As of 2024, 24 states and the District of Columbia allow recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. Some of these states have no retail stores yet. Federal law still bans cannabis. The plant remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Legal states
These 24 states allow recreational cannabis: 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, and Washington. The District of Columbia also allows possession and use.
Retail sales are open in 21 of those states. Delaware, Minnesota, and Virginia have legalized possession but have not opened retail stores. The District of Columbia does not allow retail sales. It allows gifting.
Where Is Cannabis Legal? US Map Guide by State Type
Territories
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands have legalized recreational cannabis. Their rules differ from state rules.
Federal law
Cannabis is illegal under federal law. The Controlled Substances Act lists it as Schedule I. This means no federal medical use. It also means crossing state lines with cannabis is a federal crime. Federal land, such as national parks, follows federal law.
CBD is different
Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is legal under federal law. The 2018 Farm Bill made this change. But state laws on CBD vary. Some states allow CBD only with a doctor's note. Check your state rules before buying CBD.
Age and possession limits
All legal states set the minimum age at 21. Possession limits range from 1 ounce to 2 ounces of flower. Some states allow home growing. For example, Colorado allows up to 6 plants per adult. California allows up to 6 plants. Check your state's specific limits.
What to check
State laws change. New states may legalize. Some states may change possession limits. Check your state government website for current rules. Do not rely on older news articles.