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URLhttps://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html
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Meta TitleState Marijuana Laws - FindLaw
Meta DescriptionState drug laws make it a crime to willfully possess, cultivate, manufacture, and/or sell illegal controlled substances. Choose a link from the list below for
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Find a Qualified Attorney Near You Search by legal issue and/or location Enter information in one or both fields. (Required) Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below. By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D. | Last reviewed January 21, 2026 The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors . We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area . Table of Contents:  General information on state marijuana laws Federal marijuana laws State marijuana law table Links to state-specific pages on marijuana law State and federal laws make it a crime to possess, cultivate, manufacture, and/or sell illegal controlled substances. In some jurisdictions, this includes marijuana. But, for several years state lawmakers have revised state marijuana laws to permit adult use of medical cannabis or adult recreational use of small amounts of marijuana. The federal government has generally not interfered with these state law changes. State laws on marijuana use can vary greatly, for example: 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. 13 states only allow medical marijuana use. In four states (Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, and Nebraska), marijuana is illegal. Some states permit residents to have cannabis plants in their homes. Others do not. In some states, the state legislature has initiated reforms related to marijuana use. In other states, voters passed ballot initiatives that decriminalized or legalized marijuana possession and cultivation. Early state legalization laws focused on approving medical use for cannabis products such as  CBD  oil (cannabidiol). These products most often do not contain the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana or contain only a very small amount of THC. Later cannabis laws expanded the type and amount of marijuana available for medical use. Recreational marijuana laws came about more recently. Washington state was the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2012. However, no state law legalizes marijuana use by minors (under 18 years of age). Federal Marijuana Law At the federal level, the President signed an executive order on December 18, 2025 directing federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III which is in progress and expected to change federal regulatory status in 2026.  Changes in the  scheduling of a drug can occur in one of two ways under federal law. The executive agencies that oversee the CSA can conduct an administrative review. Congress can also change the law, removing a drug from the schedules or revising its placement. This means that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and the legal effect will depend on DEA rulemaking. Need More Information? Whether you’re looking to  open a cannabis-related business , are facing  criminal charges  related to marijuana, or wish to better understand marijuana regulations in your state, an attorney in your area can help.  In states that have legalized marijuana, consult with a  business attorney experienced in cannabis business regulation .  If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, talk to a  local criminal defense attorney  as soon as possible.  No matter what your situation, an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights and interests.  Table: Marijuana Laws By State State Legal Status Year of Medical Marijuana Legalization (if applicable) Year of Recreational Marijuana Legalization (if applicable) Alabama Legal for medical use only 2026: No medical marijuana dispensaries are open as of January 2026. However, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued three dispensary licenses on January 8, 2026 and will consider issuing a fourth license when it meets on January 26, 2026. n/a Alaska Legal for recreational and medical use 1998 2014 Arizona Legal for recreational and medical use 2010 2020 Arkansas Legal for medical use only 2016 n/a California Legal for recreational and medical use 1996 2016 Colorado Legal for recreational and medical use 2000 2012 Connecticut Legal for recreational and medical use 2012 2021 Delaware Legal for recreational and medical use 2011 2023 (law took effect without signature or veto of the Governor) District of Columbia Legal for recreational use (up to 2 ounces) and medical use. Retail sales prohibited. 