Marijuana Laws by State 2026

States Where Recreational Marijuana Is Fully Legal

In some states, marijuana is legal for both recreational and medical use under state law. These states allow adults to purchase, possess, and use cannabis within regulated limits, typically through licensed dispensaries.

States where recreational marijuana is fully legal include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. While recreational use is permitted, each state maintains its own regulations regarding age limits, possession amounts, and distribution.

States With CBD-Only or Limited THC Laws

Some states permit only limited forms of cannabis use, typically allowing products that contain low levels of THC, such as CBD oil. These laws are generally more restrictive than full medical marijuana programs and are often intended for specific medical conditions.

States with CBD-only or limited THC laws include Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. In these states, broader recreational use remains prohibited, and access to cannabis products is tightly regulated, with restrictions on THC concentration and qualifying conditions for use.

States Where Marijuana Is Decriminalized

Some states have decriminalized marijuana, meaning that possession of small amounts is not treated as a criminal offense but may still result in civil penalties such as fines. Decriminalization reduces legal consequences without fully legalizing recreational use.

States where marijuana is decriminalized include Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and North Dakota. In these states, recreational marijuana remains illegal under state law, but enforcement for minor possession offenses is typically less severe than in states where it is fully prohibited.

States Where Marijuana Is Fully Illegal

In some states, marijuana remains illegal for both recreational and medical use under state law. In these jurisdictions, possession, sale, and use of cannabis are generally prohibited, and violations may result in criminal penalties.

States where marijuana is fully illegal include Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, and Wyoming. In these states, there are no comprehensive medical marijuana programs, and cannabis use is not permitted beyond very limited exceptions, if any.

Medical Marijuana Laws by State

Medical marijuana is legal in many U.S. states, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis for therapeutic use under state-regulated programs. These programs typically require certification from a licensed healthcare provider and may involve registration with a state medical marijuana system.

States where medical marijuana is legal include all states where recreational marijuana is fully legal, as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia. However, the scope of these programs varies, with differences in qualifying conditions, product types, and methods of access.