Cannabis Laws
in Every State

Alabama launched its medical cannabis program in 2023 after years of delays. The program is limited in scope with strict qualifying conditions and no home cultivation.

Alaska legalized recreational cannabis in 2014 (Measure 2), making it one of the first states to do so. Adults 21+ may possess and purchase cannabis. Home cultivation is permitted.

Arizona voters approved Proposition 207 in November 2020, legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21+. Sales began in January 2021. Arizona has one of the most robust cannabis markets in the Southwest.

Arkansas voters approved medical cannabis in 2016 (Issue 6). The program is operational with dispensaries across the state. Recreational cannabis remains illegal.

California was the first state to legalize medical cannabis (1996) and legalized recreational use with Proposition 64 in 2016. It has the largest cannabis market in the world by revenue. The regulatory framework is complex, with significant local control.

Colorado and Washington were the first states to legalize recreational cannabis (Amendment 64, 2012). Colorado has one of the most mature and well-regulated cannabis markets in the country, with over a decade of data on legalization outcomes.

Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in June 2021 (SB 1201), with retail sales beginning in January 2023. The law includes strong social equity provisions and expungement of prior cannabis convictions.

Delaware legalized recreational cannabis in April 2023, with Governor Carney signing HB 1 and HB 2. Personal possession became legal immediately; retail sales launched in 2025.

Florida has one of the largest medical cannabis programs in the country by patient count, with over 800,000 registered patients. Recreational legalization was on the 2024 ballot but narrowly failed to reach the 60% threshold required.

Georgia has a very limited medical cannabis program focused on low-THC oil (max 5% THC). The program is among the most restrictive in the country. Recreational cannabis is illegal.

Hawaii was one of the first states to legalize medical cannabis (2000). The program is operational with dispensaries statewide. Recreational legalization has been debated but not yet passed.

Idaho is one of the few remaining states with no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal for all purposes. Idaho has repeatedly rejected ballot initiatives for medical cannabis.

Illinois legalized recreational cannabis in June 2019 (HB 1438), with sales beginning January 1, 2020. Illinois has one of the most comprehensive social equity programs in the country, with significant provisions for communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.

Indiana has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal. CBD products derived from hemp (under 0.3% THC) are legal under federal law.

Iowa has a very limited medical cannabis program focused on low-THC products. The program is among the most restrictive in the country with a cap on THC content.

Kansas has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal. Kansas is one of the most restrictive states in the country on cannabis policy.

Kentucky legalized medical cannabis in March 2023 (SB 47), with the program launching in January 2025. Kentucky is a major hemp producer and the medical program reflects growing acceptance of cannabis policy reform.

Louisiana has a medical cannabis program that has expanded significantly since its 2015 launch. Smokable flower was added in 2022. Recreational cannabis remains illegal.

Maine voters approved recreational cannabis in 2016 (Question 1), with retail sales beginning in October 2020 after regulatory delays. Maine has a robust craft cannabis culture and one of the most permissive home cultivation laws in the country.

Maryland voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2022 (Question 4), with personal possession becoming legal July 1, 2023 and retail sales launching July 1, 2023. Maryland transitioned its existing medical dispensaries to dual-use.

Massachusetts voters approved recreational cannabis in 2016 (Question 4), with retail sales beginning in November 2018. Massachusetts has a well-regulated market with strong social equity provisions and one of the most consumer-friendly regulatory frameworks in the country.

Michigan voters approved recreational cannabis in 2018 (Proposal 1), with retail sales beginning in December 2019. Michigan has one of the fastest-growing cannabis markets in the country and some of the most competitive pricing due to abundant supply.

Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis in May 2023 (HF 100), with personal possession becoming legal August 1, 2023 and retail sales launching in early 2025. Minnesota has strong social equity provisions and a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Mississippi voters approved medical cannabis in 2020 (Initiative 65), but the state Supreme Court invalidated it on a technicality. The legislature then passed SB 2095 in 2022, creating a medical program that launched in 2023.

Missouri voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2022 (Amendment 3), with retail sales beginning February 3, 2023. Missouri has one of the fastest recreational program launches in history — just 3 months from voter approval to sales.

Montana voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2020 (CI-118 and I-190), with retail sales beginning January 1, 2022. Montana has a relatively small but growing cannabis market.

Nebraska voters approved medical cannabis in November 2024 (Initiative 437 and 438), creating a medical program. The program is in the implementation phase as of 2026.

Nevada voters approved recreational cannabis in 2016 (Question 2), with retail sales beginning July 1, 2017 — one of the fastest launches in history. Nevada's cannabis market is heavily influenced by Las Vegas tourism.

New Hampshire has a medical cannabis program that has been operational since 2013. Recreational legalization has been debated but not yet passed, though decriminalization of small amounts is in effect.

New Jersey voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2020 (Public Question 1), with retail sales beginning April 21, 2022. New Jersey has a large and growing market with strong social equity provisions.

New Mexico legalized recreational cannabis in June 2021 (HB 2), with retail sales beginning June 26, 2021. New Mexico has a strong medical program and a rapidly growing recreational market.

New York legalized recreational cannabis in March 2021 (MRTA), with retail sales beginning December 2022. New York has the most ambitious social equity program in the country, prioritizing licenses for people with prior cannabis convictions.

North Carolina has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is illegal, though possession of small amounts has been decriminalized. Medical cannabis legislation has been introduced but not passed.

North Dakota voters approved medical cannabis in 2016 (Measure 5). The program is operational with dispensaries across the state. Recreational legalization has been rejected at the ballot.

Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2023 (Issue 2), with personal possession becoming legal December 7, 2023 and retail sales beginning June 2024. Ohio has a large and rapidly growing market.

Oklahoma has one of the most permissive medical cannabis programs in the country, with a broad qualifying condition standard (any condition a physician recommends) and one of the highest dispensary-to-population ratios in the US. Recreational legalization was rejected at the 2023 ballot.

Oregon voters approved recreational cannabis in 2014 (Measure 91), with retail sales beginning October 1, 2015. Oregon has one of the most mature cannabis markets in the country and has faced challenges with oversupply and price compression.

Pennsylvania has a large and well-established medical cannabis program with over 400,000 registered patients. Recreational legalization has strong public support but has not yet passed the legislature.

Rhode Island legalized recreational cannabis in May 2022 (SB 2430), with retail sales beginning December 1, 2022. Rhode Island is the smallest state with a recreational cannabis market.

South Carolina has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal. Medical cannabis legislation has been introduced but not passed.

South Dakota voters approved both medical and recreational cannabis in 2020, but the governor challenged the recreational measure and it was struck down by the state Supreme Court. A second recreational measure also failed in 2022. Medical cannabis is operational.

Tennessee has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal. Tennessee has some of the strictest cannabis penalties in the South.

Texas has a very limited medical cannabis program (Compassionate Use Program) focused on low-THC products. The program has expanded but remains among the most restrictive in the country. Recreational cannabis is illegal.

Utah voters approved medical cannabis in 2018 (Proposition 2), though the legislature modified the program before implementation. The program is operational with dispensaries statewide. Recreational cannabis is illegal.

Vermont was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through the legislature (rather than a ballot initiative) in 2018. Retail sales began October 1, 2022. Vermont has a strong craft cannabis culture.

Virginia legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 (HB 2312), with personal possession becoming legal July 1, 2021 and retail sales beginning January 1, 2024. Virginia has a large and growing market with strong social equity provisions.

Washington and Colorado were the first states to legalize recreational cannabis (Initiative 502, 2012), with retail sales beginning July 8, 2014. Washington has one of the most mature and well-regulated cannabis markets in the country.

West Virginia legalized medical cannabis in 2017 (SB 386), with the program launching in 2021. The program is operational with dispensaries across the state.

Wisconsin has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal. Medical cannabis legislation has been introduced but not passed. Wisconsin borders several states with legal cannabis.

Wyoming has no medical or recreational cannabis program. Cannabis is fully illegal. Wyoming has some of the strictest cannabis penalties in the country.

D.C. voters approved recreational cannabis in 2014 (Initiative 71), with personal possession and home cultivation becoming legal February 26, 2015. However, Congress has repeatedly blocked D.C. from establishing a regulated retail market, creating a unique "gifting" economy.