Cannabis Laws By State in 2025: What’s Legal Where? [Updated Guide]

Cannabis laws by state vary dramatically across the United States, with 24 states and the District of Columbia now permitting recreational use as of April 2025. Meanwhile, 39 states allow medical cannabis use, creating a complex patchwork of regulations that can be confusing to navigate. This striking disparity means your cannabis experience depends entirely on your location, with some states embracing full legalization while others maintain strict prohibition.

The cannabis world has changed faster since Colorado and Washington made recreational marijuana legal in 2012. Two-thirds of Americans support legalization now, according to recent polls. The federal government might make a big change soon. The DEA plans to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which would mark the first time it acknowledges marijuana’s medical uses.

This piece will show you where weed is legal and how rules vary in states with legal cannabis. You’ll learn about states that joined the movement, like Ohio in 2023, and those that still oppose it. The guide explains different types of legalization – from full recreational access to medical-only programs, decriminalization rules, and complete bans. This updated 2025 guide gives you all the facts you need, whether you’re a casual user, medical patient, or just want to know more about the changing laws.

Cannabis Legal Categories in 2025

_{Image Source: Rolling Stone}

Understanding cannabis laws by state starts with knowing the five main legal categories that exist as of 2025. These categories determine what you can and can’t do in your state and the potential risks of possession or use.

Recreational Use

The most open category has states where adults 21 and older can legally buy and possess cannabis just for fun. Right now, 24 states and Washington, D.C. allow recreational marijuana. Almost half the country now accepts full legalization. Adults in these places can buy cannabis products from licensed dispensaries, though possession limits aren’t the same everywhere. Michigan lets adults carry up to 2.5 ounces in public, while Rhode Island allows one ounce in public and up to ten ounces at home.

The list of states with legal weed includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Ohio joined this group after voters said yes to Issue 2 in November 2023. Virginia legalized recreational use but still doesn’t have a system for regulated sales. This means you can possess it legally but can’t buy it commercially.

Medical Use

The second category has states with complete medical cannabis programs. By 2025, 39 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have put effective medical cannabis laws in place. Patients need specific qualifying conditions and a healthcare provider’s recommendation. Each state picks which medical conditions qualify for cannabis treatment. Pain, nausea, anxiety, PTSD, and several chronic conditions usually make the list.

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia only allow medical use. Most medical cannabis laws come with a patient registry. This registry can protect patients from arrest when they possess certain amounts for personal medical use. Research keeps backing up cannabinoid drugs’ value for pain relief, controlling nausea and vomiting, and boosting appetite.

Decriminalized States

The third category has states that removed criminal penalties for cannabis possession without making it fully legal. Decriminalization usually means you’ll pay a civil fine instead of facing criminal charges for having small amounts. 31 states and Washington, D.C. have either decriminalized or legalized cannabis possession. The substance isn’t legal in these places – you just face lighter penalties, usually fines instead of jail time.

North Dakota looked at a bill (HB 1596) that would drop the cannabis possession penalty from a possible $1,000 fine to just $150. Decriminalization sits between prohibition and legalization. It shows that criminal penalties might be too harsh for simple possession.

CBD-Only States

The fourth category has states that only allow CBD products with small amounts of THC. Nine states let people use low-THC, high-CBD products for specific medical conditions. Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin fall into this group. These laws keep THC levels very low (usually 0.3-0.5%) but allow CBD for certain medical uses.

Each state’s CBD laws work differently. Iowa, Georgia, and Texas have stricter rules about distributing cannabis-based products with lower THC content that are still illegal federally. People can get oils, sprays, gummies, and other non-smoking products.

Fully Illegal States

The fifth category has states where cannabis remains completely banned. As of 2025, cannabis is fully illegal in only 4-5 states: Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, and Wyoming. These states can punish you criminally for having any amount. Anyone asking “is marijuanas legalized in Kansas?” should know it’s still illegal there. Yet 73% of Kansas voters want qualifying patients to have access to medical cannabis, according to an October 2024 poll.

