ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.2 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| URL | https://lifehacker.com/where-is-weed-legal-in-the-us | ||||||||||||||||||
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-16 08:52:29 (7 days ago) | ||||||||||||||||||
| First Indexed | 2024-03-08 15:12:02 (2 years ago) | ||||||||||||||||||
| HTTP Status Code | 200 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Content | |||||||||||||||||||
| Meta Title | What US States Have Legal Weed in 2025? | Lifehacker | ||||||||||||||||||
| Meta Description | Where can you find legal cannabis in the U.S.? What states allow medical use, and which states have legalized recreational use? We've got all the details, and clarified the confusing sticking points. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Meta Canonical | null | ||||||||||||||||||
| Boilerpipe Text | Here are the states that allow medical weed, and the ones that have legalized recreational use.
and
November 6, 2024
Credit: Elena Scotti (Vectors: Shutterstock) / In-House Art
After a string of election cycles during which ballot measures and legislative efforts to legalize recreational cannabis expanded access to the drug to nearly half of the United States, progress towards legal marijuana hit a wall in 2024.
Ballot measures to legalize cannabis failed in three states
—North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida (a majority of voters opted for legal weed in Florida, but the proposal fell short of the 60% approval needed to pass).
Elsewhere, proposals to legalize cannabis for medical use in Nebraska and establish a government board to regulate it both received overwhelming approval, but
face challenges in the courts
.
Meanwhile, cannabis remains a Schedule I Drug at the federal level, despite
President Joe Biden's announcement back in May
that it would be reclassified to a Schedule III drug. In September, the Drug Enforcement Agency announced that
an administrative hearing on the reclassification is scheduled for Dec. 2 of this year
. Reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug would mark a major change in federal policy, but it is not the same as federal legalization. Instead, it would mean cannabis is no longer classed with more serious drugs in Schedule I (drugs considered to have "no medical use" and a high potential for abuse; examples include heroin and ecstasy). Schedule III drugs are considered to have
a mild to low risk of physical or psychological dependance
.
While reclassification won't federally legalize the drug, nor change its legal status at the local level in states that have legalized medical or recreational use, it could
make it easier for scientists to research its benefits for medical use
, as well as allow business to claim more credits and deductions on their federal taxes.
Federal policy is following public sentiment
Biden's May announcement mirrors changing public opinion on the drug
, and follows a surge in state-level legalization efforts. A PEW research study published in March 2024 showed
88% of Americans support legalization for medical or recreational use.
And for what it's worth, during his reelection campaign, Trump indicated he would potentially support federal legalization during his second term.
As of November 2024, 24 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use; cannabis (as opposed to THC-free CBD) is still (more or less) wholly illegal in 11 states, while the remaining 15 allow for legal medical use, with varying restrictions.
Here’s a rundown of where weed is legal for recreational and medical use (and where it isn’t) as of May 2024.
States that legalized weed in 2024
Nebraska:
Two ballot measures, one to legalize medical cannabis and one to create a government commission to regulate it,
passed with more than 65% voter approval during the 2024 presidential election
. However, they currently face court challenges due to the way signatures were collected
to get those measures onto the ballot
.
States that have legalized recreational cannabis as of November 2024
In 24 states
, including 2023's new additions, weed is treated like alcohol—it’s legal for adults (21 and over) to purchase and is regulated and taxed by the government. The specifics of what you can purchase and possess (and where) vary a bit by state. These states also have medical cannabis.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Recreational weed is also legal in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Areas that have legal weed but no sales
In the District of Columbia, it’s legal to possess and grow limited amounts of weed, but there are
no commercial sales outside of medical cannabis
from a limited number of licensed dispensaries.
States that have medical cannabis laws as of November 2024
A number of states have legalized medical cannabis but do not allow broader recreational use.
53
What do you think so far?
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Hawaii*
Kentucky
Louisiana
Minnesota*
New Hampshire*
North Dakota*
South Dakota
Nebraska**
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Utah
West Virginia
*According to the Marijuana Policy Project, these states have also decriminalized cannabis, reducing or removing jail time for possession of limited amounts of weed.