2011 2015 Florida Legal for medical use only In 2014: approved low-THC, high-CDB cannabis oil for certain conditions. In 2016: voter referendum expanded medical use n/a Georgia Legal for medical use — eligible patients may possess up to 20 ounces of low THC, high CDB oils In 2015: legalized possession of low THC oil. In 2023: After expansions of the law, the first dispensaries opened for business. n/a Hawaii Legal for medical use only 2000 n/a Idaho Illegal n/a n/a Illinois Legal for recreational and medical use 2014 2020 Indiana Illegal n/a n/a Iowa Legal for medical use of CBD oils (low THC only) 2014: CBD oils must contain less than 3% THC. 2020: the 3% THC limit was amended so that a medical marijuana patient may purchase CBD oils which contain up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. n/a Kansas Illegal. Only medical use of CBD oils with no THC allowed. 2018: Medical CBD oil with no THC was legalized. 2019: Law allows individuals with debilitating medical conditions to defend against charges brought for using physician-ordered CBD oils with THC concentration of 5% or less. n/a Kentucky Legal for medical use only 2025: Medical cannabis program allows qualifying patients to possess and purchase regulated medical cannabis products in‑state (with limits and a ban on smoking plant material). n/a Louisiana Legal for medical use only 2015: provided the framework for medical marijuana. 2019: dispensed by state-licensed dispensary for first time. 2020 and 2022: expansions of the law approved. n/a Maine Legal for recreational and medical use 1999; expanded in 2009 2016: referendum passed. 2020: state-regulated dispensaries became operational. Maryland Legal for recreational and medical use 2014 and 2017 (fully operational) 2023 Massachusetts Legal for recreational and medical use 2013 2016 Michigan Legal for recreational and medical use 2008 2018 Minnesota Legal for recreational and medical use 2014 2023 Mississippi Legal for medical use only 2022 n/a Missouri Legal for recreational and medical use 2018 2022 Montana Legal for recreational and medical use 2004 (original ballot initiative) and 2016 (updated ballot initiative) 2020 Nebraska Illegal n/a n/a Nevada Legal for recreational and medical use 2000 2016 New Hampshire Legal for medical use only 2013 n/a New Jersey Legal for recreational and medical use 2010 2021 New Mexico Legal for recreational and medical use 2007 2021 New York Legal for recreational and medical use 2014 2021 North Carolina Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with no THC only 2015 n/a North Dakota Legal for medical use only 2016 n/a Ohio Legal for recreational and medical use — however, some cities and towns have temporarily banned adult-use cannabis businesses 2016 2023 Oklahoma Legal for medical use only 2018 n/a Oregon Legal for recreational and medical use  1998 2015 Pennsylvania Legal for medical use only 2016 n/a Rhode Island Legal for recreational and medical use 2006 2022 South Carolina Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils and THC less than 0.9% only 2014 n/a South Dakota Legal for medical use only 2021 n/a Tennessee Legal for very limited medical use of CBD oils with 0.9% or less THC for specific conditions 2015 n/a Texas Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with THC up to 10mg per dose 2015, 2025 (expansion) n/a Utah Legal for medical use only 2018 n/a Vermont Legal for recreational and medical use 2004 2018 Virginia Legal for recreational use (up to 1 oz.) and medical use — but retail sales of recreational marijuana were rejected by governor veto in 2024 2020 2021 (possession and cultivation only) Washington Legal for recreational and medical use 1998 2012 West Virginia Legal for medical use only 2017 n/a Wisconsin Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with low THC only 2017 n/a Wyoming Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with low THC only 2015 n/a Was this helpful?
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(Required) Drug Crime in Beauharnois, Quebec ### Find a Lawyer More Options - [Name Search](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/name-search/) - [Browse Legal Issues](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/legal-issues/) - [Browse Law Firms](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/profile/lawfirm/a/1.html) - [Support](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/help/) 1. [FindLaw](https://www.findlaw.com/) / 2. [Learn About The Law](https://www.findlaw.com/law.html) / 3. [State Laws](https://www.findlaw.com/state.html) / 4. [State Criminal Law](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws.html) / 5. State Marijuana Laws # State Marijuana Laws Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below. By [FindLaw Staff](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html) \| Legally reviewed by [Jordan Walker, J.D.](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/jordan-walker-j-d/) \| Last reviewed January 21, 2026 ## Legally Reviewed *This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by [FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html) and in accordance with [our editorial standards](https://www.findlaw.com/company/company-history/editorial-policy.html).