Idaho leads these holdouts with some of the country’s toughest cannabis laws. South Carolina keeps all forms of cannabis illegal even though nearby states have more modern policies. These fully illegal states often sit right next to states with complete medical or recreational programs, creating sharp differences across state lines.

What States Is Weed Legal In for Recreational Use?

_{Image Source: Cover Cannabis}

The recreational cannabis world has changed dramatically over the last several years. Almost half the country now allows adult-use marijuana. Right now, 24 states plus Washington, D.C. let adults 21 and older use recreational cannabis legally. Public attitudes have changed, and cannabis laws by state show remarkable progress.

States with full recreational legalization

People often ask what states is weed legal in for recreational use. The list has Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Washington D.C. also lets adults use marijuana legally.

Adults in these places can buy cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. Rules differ between states. Most states with legal weed let people grow cannabis at home. All but four of these states – Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington state – allow personal cultivation. These differences show how each state creates its own unique rules.

Virginia stands out among states with legal weed. Adults 21 and older can possess and grow cannabis, but the state doesn’t have legal sales. This puts Virginians in a strange position – they can have cannabis but can’t legally buy it in their state. The cannabis laws in Virginia stay this way because of a 2021 law that needed more action. Political changes stopped the creation of a legal marketplace.

Recent additions in 2024 and 2025

Ohio joined the list of recreational states with legal weed after voters said yes to Issue 2 in November 2023. This made Ohio the 24th state to legalize recreational cannabis, not counting D.C.

The path hit some bumps in 2024. Voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota rejected legalization. These results prove that even as more states support legalization, success isn’t guaranteed.

The 2025 outlook seems promising for some states. Pennsylvania and Hawaii lead the pack as likely candidates. Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro pushed for legalization during his February 2025 budget speech. He said taxation and regulation are “long overdue”. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania work together on this issue.

Hawaii presents an interesting case. It remains the only state with complete Democratic control that hasn’t legalized recreational cannabis. The Hawaii House delayed a legalization bill in February 2025, but similar legislation lives on in the Senate.

New Hampshire deserves attention too. The House passed a legalization bill in February 2025, though the governor opposes it. Wisconsin shows promise as well. A recent poll shows 63% of registered voters support adult-use cannabis legalization.

These new states with legal weed show how cannabis laws by state keep changing across America. Each state finds its own way to handle rules, taxes, and implementation.

States with Legal Weed for Medical Use Only

_{Image Source: Cannabis Business Times}

Medical cannabis programs operate separately from recreational legalization in 12 states where cannabis laws by state only allow therapeutic use. Right now, 39 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow medical cannabis products. This medical-only system serves as a middle ground in states with legal weed across America.

Overview of medical-only states

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have medical-only jurisdictions. These states have complete medical frameworks but don’t allow recreational use. Their programs share common features while each state keeps its own rules.

Getting access to medical cannabis takes several steps. You need a doctor’s certification that proves you have a qualifying condition. Then you must sign up with state programs. Application fees range from USD 1.00 to USD 300.00. To name just one example, see the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina – they charge residents USD 100.00 for a medical cannabis card. Enrolled tribal members pay less at USD 50.00.

Each state has its own rules about how much you can buy. Medical cannabis states use either weight limits or doctor-set “day” limits. States like Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia let doctors set these limits instead of using standard weight rules. This means patient access varies a lot between regions.

Besides complete programs, nine states only allow “low-THC, high-cannabidiol” products for specific medical needs. These limited programs focus on CBD products that have very little THC. States like Georgia and Kansas allow cannabis products with up to 5% THC content.

THC limits and qualifying conditions

Medical-only states have different qualifying conditions, but some patterns show up often. The most common conditions are:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chronic or severe pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Glaucoma

North Carolina has strict rules and only allows cannabis for intractable epilepsy. Their Epilepsy Alternative Act lets patients use CBD extract with less than 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD.

Purchase limits vary by a lot between medical states. The median allowed amount is 23.8 grams of THC from whole plant cannabis and 10.4 grams from THC products per 30-day period. In terms of standard 5mg THC doses, allowed amounts range from just 300 doses in Iowa to an extraordinary 152,410 in Maine. The median sits at 4,763 doses monthly.

