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| Property | Value |
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| Last Crawled | 2026-04-10 09:59:10 (1 day ago) |
| First Indexed | 2021-05-22 06:59:15 (4 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | The Most and Least Cannabis-Friendly States in America |
| Meta Description | Every state has its own cannabis laws, ranging from cannabis friendly to extremely restrictive. Here are the best and worst states for cannabis. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | An increasing number of states are legalizing cannabis, and voters are shifting to more positive attitudes towards the benefits of legalizing
the third most commonly used drug
in America, behind alcohol and tobacco.Â
You may wonder how cannabis-friendly your state is, or maybe you’re considering travel plans and want to be sure that you’re targeting states that are friendly to your lifestyle. This article will break down the current state of cannabis in the United States, and categorize all 50 states from friendliest to unfriendliest.
Most Cannabis Friendly States
|
Least Cannabis Friendly States
|
Recreational States
|
Medical States
|
Moderately Cannabis-Friendly States
|
States with CBD-Only Laws
STATE OF THE NATION
The laws surrounding cannabis in the United States change almost daily.
New cities, counties, and states are voting on and considering legislation that puts an end to costly prohibition enforcement and replaces unregulated markets with legal, regulated cannabis businesses that pay taxes and create jobs.Â
While 6 states hold firm on their stance against legalizing cannabis, there are 21 states where cannabis has become fully legalized with many others making major changes in reducing penalties and/or decriminalizing cannabis and cannabinoids, like CBD.Â
Below, we’ve grouped states based on an overall
cannabis-friendly ranking
from best to worst.
States in this ranking have legalized cannabis for medical use as well as recreational/adult use, and have implemented or are currently implementing systems for allowing legal cannabis consumption. Some states, like California, have gone a step further in establishing a framework for legal cannabis sales at consumption venues and events.
The best states for cannabis:
California
Nevada
Colorado
Massachusetts
IllinoisÂ
OregonÂ
THE LEAST CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES
The following states are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to cannabis-friendliness. They have no legal programs and have made no attempts to reduce penalties or fully decriminalize cannabis. Ideally, avoid these states if you’re affiliated with cannabis, as they are the most restrictive to cannabis culture.
The worst states for cannabis
Idaho
Kansas
South Carolina
WyomingÂ
STATES WITH LEGAL RECREATIONAL CANNABIS:
States in this category have legal medical and recreation programs as well as legal frameworks in place that allow for legal sales of cannabis to medical patients and adult residents.
States where recreational cannabis is legal:
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Illinois
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
MEDICAL STATES
With some states remaining on the fence in terms of the full legalization of cannabis, there is a majority rule when it comes to allowing the legal medicinal usage of cannabis.
Providing viable treatment for many medical conditions
for patients that qualify. These treatments can include pain management for conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis, ALS, and more.
If you are a medical patient in these states,
check to see what the reciprocity laws
are. Many states will honor medical cards and recommendations from other states with legal programs.Â
Medical States for Cannabis
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
ArkansasÂ
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
LouisianaÂ
MaineÂ
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
MississippiÂ
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North DakotaÂ
Ohio
OklahomaÂ
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South DakotaÂ
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
MODERATELY CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES
Many states are working their way towards fully legal cannabis frameworks, and they have to start somewhere. The following states were ranked as cannabis-friendly for medical patients, as well as have laws enacted that decriminalized non-medical, adult use and possession, but have not gone so far as to fully legalize recreational cannabis on a statewide level.Â
Moderate States for Cannabis
Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Louisiana
Minnesota
Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Utah
West Virginia
MarylandÂ
STATES WITH CBD-ONLY LAWS
As the name suggests, this category is for states without legal medical or recreational programs of any kind. These states may have reduced penalties for cannabis possession or consumption, and may also have CBD-specific laws on the state level that allow or specify what qualifies as industrial hemp and its derivatives. Exercise caution as a medical or recreational consumer in these states.