* ## Fact-Checked *The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our [contributing authors](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/contributing-authors.html). We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please [contact an attorney in your area](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/?fli=bylinelink).* **Table of Contents:** - [General information on state marijuana laws](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#General) - [Federal marijuana laws](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#Federal) - [State marijuana law table](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#Table) - [Links to state-specific pages on marijuana law](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#Map) State and federal laws make it a crime to possess, cultivate, manufacture, and/or sell illegal controlled substances. In some jurisdictions, this includes marijuana. But, for several years state lawmakers have revised state marijuana laws to permit adult use of medical cannabis or adult recreational use of small amounts of marijuana. The federal government has generally not interfered with these state law changes. State laws on marijuana use can vary greatly, for example: - 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. - 13 states only allow medical marijuana use. - In four states (Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, and Nebraska), marijuana is illegal. - Some states permit residents to have cannabis plants in their homes. Others do not. In some states, the state legislature has initiated reforms related to marijuana use. In other states, voters passed ballot initiatives that decriminalized or legalized marijuana possession and cultivation. Early state legalization laws focused on approving medical use for cannabis products such as [CBD](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476) oil (cannabidiol). These products most often do not contain the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana or contain only a very small amount of THC. Later cannabis laws expanded the type and amount of marijuana available for medical use. Recreational marijuana laws came about more recently. Washington state was the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2012. However, no state law legalizes marijuana use by minors (under 18 years of age). ## Federal Marijuana Law At the federal level, the President signed an executive order on December 18, 2025 directing federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III which is in progress and expected to change federal regulatory status in 2026. Changes in the [scheduling of a drug](https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-charges/drug-classifications.html) can occur in one of two ways under federal law. The executive agencies that oversee the CSA can conduct an administrative review. Congress can also change the law, removing a drug from the schedules or revising its placement. This means that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and the legal effect will depend on DEA rulemaking. ## Need More Information? Whether you’re looking to [open a cannabis-related business](https://www.findlaw.com/cannabis-law/starting-a-cannabis-business.html), are facing [criminal charges](https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-charges.html) related to marijuana, or wish to better understand marijuana regulations in your state, an attorney in your area can help. - In states that have legalized marijuana, consult with a [business attorney experienced in cannabis business regulation](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/cannabis-law/?fli=dcta). - If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, talk to a [local criminal defense attorney](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/criminal-law/?fli=dcta) as soon as possible. No matter what your situation, an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights and interests. ## Table: Marijuana Laws By State | State | Legal Status | Year of Medical Marijuana Legalization (if applicable) | Year of Recreational Marijuana Legalization (if applicable) | |---|---|---|---| | Alabama | Legal for medical use only | 2026: No medical marijuana dispensaries are open as of January 2026. However, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued three dispensary licenses on January 8, 2026 and will consider issuing a fourth license when it meets on January 26, 2026. | n/a | | Alaska | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1998 | 2014 | | Arizona | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2010 | 2020 | | Arkansas | Legal for medical use only | 2016 | n/a | | California | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1996 | 2016 | | Colorado | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2000 | 2012 | | Connecticut | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2012 | 2021 | | Delaware | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2011 | 2023 (law took effect without signature or veto of the Governor) | | District of Columbia | Legal for recreational use (up to 2 ounces) and medical use. Retail sales prohibited. | 2011 | 2015 | | Florida | Legal for medical use only | In 2014: approved low-THC, high-CDB cannabis oil for certain conditions. In 2016: voter referendum expanded medical use | n/a | | Georgia | Legal for medical use — eligible patients may possess up to 20 ounces of low THC, high CDB oils | In 2015: legalized possession of low THC oil. In 2023: After expansions of the law, the first dispensaries opened for business. | n/a | | Hawaii | Legal for medical use only | 2000 | n/a | | Idaho | Illegal | n/a | n/a | | Illinois | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 | 2020 | | Indiana | Illegal | n/a | n/a | | Iowa | Legal for medical use of CBD oils (low THC only) | 2014: CBD oils must contain less than 3% THC. 2020: the 3% THC limit was amended so that a medical marijuana patient may purchase CBD oils which contain up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. | n/a | | Kansas | Illegal. Only medical use of CBD oils with no THC allowed. | 2018: Medical CBD oil with no THC was legalized. 2019: Law allows individuals with debilitating medical conditions to defend against charges brought for using physician-ordered CBD oils with THC concentration of 5% or less. | n/a | | Kentucky | Legal for medical use only | 2025: Medical cannabis program allows qualifying patients to possess and purchase regulated medical cannabis products in‑state (with limits and a ban on smoking plant material). | n/a | | Louisiana | Legal for medical use only | 2015: provided the framework for medical marijuana. 2019: dispensed by state-licensed dispensary for first time. 2020 and 2022: expansions of the law approved. | n/a | | Maine | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1999; expanded in 2009 | 2016: referendum passed. 2020: state-regulated dispensaries became operational. | | Maryland | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 and 2017 (fully operational) | 2023 | | Massachusetts | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2013 | 2016 | | Michigan | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2008 | 2018 | | Minnesota | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 | 2023 | | Mississippi | Legal for medical use only | 2022 | n/a | | Missouri | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2018 | 2022 | | Montana | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2004 (original ballot initiative) and 2016 (updated ballot initiative) | 2020 | | Nebraska | Illegal | n/a | n/a | | Nevada | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2000 | 2016 | | New Hampshire | Legal for medical use only | 2013 | n/a | | New Jersey | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2010 | 2021 | | New Mexico | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2007 | 2021 | | New York | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 | 2021 | | North Carolina | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with no THC only | 2015 | n/a | | North Dakota | Legal for medical use only | 2016 | n/a | | Ohio | Legal for recreational and medical use — however, some cities and towns have temporarily banned adult-use cannabis businesses | 2016 | 2023 | | Oklahoma | Legal for medical use only | 2018 | n/a | | Oregon | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1998 | 2015 | | Pennsylvania | Legal for medical use only | 2016 | n/a | | Rhode Island | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2006 | 2022 | | South Carolina | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils and THC less than 0.9% only | 2014 | n/a | | South Dakota | Legal for medical use only | 2021 | n/a | | Tennessee | Legal for very limited medical use of CBD oils with 0.9% or less THC for specific conditions | 2015 | n/a | | Texas | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with THC up to 10mg per dose | 2015, 2025 (expansion) | n/a | | Utah | Legal for medical use only | 2018 | n/a | | Vermont | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2004 | 2018 | | Virginia | Legal for recreational use (up to 1 oz.) and medical use — but retail sales of recreational marijuana were rejected by governor veto in 2024 | 2020 | 2021 (possession and cultivation only) | | Washington | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1998 | 2012 | | West Virginia | Legal for medical use only | 2017 | n/a | | Wisconsin | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with low THC only | 2017 | n/a | | Wyoming | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with low THC only | 2015 | n/a | ## Learn More About Your State: Choose a link from the list below for state-specific laws on marijuana, including punishment for possession, sale, and trafficking. You can also visit [marijuana