Cannabis is legal for adults in 24 US states and Washington, DC, as of 2025. That is the short answer to where cannabis is legal in the US. Medical cannabis is legal in 38 states and DC, and CBD from hemp is legal under federal law with state limits.
Cannabis Legality Status in the U.S.: Federal and State Rules
Which States Allow Adult-Use Cannabis?
Adults can buy and possess cannabis without a medical card in these 24 states and DC:
- 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
- Washington
- Washington, DC
The list includes states where possession is legal but retail sales may not be open. Virginia is the main example: adults may possess small amounts and grow plants at home, but retail stores are not open across the state.
Which States Allow Medical Cannabis Only?
Another group of states allows cannabis for medical use but not adult-use sales. Examples include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia.
Is Cannabis Legal In the US? Federal and State Rules
Some of these programs are new or limited. Kentucky passed a medical law that launches in 2025. Alabama has a licensed medical program with tight rules. Check the state health department before you shop or travel.
Is CBD Legal in All 50 States?
Hemp-derived CBD is legal under federal law when the product contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. That rule comes from the 2018 Farm Bill.
State law can add limits. Some states require lab tests, age checks, or specific labels. A few states restrict certain CBD products or ban smokeable hemp. A CBD product that is legal in one state may not be legal in another.
For shoppers, the safe move is to buy from brands that post batch lab results (COAs). A COA shows cannabinoid levels and test results for pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
What About Canada, Mexico, and Other Countries?
Canada legalized cannabis for adults nationwide in 2018. Mexico legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, though retail sales remain limited. Uruguay legalized cannabis in 2013.
Many other countries allow medical cannabis or low-THC CBD. Some allow no cannabis at all. International travel rules are strict. Do not carry cannabis or CBD across a border without checking the destination country's law.
How Do State Cannabis Laws Differ?
Legal status is only one part of the rule set. States differ on possession limits, home grow, retail sales, taxes, and public use.
- Possession limits: Some states cap adults at 1 ounce. Others allow more.
- Home grow: Some states allow 2 to 6 plants. Others ban home grow.
- Retail sales: A state may legalize possession before stores open.
- Public use: Most states ban public consumption, even where cannabis is legal.
- Driving: Driving under the influence remains illegal in every state.
Local cities and counties can add rules too. A city may ban cannabis stores even when the state allows them.
How Can You Check Your State's Cannabis Law?
- Visit the state health department or cannabis control board site.
- Check possession limits, retail status, and home grow rules.
- Read the state hemp plan for CBD and delta-8 rules.
- Confirm local city or county rules before you buy.
State pages change as laws pass. A quick check before you travel or order CBD saves trouble.
What Does This Mean for CBD Shoppers?
CBD sits in a separate lane from state cannabis programs. Hemp CBD is legal under federal law, but state lawmakers can control how it is sold.
Before you buy, check three things: the state's THC limit, the product's lab report, and the seller's license. If you live in a state with strict hemp rules, buy from a seller that ships to your state and follows its labeling law.
Do not assume a product is legal just because it is CBD. Delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived cannabinoids face a patchwork of state rules. Some states ban them. Others treat them like cannabis.
Common Questions About Cannabis Legal States
Is cannabis legal in all 50 states?
No. Cannabis is legal for adults in 24 states and DC. Medical cannabis is legal in 38 states and DC. The other states allow no cannabis or only limited CBD programs.
Can I buy cannabis in a state where it is legal?
You can buy cannabis in a state with open retail sales if you meet the age rule, which is 21 in every adult-use state. You cannot carry it across state lines, even to another legal state.
Is CBD legal in states where cannabis is illegal?
In most cases, yes, if the CBD comes from hemp and stays under the federal 0.3% THC limit. State rules can still limit sales, labels, or certain product types.
Do I need a medical card to buy CBD?
No. Hemp-derived CBD does not need a medical card under federal law. Some states set age limits or require a doctor's note for certain products.