**Currently facing court challenges
States that have (almost) nothing
The remaining states do not permit broad medical or recreational cannabis—nor is weed decriminalized—though all except for Idaho allow access to low-THC products containing CBD for medical use (which, while technically “legal medical cannabis,” isn’t quite the same thing as a robust legal medical market).
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin
Wyoming
The legal status of hemp-derived cannabis
All of the above references cannabis containing delta 9 THC, the intoxicating substance naturally found in the cannabis plant. However, new extraction techniques have allowed manufacturers to create synthetic forms of cannabis derived from hemp plants, including
delta 8 THC
and, more recently,
THCa
.
These substances are federally "legal"
due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for the cultivation of hemp
. While some states have tried to rein in these products with local legislation, they continue to proliferate, providing a (more or less) legal alternative to tried-and-true cannabis—though the lack of regulations governing their manufacture
has raised questions about their safety
.
Originally published in 2020, this article has been updated periodically to reflect changing laws around the country. It was most recently updated in November 2024.
The Daily Newsletter
Ready to do everything better?
Jordan Calhoun
Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.
The Daily Newsletter
Ready to do everything better?
Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.
More by Emily
Joel Cunningham
Deputy Editor
Covering e-readers, social media, entertainment, and more.
Read Joel's full bio
More by Joel | ||||||||||||||||||
| Markdown | [Skip to Main Content](https://lifehacker.com/where-is-weed-legal-in-the-us#main "Skip to main content")
[](https://lifehacker.com/)
- [View our Bluesky Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://bsky.app/profile/lifehacker.com)
- [View our Instagram Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://instagram.com/lifehackerdotcom)
- [View on Facebook Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://facebook.com/lifehacker)
- [View our Youtube Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/user/lifehacker)
- [View our Twitter Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/lifehacker)
- [Latest](https://lifehacker.com/latest)
- [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech)
- [Best Picks](https://lifehacker.com/best-picks)
- [Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment)
- [Health](https://lifehacker.com/health)
- [Reviews](https://lifehacker.com/reviews)
- [Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home)
- [Deals](https://lifehacker.com/deals)
- [Comparisons](https://lifehacker.com/comparisons)
- [Hacks](https://lifehacker.com/hacks)
[Latest](https://lifehacker.com/latest)
Tech
[AI](https://lifehacker.com/tech/ai) [TVs](https://lifehacker.com/tech/tvs) [Hardware](https://lifehacker.com/tech/hardware) [Software](https://lifehacker.com/tech/software) [Mobile Apps](https://lifehacker.com/tech/mobile-apps) [Privacy](https://lifehacker.com/tech/privacy) [All Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech)
Best Picks
[Best VPN to Watch Porn](https://lifehacker.com/tech/how-to-watch-pornhub-even-if-its-blocked-in-your-state) [Best Paid VPN](https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-best-paid-vpns) [Best Smartwatches](https://lifehacker.com/health/best-smart-watches-for-walking) [Best Fitness Tracker](https://lifehacker.com/health/best-fitness-trackers) [Best E-Bikes](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-e-bikes-for-every-type-of-rider) [Best Digital Notebooks](https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-best-digital-notebooks-you-can-buy-in-2025) [Best Non-Kindle E-readers](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-non-kindle-ereaders) [Best Cordless Power Tools](https://lifehacker.com/home/best-power-tools) [Best Power Tools](https://lifehacker.com/home/the-best-power-tools-you-didnt-know-existed) [Best Laptops](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-laptops) [Best Laptops for College Students](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-laptops-for-college-students) [Best 65 Inch TV](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-65-inch-tvs) [Best Budget QLED](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-budget-qled-tvs) [Best Android Phones](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-android-phones) [Best Flashcard Apps](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-flashcard-apps-for-studying) [Best Camera Apps iPhone](https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-best-camera-apps-for-your-iphone) [All Best Picks](https://lifehacker.com/best-picks)
Entertainment
[Wordle](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle) [Connections](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/connections) [Strands](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/strands) [Streaming](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/streaming) [Gaming](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/gaming) [All Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment)
Health
[Fitness](https://lifehacker.com/health/fitness) [Training Diaries](https://lifehacker.com/health/training-diaries) [All Health](https://lifehacker.com/health)
[Reviews](https://lifehacker.com/reviews)
Home & Garden
[Cleaning](https://lifehacker.com/home/cleaning) [All Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home)
[Deals](https://lifehacker.com/deals) [Comparisons](https://lifehacker.com/comparisons) [Hacks](https://lifehacker.com/hacks)
[Home](https://lifehacker.com/)
[Health](https://lifehacker.com/health)
- Copied
# Where to Find (Legal) Weed in the US in 2025
Here are the states that allow medical weed, and the ones that have legalized recreational use.