possession laws by state](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana-possession-laws-by-state.htmls-by-state.html "Marijuana Possession Laws") for more information. Show All States - [Alabama](https://www.findlaw.com/state/alabama-law/alabama-marijuana-laws.html) - [Alaska](https://www.findlaw.com/state/alaska-law/alaska-marijuana-laws.html) - [Arizona](https://www.findlaw.com/state/arizona-law/arizona-marijuana-laws.html) - [Arkansas](https://www.findlaw.com/state/arkansas-law/arkansas-marijuana-laws.html) - [California](https://www.findlaw.com/state/california-law/california-marijuana-laws.html) - [Colorado](https://www.findlaw.com/state/colorado-law/colorado-marijuana-laws.html) - [Connecticut](https://www.findlaw.com/state/connecticut-law/connecticut-marijuana-laws.html) - [Delaware](https://www.findlaw.com/state/delaware-law/delaware-marijuana-laws.html) - [Florida](https://www.findlaw.com/state/florida-law/florida-marijuana-laws.html) - [Georgia](https://www.findlaw.com/state/georgia-law/georgia-marijuana-laws.html) - [Hawaii](https://www.findlaw.com/state/hawaii-law/hawaii-marijuana-laws.html) - [Idaho](https://www.findlaw.com/state/idaho-law/idaho-marijuana-laws.html) - [Illinois](https://www.findlaw.com/state/illinois-law/illinois-marijuana-laws.html) - [Indiana](https://www.findlaw.com/state/indiana-law/indiana-marijuana-laws.html) - [Iowa](https://www.findlaw.com/state/iowa-law/iowa-marijuana-laws.html) - [Kansas](https://www.findlaw.com/state/kansas-law/kansas-marijuana-laws.html) - [Kentucky](https://www.findlaw.com/state/kentucky-law/kentucky-marijuana-laws.html) - [Louisiana](https://www.findlaw.com/state/louisiana-law/louisiana-marijuana-laws.html) - [Maine](https://www.findlaw.com/state/maine-law/maine-marijuana-laws.html) - [Maryland](https://www.findlaw.com/state/maryland-law/maryland-marijuana-laws.html) - [Massachusetts](https://www.findlaw.com/state/massachusetts-law/massachusetts-marijuana-laws.html) - [Michigan](https://www.findlaw.com/state/michigan-law/michigan-marijuana-laws.html) - [Minnesota](https://www.findlaw.com/state/minnesota-law/minnesota-marijuana-laws.html) - [Mississippi](https://www.findlaw.com/state/mississippi-law/mississippi-marijuana-laws.html) - [Missouri](https://www.findlaw.com/state/missouri-law/missouri-marijuana-laws.html) - [Montana](https://www.findlaw.com/state/montana-law/montana-marijuana-laws.html) - [Nebraska](https://www.findlaw.com/state/nebraska-law/nebraska-marijuana-laws.html) - [Nevada](https://www.findlaw.com/state/nevada-law/nevada-marijuana-laws.html) - [New Hampshire](https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-hampshire-law/new-hampshire-marijuana-laws.html) - [New Jersey](https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-jersey-law/new-jersey-marijuana-laws.html) - [New Mexico](https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-mexico-law/new-mexico-marijuana-laws.html) - [New York](https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-york-law/new-york-marijuana-laws.html) - [North Carolina](https://www.findlaw.com/state/north-carolina-law/north-carolina-marijuana-laws.html) - [North Dakota](https://www.findlaw.com/state/north-dakota-law/north-dakota-marijuana-laws.html) - [Ohio](https://www.findlaw.com/state/ohio-law/ohio-marijuana-laws.html) - [Oklahoma](https://www.findlaw.com/state/oklahoma-law/oklahoma-marijuana-laws.html) - [Oregon](https://www.findlaw.com/state/oregon-law/oregon-marijuana-laws.html) - [Pennsylvania](https://www.findlaw.com/state/pennsylvania-law/pennsylvania-marijuana-laws.html) - [Rhode Island](https://www.findlaw.com/state/rhode-island-law/rhode-island-marijuana-laws.html) - [South Carolina](https://www.findlaw.com/state/south-carolina-law/south-carolina-marijuana-laws.html) - [South Dakota](https://www.findlaw.com/state/south-dakota-law/south-dakota-marijuana-laws.html) - [Tennessee](https://www.findlaw.com/state/tennessee-law/tennessee-marijuana-laws.html) - [Texas](https://www.findlaw.com/state/texas-law/texas-marijuana-laws.html) - [Utah](https://www.findlaw.com/state/utah-law/utah-marijuana-laws.html) - [Vermont](https://www.findlaw.com/state/vermont-law/vermont-marijuana-laws.html) - [Virginia](https://www.findlaw.com/state/virginia-law/virginia-marijuana-laws.html) - [Washington](https://www.findlaw.com/state/washington-law/washington-marijuana-laws.html) - [Washington DC](https://www.findlaw.com/state/dc-law/district-of-columbia-marijuana-laws.html) - [West Virginia](https://www.findlaw.com/state/west-virginia-law/west-virginia-marijuana-laws.html) - [Wisconsin](https://www.findlaw.com/state/wisconsin-law/wisconsin-marijuana-laws.html) - [Wyoming](https://www.findlaw.com/state/wyoming-law/wyoming-marijuana-laws.html) Was this helpful? 