Most states keep patient registries that protect you from arrest if you have authorized amounts. Each state runs things differently. Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and West Virginia don’t set specific weight limits – they let doctors decide instead.

The list of qualifying conditions keeps growing. North Carolina’s Senate Bill 711 might add ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and other debilitating conditions. Florida reviews new condition requests through their state oversight process.

As the federal government looks at changing cannabis classification, medical-only states face pressure to expand their programs or allow recreational use. The line between medical-only states and fully legal ones might blur as cannabis laws by state change through 2025 and beyond.

States Where Cannabis Is Decriminalized but Not Legal

Decriminalization stands as a middle ground in cannabis laws by state, offering a policy option between outright prohibition and full legalization. Seven states have adopted this approach. They removed criminal penalties for small amounts of cannabis while keeping it technically illegal. This balanced policy change shows evolving attitudes about appropriate penalties for personal cannabis use.

What decriminalization means

Legalization and decriminalization are different in several key ways. Decriminalization removes criminal sanctions for possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal use, while the substance remains prohibited. You won’t face jail time or a criminal record for first-time possession of small amounts – the penalties match those of a minor traffic violation.

“Decriminalization means no arrest, prison time, or criminal record for the first-time possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal consumption,” as defined by NORML. Legalization makes a previously banned substance fully legal under state law, and usually includes regulated sales and taxation systems.

These points highlight key aspects of decriminalized states:

• The substance remains technically illegal
• Civil fines typically replace criminal penalties
• Production and sale remain criminally prosecutable
• Larger quantities still bring criminal charges
• Police can still confiscate the substance

This policy gained momentum in the 1970s. Oregon became the first state to decriminalize in 1973, and Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, and Ohio followed in 1975. The National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse recommended decriminalization in 1972, stating that marijuana use did not cause physical or psychological problems.

Examples of decriminalized states

31 states and Washington, D.C. have either decriminalized or legalized cannabis possession. Seven of these states maintain decriminalization without full legalization. A look at specific cannabis laws by state reveals varied approaches:

Louisiana allows possession up to 14 grams (about half an ounce). Mississippi permits up to 30 grams, but only for first offenses. North Carolina has set more generous limits and decriminalized possession up to 42 grams (1.5 ounces).

Cannabis laws in Georgia present a unique case of localized decriminalization. Seven cities and two counties have implemented their own decriminalization ordinances while the state maintains prohibition. Atlanta, Clarkston, Forest Park, Savannah, South Fulton, Statesboro, unincorporated Fulton County, and Macon–Bibb County have adopted these measures.

States continue to reduce penalties further. North Dakota, which has decriminalized up to 14 grams, recently reviewed legislation (HB 1596) that would lower the penalty from a potential $1,000 fine to just $150. More than 100 localities in a dozen states have enacted municipal laws or resolutions that fully or partially decriminalize minor cannabis possession offenses.

The Marijuana Policy Project defines decriminalization as when a state “has enacted a law that imposes penalties other than jail time for possessing small amounts of cannabis, at a minimum, for a first offense”. Some states still classify cannabis possession as a crime but apply penalties other than jail time.

Public opinion about cannabis penalties continues to evolve, and decriminalization remains a significant milestone in the broader spectrum of cannabis laws by state across America.

States Where Cannabis Is Still Fully Illegal

Cannabis laws by state are changing rapidly across America, yet a handful of states still maintain full prohibition in 2025. The nationwide push toward legalization hasn’t convinced every state. Some jurisdictions still treat marijuana possession as a criminal offense that could land you in jail. These states have some of the strictest cannabis laws in the country and remain the last holdouts against legalization.

The exact number of states with full prohibition varies between sources, with estimates ranging between 4-11 states where cannabis remains completely illegal. Four states show up on every list of places where it’s illegal: Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, and Wyoming. These states lack both recreational and medical cannabis programs, leaving their residents with no legal way to access cannabis.

Is marijuanas legalized in Kansas?

