As of December 2023, the landscape of cannabis legalization in the United States is varied and dynamic, with a growing number of states embracing both medicinal and recreational use. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the states that have legalized recreational and medicinal cannabis, as well as those that have made significant efforts towards legalization but have not yet succeeded.
States with Legal Recreational Cannabis
1. California
California was the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis in 1996 and has since legalized recreational use in 2016 with the passage of Proposition 64.
2. Colorado
Colorado made headlines as one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012 through Amendment 64. The state also has a robust medicinal cannabis program.
3. Washington
Alongside Colorado, Washington State legalized recreational cannabis in 2012 with Initiative 502. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 1998.
4. Oregon
Oregon legalized recreational cannabis in 2014 with Measure 91 and has had a medicinal program since 1998.
5. Alaska
In 2014, Alaska legalized recreational cannabis through Ballot Measure 2. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 1998.
6. Nevada
Nevada voters approved recreational cannabis in 2016 with Question 2. The state also has a medicinal program established in 2000.
7. Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis in 2016 with Question 4. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2012.
8. Maine
In 2016, Maine legalized recreational cannabis through Question 1. The state has had a medicinal cannabis program since 1999.
9. Michigan
Michigan voters approved recreational cannabis in 2018 with Proposal 1. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2008.
10. Illinois
Illinois became the first state to legalize recreational cannabis through the legislature with the passage of HB 1438 in 2019. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2013.
11. Vermont
Vermont legalized recreational cannabis through the legislature in 2018 with H.511. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2004.
12. Arizona
Arizona voters approved recreational cannabis in 2020 with Proposition 207. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2010.
13. New Jersey
New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in 2020 through Public Question 1. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2010.
14. Montana
Montana voters approved recreational cannabis in 2020 with Initiative 190. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2004.
15. South Dakota
South Dakota voters approved recreational cannabis in 2020 with Amendment A. However, legal challenges have delayed full implementation. Medicinal cannabis was approved through Measure 26 in 2020.
16. New York
New York legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 with the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2014.
17. Virginia
Virginia legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 with SB 1406. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2018.
18. New Mexico
New Mexico legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 with HB 2. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2007.
19. Connecticut
Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 with SB 1201. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2012.
20. Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalized recreational cannabis in 2022 with the passage of a legislative bill. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2006.
21. Missouri
Missouri legalized recreational cannabis in 2022 with Amendment 3. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2018.
States with Legal Medicinal Cannabis
In addition to the states mentioned above, several others have legalized medicinal cannabis:
- Arkansas (2016)
- Delaware (2011)
- Florida (2016)
- Hawaii (2000)
- Louisiana (2015)
- Maryland (2014)
- Minnesota (2014)
- North Dakota (2016)
- Ohio (2016)
- Oklahoma (2018)
- Pennsylvania (2016)
- Utah (2018)
- West Virginia (2017)
States Pushing for Recreational Legalization
1. Texas
Texas has made strides with decriminalization efforts and expanding its medicinal cannabis program, but recreational use remains illegal. Legislative efforts have fallen short, though public support is growing.
2. Florida
Despite having a robust medicinal cannabis program, efforts to legalize recreational cannabis have not yet succeeded. Advocacy groups continue to push for ballot initiatives.
3. North Carolina
North Carolina has seen increasing support for medicinal cannabis legalization, with recent legislative efforts gaining traction. However, recreational use is still a contentious issue.
4. Wisconsin
Wisconsin has legalized CBD oil for medicinal purposes and is seeing growing support for broader cannabis reform. Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis have faced significant legislative hurdles.
The cannabis legalization landscape in the United States is rapidly evolving, with a growing number of states embracing both medicinal and recreational use. As public opinion continues to shift and more states consider legalization, the cannabis industry is poised for further expansion and acceptance across the country.