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Search by legal issue and/or location
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Learn about your stateâs 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:Â
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 asÂ
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.Â
Changes in theÂ
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 youâre looking toÂ
open a cannabis-related business
, are facingÂ
criminal charges
 related to marijuana, or wish to better understand marijuana regulations in your state, an attorney in your area can help.Â
In states that have legalized marijuana, consult with aÂ
business attorney experienced in cannabis business regulation
.Â
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, talk to aÂ
local criminal defense attorney
 as soon as possible.Â
No matter what your situation, an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights and interests.Â
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 â 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 inâstate (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 â 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 useâ
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 â 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
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5. State Marijuana Laws
# State Marijuana Laws
Learn about your stateâs 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 [FindLawâs 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 youâre 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 â 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 inâstate (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 â 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 â 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)
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**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 youâre 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 â 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 inâstate (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 â 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 â 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 |
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