[Emily Long](https://lifehacker.com/author/emilyannlong)
Emily Long Freelance Writer
Experience
Emily Long is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City.
After graduating from Duke University, she spent several years reporting on the federal workforce for Government Executive, a publication of Atlantic Media Company, in Washington, D.C. She has nearly a decade of experience as a freelancer covering tech (including issues related to security, privacy, and streaming) as well as personal finance and travel.
In addition to Lifehacker, her work has been featured on Wirecutter, Tom’s Guide, and [ZDNET](http://zdnet.in/ "open in a new window"). Emily has also worked as a travel guide around the U.S. and as a content editor. She has a masters in social work and is a licensed therapist in Utah.
Areas of Expertise
[Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech)
[Read Full Bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/emilyannlong)
and
[Joel Cunningham](https://lifehacker.com/author/joelcunningham)
Joel Cunningham Deputy Editor
Experience
Joel Cunningham is Lifehacker’s Deputy Editor. He has 15 years of experience as a writer and editor. Previously, he was managing editor of content marketing for Barnes & Noble, where he founded the Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog.
Areas of Expertise
[Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) [Podcasts](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/podcasts) [Hardware](https://lifehacker.com/tech/hardware)
[Read Full Bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/joelcunningham)
November 6, 2024
53 Comments
Credit: Elena Scotti (Vectors: Shutterstock) / In-House Art
***
After a string of election cycles during which ballot measures and legislative efforts to legalize recreational cannabis expanded access to the drug to nearly half of the United States, progress towards legal marijuana hit a wall in 2024. [Ballot measures to legalize cannabis failed in three states](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-marijuana.html "open in a new window")—North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida (a majority of voters opted for legal weed in Florida, but the proposal fell short of the 60% approval needed to pass).
Elsewhere, proposals to legalize cannabis for medical use in Nebraska and establish a government board to regulate it both received overwhelming approval, but [face challenges in the courts](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/ "open in a new window").
Meanwhile, cannabis remains a Schedule I Drug at the federal level, despite [President Joe Biden's announcement back in May](https://x.com/POTUS/status/1791152464617431389 "open in a new window") that it would be reclassified to a Schedule III drug. In September, the Drug Enforcement Agency announced that [an administrative hearing on the reclassification is scheduled for Dec. 2 of this year](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/update-deas-efforts-reschedule-cannabis-what-you-need-know-2024-09-11/ "open in a new window"). Reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug would mark a major change in federal policy, but it is not the same as federal legalization. Instead, it would mean cannabis is no longer classed with more serious drugs in Schedule I (drugs considered to have "no medical use" and a high potential for abuse; examples include heroin and ecstasy). Schedule III drugs are considered to have [a mild to low risk of physical or psychological dependance](https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Adderall%2C%20and%20Ritalin-,Schedule%20III,but%20more%20than%20Schedule%20IV. "open in a new window").
While reclassification won't federally legalize the drug, nor change its legal status at the local level in states that have legalized medical or recreational use, it could [make it easier for scientists to research its benefits for medical use](https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2024/05/cannabis-reclassification.html#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Drug%20Enforcement%20Administration's,for%20rectifying%20drug-related%20wrongs. "open in a new window"), as well as allow business to claim more credits and deductions on their federal taxes.