CBD-only states
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin
Kentucky
Reduced Penalties
Nebraska
North Carolina
THE CHANGING LEGALITY OF CANNABIS
It’s important to note that these laws are changing every day and this article should be considered an at-a-glance guide, rather than legal advice. As of February 2023, the data and laws referenced are accurate. Be sure to double-check
the laws in your state
or states you may be visiting for the most up-to-date laws, especially if you are
traveling with cannabis
. If you are traveling to Boston, be sure to visit our
East Boston dispensary
, located one mile from the Boston Logan International Airport. Or if you’re visiting Cape Ann a little farther north, our
Gloucester dispensary
is conveniently located two miles east of the MBTA Gloucester Station.
If you need help navigating the newly legal cannabis space, have questions about laws surrounding your use, or simply want to learn more about what a full-service cannabis company looks like in Massachusetts, complete our contact form to
schedule a consultation
.Â
To learn more about how cannabis interacts with the human body, be sure to read
The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Science
. |
| Markdown | 
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# The Most and Least Cannabis-Friendly States in America



[Home](https://www.happyvalley.org/) » [Resources](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/) » The Most and Least Cannabis-Friendly States in America
By Brianna Saputo
Brianna is a Marketing Associate at Happy Valley, writing about all things cannabis. She has a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and loves outdoors, boating and cooking. Her favorite products are Happy Valley Flower and Concentrates.
[Share](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyvalley.org%2Fresources%2Fcannabis-friendly-states%2F)[Tweet](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Most%20and%20Least%20Cannabis-Friendly%20States%20in%20America&url=https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/&via=HappyValleyMA)
An increasing number of states are legalizing cannabis, and voters are shifting to more positive attitudes towards the benefits of legalizing [the third most commonly used drug](https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts) in America, behind alcohol and tobacco.
You may wonder how cannabis-friendly your state is, or maybe you’re considering travel plans and want to be sure that you’re targeting states that are friendly to your lifestyle. This article will break down the current state of cannabis in the United States, and categorize all 50 states from friendliest to unfriendliest.
[Most Cannabis Friendly States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Most-Cannabis-Friendly-States) \| [Least Cannabis Friendly States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Least-Cannabis-Friendly-States) \| [Recreational States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Recreational-States) \| [Medical States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Medical-States) \| [Moderately Cannabis-Friendly States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Moderately-Cannabis-Friendly-States) \| [States with CBD-Only Laws](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#States-with-CBD-Only-Laws)
## **STATE OF THE NATION**
The laws surrounding cannabis in the United States change almost daily.
New cities, counties, and states are voting on and considering legislation that puts an end to costly prohibition enforcement and replaces unregulated markets with legal, regulated cannabis businesses that pay taxes and create jobs.
While 6 states hold firm on their stance against legalizing cannabis, there are 21 states where cannabis has become fully legalized with many others making major changes in reducing penalties and/or decriminalizing cannabis and cannabinoids, like CBD.
Below, we’ve grouped states based on an overall [cannabis-friendly ranking](https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state) from best to worst.
## **THE MOST CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES**
States in this ranking have legalized cannabis for medical use as well as recreational/adult use, and have implemented or are currently implementing systems for allowing legal cannabis consumption. Some states, like California, have gone a step further in establishing a framework for legal cannabis sales at consumption venues and events.
### **The best states for cannabis:**
- California
- Nevada
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Oregon
## THE LEAST CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES
The following states are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to cannabis-friendliness. They have no legal programs and have made no attempts to reduce penalties or fully decriminalize cannabis. Ideally, avoid these states if you’re affiliated with cannabis, as they are the most restrictive to cannabis culture.
### **The worst states for cannabis**
- Idaho
- Kansas
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
## STATES WITH LEGAL RECREATIONAL CANNABIS:
States in this category have legal medical and recreation programs as well as legal frameworks in place that allow for legal sales of cannabis to medical patients and adult residents.
### **States where recreational cannabis is legal:**
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
## MEDICAL STATES
With some states remaining on the fence in terms of the full legalization of cannabis, there is a majority rule when it comes to allowing the legal medicinal usage of cannabis.
