If you’re wondering, “Is marijuana legal in the United States?” the answer is both yes and no. While marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, there are a number of states that have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use. To help you understand the current laws, this guide will provide a state-by-state look at where marijuana is legal in the US.
Is Marijuana Legal In Your State?
Alaska
Is marijuana legal in Alaska? Yes, marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska.
On November 4, 2014, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure 2, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults age 21 and older. This made Alaska the third state in the United States to allow recreational use of marijuana.
In Alaska, it is legal to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, or up to six plants, with no more than three mature plants at any given time. It is also legal to give away marijuana as long as no money or other items of value are exchanged. However, it is still illegal to consume marijuana in public and driving under the influence of marijuana is prohibited.
Is Marijuana Legal in Arizona
Marijuana is legal for medical use in Arizona.
In 2010, Arizona voters approved Proposition 203, which legalized medical marijuana use in the state. Under this law, qualified patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Additionally, qualified patients are allowed to grow up to 12 plants in an enclosed, locked facility.
The recreational use of marijuana remains illegal in Arizona. Possession of any amount of marijuana is considered a felony and can result in fines, jail time, or both. The sale and distribution of marijuana are also considered felonies and can carry heavy penalties.
Despite the illegality of recreational marijuana use in the state, some cities in Arizona have enacted laws that make possession of small amounts of marijuana a civil offense instead of a criminal one. However, even in these cities, penalties for possession can still be quite severe.
Arkansas
Is marijuana legal in Arkansas? Unfortunately, no.
Though medical marijuana is currently legal in Arkansas, recreational marijuana remains illegal. In 2016, Arkansas voters approved Amendment 98, which legalized medical marijuana use in the state. The amendment allows patients with certain medical conditions to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Medical marijuana is regulated by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission and is available only to those with a valid doctor’s recommendation. However, the use, possession, sale, and cultivation of recreational marijuana remain illegal.
California
Marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal use in California.
Since Proposition 64 passed in 2016, adults 21 years of age and older can legally possess, transport, and purchase up to one ounce of cannabis flowers or eight grams of concentrated cannabis. Under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), cannabis can be sold in licensed dispensaries by those who have obtained the necessary permits from their local government.
Additionally, it is legal for those over 21 to grow up to six plants per residence, with a limit of 12 total plants per household.
Colorado
Marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational purposes in Colorado.
Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2000 when Amendment 20 was passed, allowing medical patients to possess and cultivate cannabis for medical use. Recreational marijuana was legalized in 2012 when Amendment 64 passed, making it the first state to do so.
Today, adults 21 and older are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and can cultivate up to six marijuana plants in their home. The sale of recreational marijuana is subject to taxes and regulations enforced by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Retail stores have been open since 2014, and they are required to adhere to strict rules regarding lab testing, packaging, labeling, and sales.
Is Marijuana Legal in Connecticut
Marijuana is legal in Connecticut for medicinal use.
Patients who have been approved by the Department of Consumer Protection can purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries. Possession of up to one and a half ounces of marijuana is decriminalized, meaning no criminal penalties will be imposed.
It is also legal to grow up to four plants at home, with a maximum of two mature plants allowed at one time. However, the sale or distribution of marijuana for recreational use remains illegal in Connecticut.
Delaware
Is marijuana legal in Delaware? The answer is yes, marijuana is legal in Delaware.
In July of 2011, Delaware became the 16th state in the United States to legalize medical marijuana. On August 31, 2018, Delaware legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 years of age and older.
Under Delaware’s recreational marijuana law, adults are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants (3 mature, 3 immature) at home. Retail sales of recreational marijuana have yet to be legalized in Delaware.
Is Marijuana Legal in Florida
Marijuana is legal for medical use in Florida under the state’s Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act.
To qualify, patients must have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition and receive a recommendation from a certified physician. The approved list of qualifying medical conditions includes cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions.
Recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Florida. Possession of small amounts may be punishable by fines and probation instead of jail time, but possession of larger amounts may result in felony charges.
For those looking to receive a medical marijuana recommendation, The Medical Marijuana Doctor offers fast evaluations and certifications. The Medical Marijuana Doctor is located in Coral Springs, Florida, and can be reached at (954) 994-7002. The Medical Marijuana Doctor only provides evaluation and certification services in the state of Florida.
Hawaii
The use of medical marijuana has been legal in Hawaii since 2000 when the state passed the Medical Cannabis Act.
In 2019, the state legislature passed House Bill 1383 which decriminalized the possession and private use of up to three grams of marijuana, making it a civil violation rather than a criminal one.
However, recreational use of marijuana is still not legal in the state of Hawaii. Despite this, a bill that would legalize, regulate, and tax the sale of cannabis was introduced in 2021. The bill is currently making its way through the legislature and will be voted on later this year. If passed, it would allow adults 21 and over to purchase marijuana from state-licensed retailers and possess up to one ounce of cannabis.
The bill also proposes that the state set up a system for licensing and regulating cannabis businesses, which could provide much-needed revenue for the state as well as create jobs in the industry. It would also allow individuals to cultivate up to five plants for personal use and establish a taxed market for cannabis products.
While the bill is still being debated, it is clear that there is growing support for legalization in Hawaii. While the future of marijuana in Hawaii remains unclear, it is evident that lawmakers are taking steps toward bringing about sensible reform.
Illinois
In 2019, Illinois became the 11th state in the United States to legalize recreational marijuana.
Under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, it is legal for anyone over 21 to purchase, possess, and consume up to 30 grams of cannabis flower and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2013.
There are now 40 medical cannabis dispensaries throughout Illinois. In addition, the state has adopted an expansive social equity program that provides financial and licensing assistance to those adversely affected by the criminalization of marijuana.
Is Marijuana Use Legal in Your State Conclusion
It is clear that the use of marijuana has been gaining acceptance in the United States over the past few years, with many states now having laws that allow for its legal use. While marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, it is clear that more and more states are legalizing it in some form or another.
The Medical Marijuana Doctor can help you obtain a medical marijuana certification in Florida. The Medical Marijuana Doctor provides fast medical marijuana certifications and is located in Coral Springs, Florida. For more information about obtaining a medical marijuana certification, please call (954) 994-7002.