UPDATED October 24, 2020. This map breaks down the United States into the four simple marijuana policy categories: Legal (Recreational), Medical, CBD Only, and Prohibition. Hovering your mouse over a state will provide a popup with more detail on that state’s marijuana laws.
DISCLAIMER: These laws change frequently and are subject sometimes to interpretation (see notes below). I’m not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV.
Marijuana Possession (1oz Penalties): Is it legal for an adult 21 years of age or older to have an ounce or less of marijuana in their possession? If so, I’ll display how much marijuana is legal to possess. If not, I’ll describe what degree of criminal penalty applies for possession of an ounce and possible incarceration and fines. Note: For some penalties there are lower punishments for a first offense (1st) than second (2nd) or subsequent offenses.
Home Cultivation (4 Plant Penalties): Is it legal for an adult 21 years of age or older to cultivate cannabis plants at home? If so, I’ll display how many plants are allowed. If not, I’ll describe what degree of criminal penalty applies for cultivation of four plants and possible incarceration and fines. Note: Why four plants? Well, it’s the fewest allowed in a legal state (Oregon) and it gives me a weight number (4lbs or 1.8kg) to use for states that penalize by weight, not plant count. Yes, I assume your cannabis plants weigh a pound apiece. And in some cases, cultivation under a certain amount isn’t listed and is replaced by sales or possession penalties for that weight.
Adult Marijuana Sales (1oz Penalties): Is it legal for an adult 21 years of age or older to purchase marijuana in a regulated store? If so, I’ll describe what degree of criminal penalty applies for unlicensed sales on an ounce and possible incarceration and fines. Note: In some states, possession with intent to distribute or trafficking penalties are used when specific sales statutes don’t exist.
Medical Marijuana Possession: In states that have medical marijuana programs, how much marijuana can a patient possess?
Medical Home Cultivation: Are medical marijuana patients allowed to cultivate their own cannabis at home? If so, I’ll describe the limits that apply to that cultivation.
Medical Marijuana Sales: Is there a regulated dispensary system for medical marijuana patients? If so, I’ll describe the possession limits allowed for patients.
Honors Other States’ Medical Cards: Does a medical marijuana patient’s registry card from out-of-state protect that patient in this state. If so, I’ll describe what limitations may apply to that.
CBD Oil Tolerance: Does this state allow for the use of so-called “Low-THC/High-CBD” oil for medical purposes? If so, I’ll describe what counts as “Low-THC/High CBD” in that state.
Hemp Farming Legal: Does that state allow for hemp farming as permitted in the 2018 Farm Bill and, if so, how many acres are they farming?