## Federal policy is following public sentiment
[Biden's May announcement mirrors changing public opinion on the drug](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/10/24/marijuana-same-sex-marriage-legalization/ "open in a new window"), and follows a surge in state-level legalization efforts. A PEW research study published in March 2024 showed [88% of Americans support legalization for medical or recreational use.](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/05/donald-trump-marijuana-weed-cannabis-legalization-medical-recreational-election/75970501007/ "open in a new window") And for what it's worth, during his reelection campaign, Trump indicated he would potentially support federal legalization during his second term.
As of November 2024, 24 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use; cannabis (as opposed to THC-free CBD) is still (more or less) wholly illegal in 11 states, while the remaining 15 allow for legal medical use, with varying restrictions.
Here’s a rundown of where weed is legal for recreational and medical use (and where it isn’t) as of May 2024.
## States that legalized weed in 2024
- **Nebraska:** Two ballot measures, one to legalize medical cannabis and one to create a government commission to regulate it, [passed with more than 65% voter approval during the 2024 presidential election](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-marijuana.html "open in a new window"). However, they currently face court challenges due to the way signatures were collected [to get those measures onto the ballot](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/ "open in a new window").
## States that have legalized recreational cannabis as of November 2024
[In 24 states](https://www.mpp.org/states/ "open in a new window"), including 2023's new additions, weed is treated like alcohol—it’s legal for adults (21 and over) to purchase and is regulated and taxed by the government. The specifics of what you can purchase and possess (and where) vary a bit by state. These states also have medical cannabis.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Recreational weed is also legal in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
## Areas that have legal weed but no sales
In the District of Columbia, it’s legal to possess and grow limited amounts of weed, but there are [no commercial sales outside of medical cannabis](https://www.mpp.org/states/district-of-columbia/ "open in a new window") from a limited number of licensed dispensaries.
## States that have medical cannabis laws as of November 2024
A number of states have legalized medical cannabis but do not allow broader recreational use.
53
What do you think so far?
Post a comment.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Hawaii\*
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Minnesota\*
- New Hampshire\*
- North Dakota\*
- South Dakota
- Nebraska\*\*
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- West Virginia
\*According to the Marijuana Policy Project, these states have also decriminalized cannabis, reducing or removing jail time for possession of limited amounts of weed.
\*\*Currently facing court challenges
## States that have (almost) nothing
The remaining states do not permit broad medical or recreational cannabis—nor is weed decriminalized—though all except for Idaho allow access to low-THC products containing CBD for medical use (which, while technically “legal medical cannabis,” isn’t quite the same thing as a robust legal medical market).
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
## The legal status of hemp-derived cannabis
All of the above references cannabis containing delta 9 THC, the intoxicating substance naturally found in the cannabis plant. However, new extraction techniques have allowed manufacturers to create synthetic forms of cannabis derived from hemp plants, including [delta 8 THC](https://lifehacker.com/is-delta-8-thc-safe-1847680922) and, more recently, [THCa](https://lifehacker.com/hemp-delta-9-thc-explainer-1850794904).
These substances are federally "legal" [due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for the cultivation of hemp](https://mjbizdaily.com/hemp-derived-thc-producers-wary-of-us-farm-bill/ "open in a new window"). While some states have tried to rein in these products with local legislation, they continue to proliferate, providing a (more or less) legal alternative to tried-and-true cannabis—though the lack of regulations governing their manufacture [has raised questions about their safety](https://lifehacker.com/is-delta-8-thc-safe-1847680922).
*Originally published in 2020, this article has been updated periodically to reflect changing laws around the country. It was most recently updated in November 2024.*
The Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better?
Jordan Calhoun
Editor in chief
Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.
The Daily NewsletterReady to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.
Use this instead
By clicking Sign Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Service](https://www.ziffdavis.com/terms-of-use "(opens in a new tab)") and [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new tab)").
Emily Long
Emily Long is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City.
