Cannabis-Legal States List

Below are lists of all 50 states that have, and have not, legalized recreational or medical marijuana and awareness of the position each state holds on cannabis.

Last Update: September 16, 2021

12 States Where Recreational Cannabis Is Legal And Are Selling It

8 States Where Recreational Cannabis Was Legalized, But Is Not Selling It YET

Connecticut – Adults over the age of 21 in Connecticut can have as much as 1.5 ounces in their possession and can transport up to 5 ounces in a locked trunk or glove box in their vehicle. They can also have as many as 5 ounces in a locked container in their home. However, dispensaries will not open in Connecticut at least until May 2022. It’s possible the date might be pushed back further as the state undergoes the rule of licensing retailers and cultivators.

Montana – Currently, adults 21 and over can possess no more than 1 ounce for personal use. Until January 1, 2022, growing your own marijuana in Montana is the only legal way to acquire it. ON January 1, 2022, dispensaries can begin selling marijuana recreationally.

New Jersey – The legalization measure was approved in November 2020. However, the people of New Jersey will have to be patient a little while longer for the opening of dispensaries. The commission must set a date within the next six months for legal sales to begin, according to the legalization law. Though, at the moment, nobody knows when that date will be.

New Mexico – New Mexico residents who are 21 and older are now allowed to possess and buy up to 2 ounces of cannabis, 16 grams of cannabis extract, or up to 800 milligrams of edible cannabis, in one purchase. They can also grow up to 6 plants per person or 12 plants per household without a permit. The cannabis plants must be grown discretely, meaning a neighbor cannot see a person’s cannabis plant maturing. Regulators are preparing to launch recreational marijuana sales in dispensaries next year. When next year is still yet unknown.

New York – New Yorkers can now possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana for recreational use or 24 grams if it comes in concentrated forms like oils. However, since many of the industry’s foundations will still need to be produced over the next year, dispensaries aren’t expected to open until more than a year from now.

South Dakota – Republican Governor Kristi Noem, a strong critic of legalization, is backing a lawsuit to overturn the voter-approved measure on constitutional grounds. The case is awaiting a state Supreme Court decision. That’s why South Dakotans cannot purchase recreational marijuana right now.

Vermont – Legislature legalized marijuana possession and to grow in small quantities for recreational use in early 2018, but the legislature is still working on bills that would constitute a retail policy. Supposedly, October 2022 is when retailers will start receiving licenses. Medical marijuana is legally sold in this state.

Virginia – It is now legal to possess up to four marijuana plants in Virginia , but it’s not legal to buy or sell plants or seeds. According to Jenn Michelle Pedini with NORML, the organization advocating for the legalization of marijuana, they are planning to lobby state lawmakers in the 2022 session to move retail sales up. Right now it’s set for January 2024.

17 States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal, But Not For Recreational Use

11 States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal, But With Severely Limited Access (Only State-Approved Conditions Under Doctor’s Recommendation Are Allowed)

3 States Where Cannabis Is Completely Illegal