Here is the most comprehensive breakdown of marijuana laws by state in 2020. But one may wonder why it’s important to have such a breakdown in the first place.
Here is the answer
Cannabis laws in the US are fluid, to say the least. They keep changing and varying between states and seasons. Admittedly, this breakdown may not be 100% accurate by the end of 2020 because some laws may have changed. However, knowing what applies now could keep you safe from the harsh penalties that come with breaking cannabis laws. In case you are not aware, ignorance of these laws is no defense!
As a general rule, it’s good to be aware that marijuana is illegal under federal law, in all the 50 states. At least that rule cuts across the board.Â
That aside, a total of 11 states and the district of Colombia have legalized recreational weed as of now. These are Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Even in these states, there are strict regulations governing how much weed one can purchase, carry, or store at a time. Other laws also govern the growing of cannabis for personal use. This shall be discussed later.
33 states have legalized medicinal cannabis while a total of 47 states have allowed some form of medical cannabis, even without full legalization. Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho have remained adamant and maintained punitive cannabis laws.
That said, we all know that the devil is in the details. So why not take a look at each of the 50 states' marijuana laws?
State By State Breakdown of Marijuana Laws
1. Alabama Marijuana Laws
Cannabis is illegal in Alabama. However, CBD oil for the treatment of intractable childhood seizures is allowed under Carly’s law.Â
2. Alaska Cannabis Laws
In Alaska, weed has been legalized for both medicinal and recreational use. The age limit is 21 years. Adults can possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants per residence.
3. Arizona Weed Laws
Weed has been legalized for medicinal use but not for recreational use. Surprisingly, licensed medicinal cannabis patients can grow their weed at home with a maximum limit of twelve plants.
4. Arkansas Medical Marijuana Laws
Medicinal cannabis has been legalized in Arkansas, but with very strict regulations. Recreational weed is yet to be legalized.
5. California Marijuana Laws
California is a pot paradise, having been the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis in 1996. Two decades later (2018), recreational weed was legalized. Adults can carry up to 1 ounce of weed and grow up to 6 plants for personal use.
6. Colorado Marijuana Laws
Following closely after California is Colorado which was the first state to legalize recreational weed. This state has a very vibrant cannabis community. Adults can carry up to 1 ounce of weed and grow up to six plants at home.
7. Connecticut Weed Laws
Medicinal cannabis patients can access weed in this state legally. Medicinal cannabis has been decriminalized but has not yet been legalized. Let’s see what 2020 brings for this state, but there’s reason to remain optimistic.
8. Delaware Cannabis Laws
Delaware has allowed medicinal cannabis for several conditions. Recreational weed has been decriminalized but is yet to be legalized. This is yet another state to watch in 2020; will Delaware legalize weed for adult use?
9. Florida Marijuana Laws
Florida has legalized medicinal marijuana. But when it comes to recreational weed, the laws are still stringent.
10. Georgia Cannabis Laws
Georgia has stringent cannabis laws, even though it has allowed medicinal cannabis. CBD oil with less than 5% THC is the only form of cannabis that has been accepted for medical use.Â
11. Hawaii Marijuana Laws
Medicinal cannabis has been allowed in Hawaii. Marijuana as a whole has been decriminalized.Â
12. Idaho Weed Laws
Idaho will not touch weed, not even with a ten-foot pole. Both medicinal and recreational weed is illegal.
13. Illinois Marijuana Laws
Illinois is a cannabis progressive state. In Jan this year, they became the 11th state to legalize recreational weed. Adults 21 and older can possess up to 30 grams of weed.
14. Indiana Pot Laws
In Indiana, you will not expect to find any medical marijuana dispensaries. However, CBD with less than 0.3% THC is allowed.
15. Iowa Weed Laws
Both medicinal and recreational weed is illegal in Iowa state.
16. Kansas Cannabis Laws
Medicinal cannabis has not yet been legalized in this state. However, there is a law that allows CBD if it contains a zero amount of THC.
17. Kentucky Weed Laws
Cannabis, in whichever form, is illegal in Kentucky.Â
18. Louisiana Pot Laws
Medicinal cannabis has been legalized in this state for the treatment of several conditions.