[Providing viable treatment for many medical conditions](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/9-medical-uses-for-cannabis/) for patients that qualify. These treatments can include pain management for conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis, ALS, and more.
If you are a medical patient in these states, [check to see what the reciprocity laws](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-reciprocity/) are. Many states will honor medical cards and recommendations from other states with legal programs.
### **Medical States for Cannabis**
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
## MODERATELY CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES
Many states are working their way towards fully legal cannabis frameworks, and they have to start somewhere. The following states were ranked as cannabis-friendly for medical patients, as well as have laws enacted that decriminalized non-medical, adult use and possession, but have not gone so far as to fully legalize recreational cannabis on a statewide level.
### **Moderate States for Cannabis**
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Maryland
## STATES WITH CBD-ONLY LAWS
As the name suggests, this category is for states without legal medical or recreational programs of any kind. These states may have reduced penalties for cannabis possession or consumption, and may also have CBD-specific laws on the state level that allow or specify what qualifies as industrial hemp and its derivatives. Exercise caution as a medical or recreational consumer in these states.
### **CBD-only states**
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Kentucky
### **Reduced Penalties**
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
## **THE CHANGING LEGALITY OF CANNABIS**
It’s important to note that these laws are changing every day and this article should be considered an at-a-glance guide, rather than legal advice. As of February 2023, the data and laws referenced are accurate. Be sure to double-check [the laws in your state](https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state) or states you may be visiting for the most up-to-date laws, especially if you are [traveling with cannabis](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/traveling-with-marijuana/). If you are traveling to Boston, be sure to visit our [East Boston dispensary](https://www.happyvalley.org/locations/boston-dispensary/), located one mile from the Boston Logan International Airport. Or if you’re visiting Cape Ann a little farther north, our [Gloucester dispensary](https://www.happyvalley.org/locations/gloucester-dispensary/) is conveniently located two miles east of the MBTA Gloucester Station.
If you need help navigating the newly legal cannabis space, have questions about laws surrounding your use, or simply want to learn more about what a full-service cannabis company looks like in Massachusetts, complete our contact form to [schedule a consultation](https://www.happyvalley.org/contact/).
To learn more about how cannabis interacts with the human body, be sure to read [The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Science](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/ultimate-guide-to-cannabis-science/).
### More resources you may also like:
- [  Cannabis Infused Stir Stix Recipes for Fall](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/fall-stir-stix-recipes/)
- [  How to Use Happy Valley RSO for Pain](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/using-rso-for-pain/)
- [  Hash Rosin Gummies vs Distillate Gummies: What’s the Difference?](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/hash-rosin-gummies-vs-distillate-gummies-whats-the-difference/)
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ZypRun delivers only to the following locations:
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Grassp delivers only to the following locations:
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### Open 7 days a week
###
### Gloucester
### 10am–9pm
###
### East Boston
### 10am–9pm Sunday-Wednesday
### 10am–11pm Thursday-Saturday
###  Are you over 21?
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| Readable Markdown | An increasing number of states are legalizing cannabis, and voters are shifting to more positive attitudes towards the benefits of legalizing [the third most commonly used drug](https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts) in America, behind alcohol and tobacco.
You may wonder how cannabis-friendly your state is, or maybe you’re considering travel plans and want to be sure that you’re targeting states that are friendly to your lifestyle. This article will break down the current state of cannabis in the United States, and categorize all 50 states from friendliest to unfriendliest.
[Most Cannabis Friendly States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Most-Cannabis-Friendly-States) \| [Least Cannabis Friendly States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Least-Cannabis-Friendly-States) \| [Recreational States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Recreational-States) \| [Medical States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Medical-States) \| [Moderately Cannabis-Friendly States](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#Moderately-Cannabis-Friendly-States) \| [States with CBD-Only Laws](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/#States-with-CBD-Only-Laws)
## **STATE OF THE NATION**
The laws surrounding cannabis in the United States change almost daily.