The short answer is no – marijuana is not legalized in Kansas for any purpose. Kansas keeps strict prohibition laws and classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance under Section 65-4105 of the 2012 Statute. The state passed “Claire and Lola’s Law” in 2019, which offers some protection for people possessing CBD-rich oils with up to 5% THC. This law might prevent conviction but doesn’t stop police from making arrests or prosecutors from filing charges.

Kansas voters overwhelmingly support change, with 73% backing medical cannabis access based on an October 2024 poll. Legislative progress has hit a wall though. Republican Senate President Ty Masterson dismissed medical cannabis as a “nonstarter” in previous sessions, though he might think over “some type of pilot program”.

Kansas police made over 4,600 cannabis possession arrests in 2023. People caught with cannabis for the first time could face up to 6 months in jail and pay a $1,000 fine. Black Kansans are 4.8 times more likely to get arrested for cannabis possession than white residents, even though both groups use cannabis at similar rates.

Cannabis laws in Georgia and South Carolina

Cannabis laws in Georgia paint a complex picture. People often call it fully illegal, but Georgia allows CBD oil with less than 5% THC. The program has so many restrictions that marijuana policy experts don’t call Georgia a medical cannabis state. Several Georgia cities have made their own rules to decriminalize cannabis, including Atlanta, Clarkston, Forest Park, Savannah, South Fulton, Statesboro, and Macon–Bibb County.

Georgia state law still treats possession of 1 ounce or less as a misdemeanor with up to 12 months jail time and fines up to $100,000. Anyone caught with more than an ounce faces felony charges and 1-10 years behind bars. These tough laws lead to about 7,000 arrests each year for marijuana possession in Georgia.

South Carolina takes an even harder stance. The state bans all cannabis use and punishes offenders with fines up to $1,000 and jail time ranging from 30 days to six months. “Julian’s Law,” signed in 2014, allows limited use of low-THC CBD oils (less than 0.9% THC) for children with severe epilepsy. A promising medical cannabis program called the Compassionate Care Act cleared the Senate in February 2024 but failed to make it through House committee.

State-by-State Cannabis Laws Map [2025 Update]

_{Image Source: Cover Cannabis}

Interactive visualization tools make understanding cannabis laws by state substantially easier. The legal landscape in America changes faster than ever, and updated maps have become vital resources.

Interactive map overview

DISA offers one of the most detailed interactive maps that tracks what states is weed legal in as of 2025. Their tool updates monthly to show the latest regulations in all 50 states. Users can see five main legal categories: fully legal states, medical-only states, decriminalized jurisdictions, CBD-only regions, and states with complete prohibition. Each state’s specific laws appear when users hover over it on the map, which helps travelers and residents understand local regulations.

How to read the map

Cannabis maps use color coding to show different legal statuses. Dark green shows states where cannabis is fully legal (recreational and medical), while lighter green indicates medical-only jurisdictions. States with decriminalized cannabis appear in blue or purple, CBD-only regions in yellow, and fully illegal states in red. Some maps mark states with an asterisk (*) to show pending legislation that passed recently.

The states fall into these categories:

• Fully Legal: 24 states plus Washington D.C.
• Medical Only: 39 states have medical programs
• Decriminalized: 31 states have either decriminalized or legalized cannabis
• CBD with THC Only: 9 states allow limited THC products
• Fully Illegal: The remaining states maintain complete prohibition

Key changes from 2024 to 2025

Nebraska joined medical cannabis states through ballot measures that passed in November 2024, marking the biggest change between 2024 and 2025. Ballot initiatives for recreational legalization failed in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota during the 2024 elections.

The Department of Justice’s proposal from May 2024 suggested moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This reclassification acknowledges cannabis’s “accepted medical use” and lower abuse potential. Federal administration hasn’t interfered with state cannabis programs, but this rescheduling would transform national policy.

These interactive maps give clear answers to questions like “is marijuanas legalized in Kansas?” or “cannabis laws in Georgia” based on current legislation. The maps highlight how neighboring states often take vastly different approaches to cannabis regulation.

Special Cases: Territories, Tribal Nations, and D.C.