[Read Emily's full bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/emilyannlong)
More by Emily
***
[Wordle](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle)
[Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 16, 2026](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-16-2026)
April 16, 2026
[](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-16-2026)
***
[Wordle](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle)
[Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Wednesday, April 15, 2026](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-15-2026)
April 15, 2026
[](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-15-2026)
***
Joel Cunningham
Deputy Editor
Covering e-readers, social media, entertainment, and more.
[Read Joel's full bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/joelcunningham)
More by Joel
***
[Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech)
[This Dual Screen E-Ink/LCD Smartphone Is One of the Most Ill-Conceived Tech Products of the Year](https://lifehacker.com/tech/bigme-dual-screen-e-ink-lcd-smartphone-ill-conceived)
April 13, 2026
[](https://lifehacker.com/tech/bigme-dual-screen-e-ink-lcd-smartphone-ill-conceived)
***
[Gaming](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/gaming)
[Roblox 'Plus' Is Here, but It's Only for the Hardcore Spenders](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/is-roblox-plus-worth-it)
April 10, 2026
[](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/is-roblox-plus-worth-it)
***
Related Articles
***
[](https://lifehacker.com/tech/chatgpt-can-still-give-legal-and-health-advice)
November 4, 2025
[Yes, ChatGPT Can Still Give You Legal and Health Advice](https://lifehacker.com/tech/chatgpt-can-still-give-legal-and-health-advice)
[](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-oled-tv-of-2025-is-500-off)
October 30, 2025
[The Best OLED TV of 2025 Is \$500 Off Right Now](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-oled-tv-of-2025-is-500-off)
[](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-soundbars)
August 7, 2025
[The Best Soundbars to Buy in 2025](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-soundbars)
[](https://lifehacker.com/roundup/best-video-doorbells)
July 23, 2025
[The Best Video Doorbells to Buy in 2025](https://lifehacker.com/roundup/best-video-doorbells)
[](https://lifehacker.com/)
Lifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005. Our mission is to offer reliable tech help and credible, practical, science-based life advice to help you live better.
- [Our Mission](https://lifehacker.com/our-mission)
- [Our Team](https://lifehacker.com/our-team)
- [Newsletter](https://lifehacker.com/newsletters)
- [Latest](https://lifehacker.com/latest)
- [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech)
- [Food](https://lifehacker.com/food-drink)
- [Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment)
- [Health](https://lifehacker.com/health)
- [Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home)
- [Relationships](https://lifehacker.com/relationships)
- [Deals](https://lifehacker.com/deals)
- [Hacks](https://lifehacker.com/hacks)
- [About Ziff Davis (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.ziffdavis.com/about "(opens in a new tab)")
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new tab)")
- [Terms of Use](https://www.ziffdavis.com/about/terms "(opens in a new tab)")
- [Advertise](https://www.ziffdavis.com/about/contacts "(opens in a new tab)")
- [Accessibility](https://www.ziffdavis.com/accessibility "(opens in a new tab)")
- [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https://dsar.lifehacker.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
© 2001-2026 Ziff Davis, LLC., A ZIFF DAVIS COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Lifehacker is a federally registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of Lifehacker. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.
- AdChoices Image  AdChoices
- [Better Business Bureau (BBB) Logo ](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/digital-media/ziff-davis-llc-0121-531/#sealclick "(opens in a new tab)")
- [TRUSTe Logo ](https://privacy.truste.com/privacy-seal/validation?rid=ce211316-dfd0-4abb-8bfb-9cb70de1e37c "(opens in a new tab)")
[Ziffmedia Logo](https://ziffmedia.com/ "(Opens in a new tab)")
[CNET Logo](https://www.cnet.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
[ZDNET Logo](https://www.zdnet.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
[PCMag Logo](https://www.pcmag.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
[Mashable Logo](https://www.mashable.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
[Askmen Logo](https://www.askmen.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
[ExtremeTech Logo](https://www.extremetech.com/ "opens in a new tab)")
[IGN Logo](https://www.ign.com/ "(opens in a new tab)")
[Speedtest Logo](https://www.speedtest.net/ "(opens in a new tab)")
 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Readable Markdown | [](https://lifehacker.com/)
Here are the states that allow medical weed, and the ones that have legalized recreational use.
and
November 6, 2024
Credit: Elena Scotti (Vectors: Shutterstock) / In-House Art
***
After a string of election cycles during which ballot measures and legislative efforts to legalize recreational cannabis expanded access to the drug to nearly half of the United States, progress towards legal marijuana hit a wall in 2024. [Ballot measures to legalize cannabis failed in three states](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-marijuana.html "open in a new window")—North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida (a majority of voters opted for legal weed in Florida, but the proposal fell short of the 60% approval needed to pass).
