Cannabis Legalization by State

Whether you need cannabis for recreational or medical use, it is important to know if it’s legal in your state, and what the conditions are in terms of both possession and use.

Cannabis reform in the U.S. began in 1996 when California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. In 2012, Washington and Colorado broke new ground by legalizing recreational use.

Since then, cannabis laws have evolved rapidly across the country. Although cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis, and 39 states permit medical use.

So, where does each state stand in 2025? This article breaks down cannabis legalization by state, covering both recreational and medical laws, possession limits, and key legal requirements you need to know.

Cannabis Legalization Trends in the U.S.

Cannabis legalization trends in the U.S. have significantly developed over the last couple of years, and till today it is still changing. To get a clearer perspective, here’s the cannabis legalization trend in the U.S. throughout the following years.

   • 1973: Oregon becomes the first U.S. state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of up to 1 ounce (28.35 grams).

   • 1996: California is the first state to legalize the use of medical cannabis officially.

   • 2000-2008: Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Montana, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Michigan followed the legalization of medical cannabis.

   • 2010: Arizona legalized the use of medical cannabis.

   • 2012: Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize recreational cannabis.

   • 2014: Alaska, Oregon, and D.C. legalize recreational use.

   • 2015: Louisiana and Georgia legalized medical cannabis.

   • 2016: California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada legalized recreational cannabis, and Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota legalized medical use.

  • 2018: Vermont legalizes recreational cannabis.

  • 2019: Illinois legalizes adult-use cannabis through legislation, with social equity provisions.

  • 2020: Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota legalized recreational cannabis, and Mississippi approved medical cannabis. 

   • 2021: New York, Virginia, and New Mexico legalizes recreational use.

   • 2022: Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland legalize recreational cannabis

   • 2023: Delaware and Minnesota legalize the use of recreational cannabis, and multiple states introduced bills regulating hemp-derived THC (delta-8/delta 9).

   • 2024: Ohio legalizes recreational cannabis through voting.

Here’s the current position of cannibalization in the U.S. as of June 2025.

   • Recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states including D.C

   • Medical cannabis is legal in 39 state

   • DEA is reviewing rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III.

Voting arrangements are underway in Nebraska, North Dakota, Florida (retry), and South Dakota to legalize recreational cannabis.

Where is Cannabis Legal in 2025? (By State)

As of June 2025, cannabis is recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, and medical cannabis is legal in 39 states. Here’s an overview of cannabis legalization by state for both recreational and medical cannabis in 2025.

Recreational Cannabis

The table below features 24 states where recreational cannabis is legal as of June 2025.

Medical Use

The table below shows 39 states where medical cannabis is legal as of June 2025.

What are the Legal Requirements to Possess and Consume Cannabis in the U.S.?

When it comes to the possession and consumption of cannabis in the U.S., you need to abide by some important legal requirements for both recreational and medical use. This includes age requirements, proof of identification, and conditions for both public and private settings as follows.

Age Requirements

You need to be at least 21 years old to purchase, possess, and consume cannabis for recreational purposes in the 24 states where it’s legal. For medical purposes, you need to be at least 18 with a doctor’s prescription or a weed/medical marijuana card.

If you’re under 18, then you can only consume medical cannabis if it’s prescribed by a physician with the consent of your parents or through a designated caregiver.

Proof of Identification

It is a legal requirement for cannabis dispensaries to verify your age and identity before allowing any purchase. So, you must show a government-issued ID, such as:

   • State-issued ID Card

   • Driver’s License

   • Passport

   • Military ID

Where It’s Legal to Consume Cannabis (Private vs. Public Use)

While many states now allow the possession and consumption of cannabis, it is still not allowed to openly carry them or consume cannabis publicly. You need to carry cannabis in a sealed container, packaging or a bag to ensure that it doesn’t appear openly visible or its fragrance doesn’t get noticed in public.

Also, it’s essential to keep in mind that the use or consumption of cannabis is strictly prohibited in public unless the premises are designated for the public consumption of cannabis.

So, in most states where cannabis is cannabis is legal, you can only consume it in a private, and personal space. It can be your home, or a cafe where smoking cannabis is legally allowed.

It’s also important to note that carrying or smoking cannabis is still illegal under federal law. And that’s why you need to maintain some strict guidelines if you need to carry them across states.

Here are two detailed guides to understand the legal conditions to carry weed in public spaces such as airports or planes covering frequently asked questions such as Can I Bring Pre-Rolls on a Plane, and Can You Take a Weed Vape on a Plane.

Cannabis Laws in Michigan: What You Need to Know

According to the Michigan Legislature, cannabis is still a Schedule I drug in Michigan. This means that although cannabis is legalized for recreational, and medical use, it is still legally treated as a highly addictive substance.

So, that’s why you can only purchase, possess, consume, and cultivate cannabis up to a certain legal limit. Plus, as it’s classified as a Schedule I substance, you can only consume it in a private space such as your home, or licensed establishments that specifically allow cannabis use.

If you live in Michigan, here are the key legal requirements for using cannabis responsibly and lawfully for both recreational and medical use.

Legal Conditions for Recreational Cannabis Use in Michigan

If you live in Michigan, here are the key legal requirements for recreational cannabis use.

   • Age requirement: You must be 21 or older to purchase, possess, or consume recreational cannabis.

   • ID verification: A valid government-issued ID is required for all purchases at licensed dispensaries.

   • Possession limit: Up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in public, or no more than 15 grams of cannabis concentrate, and 40 ounces of cannabis edibles.

   • Storage: Up to 10 ounces at home (must be locked/stored securely).

   • Cultivation: Adults over the age of 21 can grow up to 12 plants per household for personal use, and the plants must be grown indoors out of public view.

   • Consumption restrictions: Cannabis use is allowed only in private residences or licensed consumption

   • Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis is strictly illegal and treated similarly to DUI.

   • Sales: Only state-licensed dispensaries can sell cannabis.

Legal Requirements for Medical Cannabis Use in Michigan

If you’re located in Michigan, you must adhere to the legal requirements for medical cannabis use as follows.

   • Age: You need to be at least 18 years old with a valid prescription from a physician. If you’re under 18, you need parental consent, or the medical cannabis should be administered through a designated caregiver.

  • Residency: You must be a permanent resident in Michigan with a verified state ID.

   • Diagnosed with a Qualifying Health Condition: According to the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, you need to have the enlisted medical conditions to legally purchase and use cannabis for medical purposes, such as cancer, PTSD, Crohn’s, epilepsy, etc.

   • Medical Registry & Physician Certification: You need to have a MMMP (Michigan Medical Marijuana Program) registry card, also known as a weed card. Plus, it is also necessary to have physician certification, prescription, and relevant medical records.

   • Possession Limits: Up to 2.5 ounces per day, or equivalent quantity of cannabis products including 16 oz solids, 36 Fl oz liquids, or 7 g concentrates daily. