Cannabis law in the United States is a patchwork. Each state sets its own rules, and they change often. In general, every state falls into one of four groups:
- Recreational (adult use) – adults 21 and over can buy and possess cannabis, within limits.
- Medical only – patients with a qualifying condition and a state card can buy from licensed dispensaries.
- Low-THC / CBD only – only products with very little THC are allowed, usually for specific medical conditions.
- Prohibited – no legal program; possession can bring fines or arrest.
Within each group, details vary: possession limits, whether you can grow at home, where you can consume, and how penalties work. Cannabis also remains controlled under federal law, which matters on federal land, at airports and when crossing state lines – even between two legal states.
Laws by state
Detailed state guides are being added. Choose your state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always confirm current rules with your state’s official sources.