19. Maine Marijuana Laws
In Maine, adult-use cannabis has been legalized. Adults can carry 2.5 ounces of weed and grow up to six plants in private residences.
20. Maryland Cannabis Laws
Marijuana has been decriminalized but not yet legalized. Medicinal marijuana is allowed for several conditions.
21. Massachusetts Cannabis Laws
This is another pot paradise as rec weed has been legalized. Adults can carry one ounce and grow up to six plants at home.
22. Michigan Marijuana Laws
Recreational weed was legalized at the beginning of 2018. Adults can carry 2.5 ounces and grow 12 plants per household.
23. Minnesota Marijuana Laws
Medicinal cannabis has been legalized. However, smokable forms are not allowed.
24. Mississippi Cannabis Laws
Medicinal cannabis has been allowed for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. However, it should contain less than 0.5% of THC and contain at least 15% CBD.Â
25. Missouri Weed Laws
Though adult-use weed is still illegal, medical marijuana is legal and patients can easily access the products.
26. Montana Marijuana Laws
Montana has legalized medicinal cannabis and has a good number of cannabis dispensaries.
27. Nebraska Pot Laws
Cannabis is illegal for both medical and recreational use.
28. Nevada Marijuana Laws
Weed is legal for recreational and medicinal use. Adults may grow six plants per household and possess one ounce of weed. Â
29. New Hampshire Cannabis Laws
Medicinal marijuana has been legalized and patients can even grow some at home.Â
30. New Jersey Weed Laws
Medicinal weed has been legalized.
31. New Mexico Pot Laws
Medicinal cannabis has been legalized.
32. New York Marijuana News
NY has decriminalized weed, but full legalization is yet to take place. The medicinal cannabis program caters to a few conditions.
33. North Carolina Weed Laws
As much as medicinal cannabis has not been legalized, patients with severe epilepsy can access CBD treatment.
34. North Dakota Pot Laws
North Dakota allows marijuana for medical reasons.
35. Ohio Cannabis Laws
Ohio has decriminalized weed and legalized medicinal cannabis.
36. Oklahoma Marijuana Laws
Oklahoma has one of the most vibrant medicinal cannabis programs. Adult-use weed is illegal though.
37. Oregon Marijuana Laws
Marijuana is fully legal in Oregon. Adults may grow a maximum of four plants at home.
38. Pennsylvania Cannabis Laws
Medicinal marijuana has been legalized.
39. Rhode Island Marijuana Laws
Medicinal cannabis is allowed for the treatment of several conditions.
40. South Carolina Weed Laws
CBD oil has only been legalized for the treatment of severe childhood seizures. CBD oil has to contain less than 0.9% THC.
41. South Dakota Pot Laws
Weed, both medicinal and recreational, is illegal in South Dakota.
42. Tennessee Weed Laws
There are no cannabis dispensaries in this state, even though patients with epilepsy are allowed to use CBD with less than 0.9% THC.Â
43. Texas Cannabis Laws
Medicinal cannabis is legal, though it only covers a few severe conditions.Â
44. Utah MMJ Laws
Utah has a restrictive medicinal cannabis program which covers a few specific conditions.
45. Vermont Marijuana Laws
Marijuana is legal for adults over 21 years. However, adults have to grow their pot at home; a maximum of six plants per household.Â
46. Virginia Cannabis Laws
Weed for medicinal use is legal as long as it contains less than 5% THC.
47. Washington Cannabis Laws
Weed has been legalized both for medicinal and recreational use.
48. West Virginia Weed Laws
Medicinal cannabis is legal though it cannot be used in the flower/ plant form.
49. Wisconsin Weed Laws
Both medicinal and recreational weed is illegal in Wisconsin. However, patients may access CBD oil for treating seizures.
50. Wyoming Cannabis Laws
Wyoming has not legalized cannabis for medicinal or recreational use
Lastly, driving while under the influence of marijuana is outlawed in all the states. This, pretty much, is a comprehensive breakdown of marijuana laws by state in 2020.Â
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