As soon as it comes to marijuana, state regulations vary considerably. When traveling or growing your own, it is crucial that you know what the laws are before proceeding – this map of state legalization clearly delineates each law and is updated frequently so you can easily learn it and enjoy cannabis without worry! Using this resource, quickly learn all of your state’s rules and regulations so that your cannabis experience goes off without a hitch!
Marijuana is currently legal for adults in 24 states plus Washington DC and Guam; however, federally it remains illegal.
Legal marijuana users must be at least 21 years old and purchase from a licensed dispensary or grow it themselves (provided their state permits it). Furthermore, other restrictions include various methods of consumption (edibles or vaping are only allowed in some states), public consumption or possessing more than a small amount at once as well as drug testing policies for drivers and employers and strict drug-testing policies in other areas – with certain states even permitting expungement of low-level possession convictions.
Massachusetts voters approved recreational marijuana use through a ballot initiative in 2018. Now regulated like alcohol, adults over the age of 21 may possess up to 2.5 ounces. Residents may also cultivate up to 12 plants in their home.
Vermont voters approved recreational marijuana use for adults over 21 in 2018, and Gov. Phil Scott signed into law the bill that legalizes such usage. Individuals aged 21 or above can possess up to 2 ounces in their possession at any one time and purchase or grow up to 6 plants at home legally.
California has long been considered a leader in legalizing marijuana since passing Prop 215 for medical cannabis in 1996. Since 2023, they have begun regulating their industry by licensing and registering companies while also creating consumer protections. Unfortunately, California’s high taxes and expensive license fees discourage cannabis consumers from switching over to the regulated market; instead the gray market thrives.
New York voters legalized recreational marijuana use in 2022. Since then, New York has implemented a regulated cannabis program which began sales in December of that year. Unfortunately, its medicinal program is more restrictive than most and black people are twice as likely to be arrested for marijuana-related offenses than their white counterparts. Democratic legislators introduced several bills to change these restrictive laws in 2023 but none has passed yet.
Delaware legalized recreational marijuana use in 2021, and Gov. John Carney blocked any attempt by legislators to reverse that decision in 2022. Legislators passed legislation authorizing retail pot shops within Delaware state boundaries; however, Carney has yet to give his permission for them to open shopfronts.
On Election Day 2020, Montanan voters approved two ballot initiatives regulating the sale and possession of recreational marijuana. As a result, adults can now legally consume cannabis within Montana, while police can only issue civil penalties instead of criminal ones for its consumption.