New cities, counties, and states are voting on and considering legislation that puts an end to costly prohibition enforcement and replaces unregulated markets with legal, regulated cannabis businesses that pay taxes and create jobs.
While 6 states hold firm on their stance against legalizing cannabis, there are 21 states where cannabis has become fully legalized with many others making major changes in reducing penalties and/or decriminalizing cannabis and cannabinoids, like CBD.
Below, we’ve grouped states based on an overall [cannabis-friendly ranking](https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state) from best to worst.
States in this ranking have legalized cannabis for medical use as well as recreational/adult use, and have implemented or are currently implementing systems for allowing legal cannabis consumption. Some states, like California, have gone a step further in establishing a framework for legal cannabis sales at consumption venues and events.
### **The best states for cannabis:**
- California
- Nevada
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Oregon
## THE LEAST CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES
The following states are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to cannabis-friendliness. They have no legal programs and have made no attempts to reduce penalties or fully decriminalize cannabis. Ideally, avoid these states if you’re affiliated with cannabis, as they are the most restrictive to cannabis culture.
### **The worst states for cannabis**
- Idaho
- Kansas
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
## STATES WITH LEGAL RECREATIONAL CANNABIS:
States in this category have legal medical and recreation programs as well as legal frameworks in place that allow for legal sales of cannabis to medical patients and adult residents.
### **States where recreational cannabis is legal:**
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
## MEDICAL STATES
With some states remaining on the fence in terms of the full legalization of cannabis, there is a majority rule when it comes to allowing the legal medicinal usage of cannabis.
[Providing viable treatment for many medical conditions](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/9-medical-uses-for-cannabis/) for patients that qualify. These treatments can include pain management for conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis, ALS, and more.
If you are a medical patient in these states, [check to see what the reciprocity laws](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/cannabis-reciprocity/) are. Many states will honor medical cards and recommendations from other states with legal programs.
### **Medical States for Cannabis**
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
## MODERATELY CANNABIS-FRIENDLY STATES
Many states are working their way towards fully legal cannabis frameworks, and they have to start somewhere. The following states were ranked as cannabis-friendly for medical patients, as well as have laws enacted that decriminalized non-medical, adult use and possession, but have not gone so far as to fully legalize recreational cannabis on a statewide level.
### **Moderate States for Cannabis**
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Maryland
## STATES WITH CBD-ONLY LAWS
As the name suggests, this category is for states without legal medical or recreational programs of any kind. These states may have reduced penalties for cannabis possession or consumption, and may also have CBD-specific laws on the state level that allow or specify what qualifies as industrial hemp and its derivatives. Exercise caution as a medical or recreational consumer in these states.
### **CBD-only states**
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Kentucky
### **Reduced Penalties**
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
## **THE CHANGING LEGALITY OF CANNABIS**
It’s important to note that these laws are changing every day and this article should be considered an at-a-glance guide, rather than legal advice. As of February 2023, the data and laws referenced are accurate. Be sure to double-check [the laws in your state](https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state) or states you may be visiting for the most up-to-date laws, especially if you are [traveling with cannabis](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/traveling-with-marijuana/). If you are traveling to Boston, be sure to visit our [East Boston dispensary](https://www.happyvalley.org/locations/boston-dispensary/), located one mile from the Boston Logan International Airport. Or if you’re visiting Cape Ann a little farther north, our [Gloucester dispensary](https://www.happyvalley.org/locations/gloucester-dispensary/) is conveniently located two miles east of the MBTA Gloucester Station.
If you need help navigating the newly legal cannabis space, have questions about laws surrounding your use, or simply want to learn more about what a full-service cannabis company looks like in Massachusetts, complete our contact form to [schedule a consultation](https://www.happyvalley.org/contact/).
To learn more about how cannabis interacts with the human body, be sure to read [The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Science](https://www.happyvalley.org/resources/ultimate-guide-to-cannabis-science/). |
| Shard | 7 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 7433157657726928607 |
| Unparsed URL | org,happyvalley!www,/resources/cannabis-friendly-states/ s443 |