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## Find a Qualified Attorney Near You Search by legal issue and/or location Enter information in one or both fields. (Required) Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below. By [FindLaw Staff](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html) \| Legally reviewed by [Jordan Walker, J.D.](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/jordan-walker-j-d/) \| Last reviewed January 21, 2026 ## *The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our [contributing authors](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/contributing-authors.html). We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please [contact an attorney in your area](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/?fli=bylinelink).* **Table of Contents:** - [General information on state marijuana laws](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#General) - [Federal marijuana laws](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#Federal) - [State marijuana law table](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#Table) - [Links to state-specific pages on marijuana law](https://www.findlaw.com/state/criminal-laws/marijuana.html#Map) State and federal laws make it a crime to possess, cultivate, manufacture, and/or sell illegal controlled substances. In some jurisdictions, this includes marijuana. But, for several years state lawmakers have revised state marijuana laws to permit adult use of medical cannabis or adult recreational use of small amounts of marijuana. The federal government has generally not interfered with these state law changes. State laws on marijuana use can vary greatly, for example: - 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. - 13 states only allow medical marijuana use. - In four states (Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, and Nebraska), marijuana is illegal. - Some states permit residents to have cannabis plants in their homes. Others do not. In some states, the state legislature has initiated reforms related to marijuana use. In other states, voters passed ballot initiatives that decriminalized or legalized marijuana possession and cultivation. Early state legalization laws focused on approving medical use for cannabis products such as [CBD](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476) oil (cannabidiol). These products most often do not contain the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana or contain only a very small amount of THC. Later cannabis laws expanded the type and amount of marijuana available for medical use. Recreational marijuana laws came about more recently. Washington state was the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2012. However, no state law legalizes marijuana use by minors (under 18 years of age). ## Federal Marijuana Law At the federal level, the President signed an executive order on December 18, 2025 directing federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III which is in progress and expected to change federal regulatory status in 2026. Changes in the [scheduling of a drug](https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-charges/drug-classifications.html) can occur in one of two ways under federal law. The executive agencies that oversee the CSA can conduct an administrative review. Congress can also change the law, removing a drug from the schedules or revising its placement. This means that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and the legal effect will depend on DEA rulemaking. ## Need More Information? Whether you’re looking to [open a cannabis-related business](https://www.findlaw.com/cannabis-law/starting-a-cannabis-business.html), are facing [criminal charges](https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-charges.html) related to marijuana, or wish to better understand marijuana regulations in your state, an attorney in your area can help. - In states that have legalized marijuana, consult with a [business attorney experienced in cannabis business regulation](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/cannabis-law/?fli=dcta). - If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, talk to a [local criminal defense attorney](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/criminal-law/?fli=dcta) as soon as possible. No matter what your situation, an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights and interests. ## Table: Marijuana Laws By State | State | Legal Status | Year of Medical Marijuana Legalization (if applicable) | Year of Recreational Marijuana Legalization (if applicable) | |---|---|---|---| | Alabama | Legal for medical use only | 2026: No medical marijuana dispensaries are open as of January 2026. However, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued three dispensary licenses on January 8, 2026 and will consider issuing a fourth license when it meets on January 26, 2026. | n/a | | Alaska | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1998 | 2014 | | Arizona | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2010 | 2020 | | Arkansas | Legal for medical use only | 2016 | n/a | | California | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1996 | 2016 | | Colorado | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2000 | 2012 | | Connecticut | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2012 | 2021 | | Delaware | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2011 | 2023 (law took effect without signature or veto of the Governor) | | District of Columbia | Legal for recreational use (up to 2 ounces) and medical use. Retail sales prohibited. | 2011 | 2015 | | Florida | Legal for medical use only | In 2014: approved low-THC, high-CDB cannabis oil for certain conditions. In 2016: voter referendum expanded medical use | n/a | | Georgia | Legal for medical use — eligible patients may possess up to 20 ounces of low THC, high CDB oils | In 2015: legalized possession of low THC oil. In 2023: After expansions of the law, the first dispensaries opened for business. | n/a | | Hawaii | Legal for medical use only | 2000 | n/a | | Idaho | Illegal | n/a | n/a | | Illinois | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 | 2020 | | Indiana | Illegal | n/a | n/a | | Iowa | Legal for medical use of CBD oils (low THC only) | 2014: CBD oils must contain less than 3% THC. 2020: the 3% THC limit was amended so that a medical marijuana patient may purchase CBD oils which contain up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. | n/a | | Kansas | Illegal. Only medical use of CBD oils with no THC allowed. | 2018: Medical CBD oil with no THC was legalized. 2019: Law allows individuals with debilitating medical conditions to defend against charges brought for using physician-ordered CBD oils with THC concentration of 5% or less. | n/a | | Kentucky | Legal for medical use only | 2025: Medical cannabis program allows qualifying patients to possess and purchase regulated medical cannabis products in‑state (with limits and a ban on smoking plant material). | n/a | | Louisiana | Legal for medical use only | 2015: provided the framework for medical marijuana. 2019: dispensed by state-licensed dispensary for first time. 2020 and 2022: expansions of the law approved. | n/a | | Maine | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1999; expanded in 2009 | 2016: referendum passed. 2020: state-regulated dispensaries became operational. | | Maryland | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 and 2017 (fully operational) | 2023 | | Massachusetts | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2013 | 2016 | | Michigan | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2008 | 2018 | | Minnesota | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 | 2023 | | Mississippi | Legal for medical use only | 2022 | n/a | | Missouri | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2018 | 2022 | | Montana | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2004 (original ballot initiative) and 2016 (updated ballot initiative) | 2020 | | Nebraska | Illegal | n/a | n/a | | Nevada | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2000 | 2016 | | New Hampshire | Legal for medical use only | 2013 | n/a | | New Jersey | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2010 | 2021 | | New Mexico | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2007 | 2021 | | New York | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2014 | 2021 | | North Carolina | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with no THC only | 2015 | n/a | | North Dakota | Legal for medical use only | 2016 | n/a | | Ohio | Legal for recreational and medical use — however, some cities and towns have temporarily banned adult-use cannabis businesses | 2016 | 2023 | | Oklahoma | Legal for medical use only | 2018 | n/a | | Oregon | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1998 | 2015 | | Pennsylvania | Legal for medical use only | 2016 | n/a | | Rhode Island | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2006 | 2022 | | South Carolina | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils and THC less than 0.9% only | 2014 | n/a | | South Dakota | Legal for medical use only | 2021 | n/a | | Tennessee | Legal for very limited medical use of CBD oils with 0.9% or less THC for specific conditions | 2015 | n/a | | Texas | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with THC up to 10mg per dose | 2015, 2025 (expansion) | n/a | | Utah | Legal for medical use only | 2018 | n/a | | Vermont | Legal for recreational and medical use | 2004 | 2018 | | Virginia | Legal for recreational use (up to 1 oz.) and medical use — but retail sales of recreational marijuana were rejected by governor veto in 2024 | 2020 | 2021 (possession and cultivation only) | | Washington | Legal for recreational and medical use | 1998 | 2012 | | West Virginia | Legal for medical use only | 2017 | n/a | | Wisconsin | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with low THC only | 2017 | n/a | | Wyoming | Legal for limited medical use of CBD oils with low THC only | 2015 | n/a | Was this helpful?
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