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Pennsylvania: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician to buy Pennsylvania Marijuana. Pennsylvania could potentially join the adult-use cannabis industry in 2025.
Pennsylvania Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Health
Rhode Island
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. To legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician. The R.I. Cannabis Control Commission holds the primary responsibility for regulating all cannabis and marijuana use in the state
Rhode Island Regulatory Structure and State Agency: R.I. Cannabis Control Commission
South Carolina
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
South Dakota
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
In November 2020, South Dakota approved both Adult Use and the establishment of a Medical Marijuana program.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program
Tennessee
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Tennessee Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
Texas
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Texas Department of Public Services
Utah
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Utah Medical Cannabis Program
Vermont
Medical marijuana in Vermont?: Yes
Adult-Use marijuana in Vermont?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in this Vermont for adults 21 and older. Please note, Vermont does have limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis. The Cannabis Control Board is responsible for administering the adult-use and medical cannabis programs in the State of Vermont.
Vermont Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Vermont Cannabis Control Board
Virginia
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in Virginia. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician to buy Virginia Marijuana.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Cannabis Control Authority
Washington
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in Washington state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Liquor and Cannabis Board
Washington, D.C.
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Recreational and medical marijuana are both legal in this state for adults 21 and older. Please note there are limits on possession amounts and restrictions on where you can legally consume cannabis.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration
West Virginia
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: Yes
Medical Marijuana is legal in this state. In order to legally consume cannabis, patients must present a medical marijuana card issued by a licensed physician.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Office of Medical Cannabis
Wisconsin
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in this state.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
Wyoming
Allows Medical marijuana?: Yes
Allows Adult-Use marijuana?: No
Limited Medical Use (CBD-Only/Low-THC program) is legal in Wyoming.
Regulatory Structure and State Agency: Not Available Yet
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