Elsewhere, proposals to legalize cannabis for medical use in Nebraska and establish a government board to regulate it both received overwhelming approval, but [face challenges in the courts](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/ "open in a new window").
Meanwhile, cannabis remains a Schedule I Drug at the federal level, despite [President Joe Biden's announcement back in May](https://x.com/POTUS/status/1791152464617431389 "open in a new window") that it would be reclassified to a Schedule III drug. In September, the Drug Enforcement Agency announced that [an administrative hearing on the reclassification is scheduled for Dec. 2 of this year](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/update-deas-efforts-reschedule-cannabis-what-you-need-know-2024-09-11/ "open in a new window"). Reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug would mark a major change in federal policy, but it is not the same as federal legalization. Instead, it would mean cannabis is no longer classed with more serious drugs in Schedule I (drugs considered to have "no medical use" and a high potential for abuse; examples include heroin and ecstasy). Schedule III drugs are considered to have [a mild to low risk of physical or psychological dependance](https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Adderall%2C%20and%20Ritalin-,Schedule%20III,but%20more%20than%20Schedule%20IV. "open in a new window").
While reclassification won't federally legalize the drug, nor change its legal status at the local level in states that have legalized medical or recreational use, it could [make it easier for scientists to research its benefits for medical use](https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2024/05/cannabis-reclassification.html#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Drug%20Enforcement%20Administration's,for%20rectifying%20drug-related%20wrongs. "open in a new window"), as well as allow business to claim more credits and deductions on their federal taxes.
## Federal policy is following public sentiment
[Biden's May announcement mirrors changing public opinion on the drug](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/10/24/marijuana-same-sex-marriage-legalization/ "open in a new window"), and follows a surge in state-level legalization efforts. A PEW research study published in March 2024 showed [88% of Americans support legalization for medical or recreational use.](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/05/donald-trump-marijuana-weed-cannabis-legalization-medical-recreational-election/75970501007/ "open in a new window") And for what it's worth, during his reelection campaign, Trump indicated he would potentially support federal legalization during his second term.
As of November 2024, 24 states have legalized cannabis for recreational use; cannabis (as opposed to THC-free CBD) is still (more or less) wholly illegal in 11 states, while the remaining 15 allow for legal medical use, with varying restrictions.
Here’s a rundown of where weed is legal for recreational and medical use (and where it isn’t) as of May 2024.
## States that legalized weed in 2024
- **Nebraska:** Two ballot measures, one to legalize medical cannabis and one to create a government commission to regulate it, [passed with more than 65% voter approval during the 2024 presidential election](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-marijuana.html "open in a new window"). However, they currently face court challenges due to the way signatures were collected [to get those measures onto the ballot](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/11/06/medical-cannabis-prevails-at-nebraskas-ballot-box-but-fate-depends-on-legal-challenges/ "open in a new window").
## States that have legalized recreational cannabis as of November 2024
[In 24 states](https://www.mpp.org/states/ "open in a new window"), including 2023's new additions, weed is treated like alcohol—it’s legal for adults (21 and over) to purchase and is regulated and taxed by the government. The specifics of what you can purchase and possess (and where) vary a bit by state. These states also have medical cannabis.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Recreational weed is also legal in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
## Areas that have legal weed but no sales
In the District of Columbia, it’s legal to possess and grow limited amounts of weed, but there are [no commercial sales outside of medical cannabis](https://www.mpp.org/states/district-of-columbia/ "open in a new window") from a limited number of licensed dispensaries.
