This article provides a quick overview of cannabis legalization across all 50 states in the United States as of 2024.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Nationally: In 2024, cannabis is legal for medical use in 40 states and recreational use in 24 states (plus Washington D.C.).
State-Specific Updates:
- Washington: Recreational cannabis use remains legal for adults 21 and over. Medical marijuana has been legal since 2012. New in 2024: Washington passed a law protecting off-duty marijuana use for employees. Employers cannot discriminate against workers based on their lawful, off-the-job cannabis use.
- Texas: The situation in Texas remains largely unchanged. Medical marijuana with low THC content is still legal for qualifying patients with limited conditions. Recreational use is not currently legal. There have been some recent discussions about expanding the medical marijuana program, but no significant changes have been implemented as of 2024.
- Arizona: Recreational and medical marijuana use are both legal for adults 21 and over. No major changes reported in 2024.
- West Virginia: Medical marijuana use is still legal for qualifying patients with certain conditions. Recreational use remains illegal in 2024.
Medical Marijuana Legal:
- Alabama (limited THC content)
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida (limited THC content)
- Georgia (limited THC content)
- Hawaii
- Idaho (limited THC content)
- Illinois
- Indiana (limited THC content)
- Iowa (limited THC content)
- Kentucky (limited THC content)
- Louisiana (limited THC content)
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi (limited THC content)
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina (limited THC content)
- Ohio (limited THC content)
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina (limited THC content)
- South Dakota (limited THC content)
- Tennessee (limited THC content)
- Texas (limited THC content)
- Utah (limited THC content)
- Vermont
- Virginia (limited THC content)
- Washington
- West Virginia (limited THC content)
- Wisconsin (limited THC content)
- Wyoming (limited THC content)
Recreational Marijuana Legal:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware (medical patients only)
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota (adult-use sales to begin July 1, 2024)
- Vermont
- Virginia (adult-use sales to begin January 1, 2024)
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
Fully Illegal:
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- South Carolina
- Kansas
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Wisconsin
Important Note: Laws surrounding cannabis legalization can be complex and change frequently. It’s always best to consult your state’s official resources for the latest information. You can find reliable information on government websites or trusted legal resources.
Please note: This list is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
