Legality Of Cannabis

In 2023, almost 50% of all the states in America have now legalized cannabis. However, each state may have different regulations and policies about the possession, growth, and sale of marijuana products. Some states have medicinal marijuana products legal but have not decriminalized the drug recreationally or to grow inside a residence. The legalization of medicinal cannabis was starting to be recognized in the 1990s and early 2000s, but recreational use was still unacceptable. This year, 3 more states in America have legalized recreational cannabis. 

Is cannabis legal?

Explore the current status of cannabis legality worldwide. Uncover the nuances of cannabis regulations, from country to country, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the ever-evolving landscape. Stay informed about the legal status of cannabis with our insightful guide.

Here is a breakdown of decriminalized states, the year they made recreational marijuana legal, and their rules on cannabis. Legality of cannabis by u.s. jurisdiction.

Alaska-2014

Only adults aged 21 years or older can possess marijuana. They are only allowed to have 1 ounce in public spaces, but it is still illegal to use the drug in public areas. No more than 6 plants can be grown inside a residence. Legal sales at dispensaries are allowed but they must be licensed. 

Arizona-2020

Possessing and using marijuana is only allowed for 21+ adults. Smoking marijuana in public is illegal. Licensed dispensary sales are legal. 

California-2016

Adults 21+ can possess, buy, and sell up to 8 grams of marijuana. Consuming or smoking cannabis publicly is still illegal. Growers can have up to 6 plants in their home. 

Colorado-2012

Colorado was one of two states in America to be the first to legalize recreational marijuana. One person per household can grow up to 6 plants but there is a 12-plant restriction regardless of how many people reside in the home. Smoking or using marijuana in public is illegal. Licensed dispensaries are allowed. 

Connecticut-2021

Adults over 21 years old can possess 1.5 ounces of cannabis in addition to an extra 5 ounces if they are in their car or home. Legal cannabis sales are allowed in dispensaries. 

Delaware-2023

Delaware regulations are stricter than other states, as adults over the age of 21 can only possess 1 ounce of marijuana and are not allowed to grow any plants in their residences. This is largely due to the state Governor’s concerns over the health effects marijuana can have. 

Illinois-2019

Depending on the consistency of the cannabis, adults over 21 years old are legally allowed to have it. People who are not residents of the states can have half of the amount residents can have. Smoking and consumption are illegal in public areas. 

Maine-2016

Adults over 21 years of age can have 2.5 ounces of cannabis, 6 flowering plants in their residence, and 12 immature plants. 

Maryland-2022

Adults can legally have up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis. Lawmakers are still working towards more efficient regulations. 

Massachusetts-2016

People 21 and older are allowed to carry 1 ounce of marijuana and an additional 10 ounces in their homes. Adults can grow up to 6 plants per person in their residence. 

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Michigan-2018

Adults over the age of 21 can have and use marijuana legally. They can have 2.5 ounces and 15 grams of concentrated cannabis. They can grow up to 12 plants in their home. 

Minnesota-2023 

While recreational cannabis use has been legalized for adults 21-plus, dispensaries are not expected to open until 2025. 

Missouri-2022

Adults can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and must have a registration card to grow any plants in their residence.

Montana-2020

Recreational marijuana consumption and possession is decriminalized only for adults 21 years or older. 

New Jersey-2020

Recreational marijuana consumption and possession is decriminalized only for adults 21 years or older. 

New Mexico-2021

Adults over 21 can carry up to 2 ounces in public. They are allowed to grow up to 6 plants per person in their home but cannot exceed 12 plants in a residence. 

New York-2021

Adults over 21 years old can have up to 3 ounces of cannabis and the legal sales of marijuana are now legal. 

Nevada-2016

People over 21 can carry an ounce of marijuana and an eighth of an ounce of cannabis that is concentrated. Growing at home is also allowed- only 6 plants per person but limited to 12 plants overall. 

Ohio-2023

Adults over 21 can purchase and carry 2.5 ounces of marijuana and are legally allowed to grow cannabis plants in their homes. 

Oregon-2014

People can have an ounce of marijuana on them if they are 21-plus. They can have an additional 8 ounces in their home, as well as 16 ounces of cannabis in a solid form and 72 ounces of cannabis if it is in a liquid form. Only 4 plants can be grown in a residence.  

Rhode Island-2022

Adults over 21 can carry an ounce of marijuana and grow 3 plants in their household. 

Vermont-2020

Adults over 21 can carry an ounce of marijuana and grow 2 mature and 4 immature cannabis plants in their residence. 

Virginia-2021

People over 21 years old can have up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use. They can grow up to 4 plants in their residence. 

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Washington-2012

Along with Colorado, Washington was one of the first states in America to legalize recreational use of cannabis. 

Washington D.C.-2015

While residents over 21 years old can possess 1 ounce of marijuana, it is also legal to give an ounce to someone else. Residents can grow up to 6 plants in their homes, but only 3 of those plants can mature.  

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References 

Hansen, C., Alas, H., & Davis Jr., E. (2023, November 8). Where Is Marijuana Legal? A Guide to Marijuana Legalization. U.S. News. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/where-is-marijuana-legal-a-guide-to-marijuana-legalization#guam

(2023, November 13). Marijuana is legal in the United States. MJ Biz Daily. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from https://mjbizdaily.com/map-of-us-marijuana-legalization-by-state/#:~:text=California%20was%20the%20first%20state,of%20Columbia%20and%2024%20states.