## States that have medical cannabis laws as of November 2024
A number of states have legalized medical cannabis but do not allow broader recreational use.
53
What do you think so far?
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Hawaii\*
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Minnesota\*
- New Hampshire\*
- North Dakota\*
- South Dakota
- Nebraska\*\*
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- West Virginia
\*According to the Marijuana Policy Project, these states have also decriminalized cannabis, reducing or removing jail time for possession of limited amounts of weed.
\*\*Currently facing court challenges
## States that have (almost) nothing
The remaining states do not permit broad medical or recreational cannabis—nor is weed decriminalized—though all except for Idaho allow access to low-THC products containing CBD for medical use (which, while technically “legal medical cannabis,” isn’t quite the same thing as a robust legal medical market).
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
## The legal status of hemp-derived cannabis
All of the above references cannabis containing delta 9 THC, the intoxicating substance naturally found in the cannabis plant. However, new extraction techniques have allowed manufacturers to create synthetic forms of cannabis derived from hemp plants, including [delta 8 THC](https://lifehacker.com/is-delta-8-thc-safe-1847680922) and, more recently, [THCa](https://lifehacker.com/hemp-delta-9-thc-explainer-1850794904).
These substances are federally "legal" [due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for the cultivation of hemp](https://mjbizdaily.com/hemp-derived-thc-producers-wary-of-us-farm-bill/ "open in a new window"). While some states have tried to rein in these products with local legislation, they continue to proliferate, providing a (more or less) legal alternative to tried-and-true cannabis—though the lack of regulations governing their manufacture [has raised questions about their safety](https://lifehacker.com/is-delta-8-thc-safe-1847680922).
*Originally published in 2020, this article has been updated periodically to reflect changing laws around the country. It was most recently updated in November 2024.*
The Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better?
 Jordan Calhoun
Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.
The Daily NewsletterReady to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.
More by Emily
***
[](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-16-2026)
***
[](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-15-2026)
***
Joel Cunningham
Deputy Editor
Covering e-readers, social media, entertainment, and more.
[Read Joel's full bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/joelcunningham)
More by Joel
***
[](https://lifehacker.com/tech/bigme-dual-screen-e-ink-lcd-smartphone-ill-conceived)
***
[](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/is-roblox-plus-worth-it)
*** | ||||||||||||||||||
| ML Classification | |||||||||||||||||||
| ML Categories |
Raw JSON{
"/Law_and_Government": 961,
"/Law_and_Government/Legal": 939,
"/Health": 483,
"/Health/Substance_Abuse": 370,
"/Law_and_Government/Legal/Legal_Services": 302,
"/Health/Substance_Abuse/Drug_and_Alcohol_Treatment": 257
} | ||||||||||||||||||
| ML Page Types |
Raw JSON{
"/Article": 996,
"/Article/News_Update": 768
} | ||||||||||||||||||
| ML Intent Types |
Raw JSON{
"Informational": 999
} | ||||||||||||||||||
| Content Metadata | |||||||||||||||||||
| Language | en | ||||||||||||||||||
| Author | null | ||||||||||||||||||
| Publish Time | 2024-11-06 23:00:00 (1 year ago) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Original Publish Time | 2024-03-08 15:12:02 (2 years ago) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Republished | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||
| Word Count (Total) | 1,696 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Word Count (Content) | 983 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Links | |||||||||||||||||||
| External Links | 54 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Internal Links | 71 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Technical SEO | |||||||||||||||||||
| Meta Nofollow | No | ||||||||||||||||||
| Meta Noarchive | No | ||||||||||||||||||
| JS Rendered | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redirect Target | null | ||||||||||||||||||
| Performance | |||||||||||||||||||
| Download Time (ms) | 802 | ||||||||||||||||||
| TTFB (ms) | 761 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Download Size (bytes) | 42,534 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shard | 78 (laksa) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Root Hash | 12890689076636109878 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unparsed URL | com,lifehacker!/where-is-weed-legal-in-the-us s443 | ||||||||||||||||||