Where is Cannabis Legal by State?

As of [update date], cannabis legality varies greatly by state in the United States. Below is a comprehensive guide to the status of cannabis legalization in each state, including medical and recreational use.

where is cannabis legal by state

Medical Cannabis by State

  • California: Medical cannabis has been legal since 1996.
  • Colorado: Legalized in 2000 for medical use.
  • Washington: Medical cannabis became legal in 1998.
  • Marijuana Legalization by State: Recreational and Medical Use

Recreational Cannabis by State

  • Washington, D.C.: Recreational use is legal.
  • Colorado: Recreational use became legal in 2012.
  • Washington: Recreational use started in 2012.
  • Oregon: Legalized in 2015.
  • Alaska: Recreational cannabis became legal in 2014.
  • California: Recreational use is legal.

States with No Legalization

  • Most other states do not have legal recreational or medical cannabis. These states include, but are not limited to, Alabama, Idaho, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Virginia.