Cannabis laws reach beyond the 50 states into U.S. territories, tribal lands, and Washington D.C. Each region has created its own unique rules that differ from traditional states with legal weed.

Cannabis laws in U.S. territories

U.S. territories take different approaches to cannabis regulation. Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands now allow adults to use cannabis legally. American Samoa takes a much stricter stance. The territory is 5 years into mandatory minimum sentences for possessing any amount of illegal drugs, including marijuana that doctors prescribe elsewhere. People asking what states is weed legal in must look beyond state lines to understand these complex territorial rules.

Cannabis on tribal lands

Tribal nations face unique challenges with cannabis laws by state. Federal law still bans marijuana, and the Department of Justice can enforce these laws on tribal lands. This creates obstacles for groups wanting to join the cannabis industry, even when surrounding states have legalized it. About 60 tribal cannabis shops now operate across nine states, including California, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington.

Tribes can make their own rules about cannabis within their borders. Money creates the biggest hurdle. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act limits how tribes can use their casino revenue, which they often rely on for funding. Banks must also follow strict federal rules when working with marijuana businesses, making financial matters even more difficult.

Cannabis laws in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. stands out among cannabis laws by state with its unusual situation. Initiative 71 passed in 2014, letting adults possess up to two ounces and grow up to six plants, with only three mature at once. However, Congressional Republicans keep adding rules that stop D.C. from creating a regulated market for recreational sales.

This creates an odd scenario where people can possess cannabis but not buy it legally. D.C.’s adult-use marijuana market now relies on “gifting” services instead of licensed stores. Without proper oversight, illegal shops expanded rapidly until recent crackdowns began closing them.

Federal vs. State Cannabis Laws in 2025

The relationship between federal and cannabis laws by state creates one of the toughest challenges in marijuana regulation in 2025. A historic possible change in federal policy has sparked both enthusiasm and uncertainty among consumers and businesses that operate in states with legal weed.

DEA reclassification update

The Department of Justice released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on May 21, 2024. This notice aimed to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The Department of Health and Human Services backed this proposal by recognizing marijuana’s “accepted medical use” and lower abuse potential. The DEA hearing was set for January 21, 2025, but got delayed when parties filed an appeal. The process “remains pending” without a briefing schedule as of April 2025.

What Schedule III means

This new classification would put cannabis alongside ketamine, anabolic steroids, and Tylenol with codeine. These substances have “moderate to low physical dependence or high psychological dependence”. Cannabis businesses would see several key benefits:

• Tax deductions under IRS Code Section 280E would become available
• Banks, insurance, and financial services would be easier to access
• Medical research and development opportunities would expand
• Lower taxes would let businesses reinvest more money

The FDA would still need to approve marijuana drug products before they could cross state lines.

How federal law still applies

Marijuana would stay federally prohibited without a prescription, even after rescheduling. Schedule III status wouldn’t change the criminal prohibitions on manufacturing, distribution, and possession under the Controlled Substances Act. The Constitution’s Supremacy Clause makes federal law the “supreme Law of the Land,” which clashes with state legalization efforts.

States can work as “laboratories of democracy” because Congress never meant to override all state drug laws. The federal government usually stays away from state-legal cannabis activities unless federal interests come into play. This explains why is marijuanas legalized in Kansas remains vital despite changes in federal policy.

Conclusion

America’s cannabis laws create a complex web of regulations that differ from state to state. Twenty-four states and Washington D.C. now allow recreational use. Medical cannabis programs exist in 39 states. Each state has its own rules about possession limits, cultivation rights, and qualifying conditions. Your location determines your cannabis access, and neighboring states often take opposite approaches.

Federal policy stands at a vital turning point as the DEA looks at moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This change would recognize marijuana’s medical uses and reduce tax burdens for cannabis businesses. So, this move could alter the industry’s map without making cannabis legal at the federal level. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress, though state and federal laws will still clash.

You must know your state’s cannabis rules to stay safe and legal. Keep up with these fast-changing laws, especially if you travel between states. On top of that, watch for upcoming ballot initiatives and legislation in your area to prepare for changes. Note that following the rules in legal states protects you best from legal issues.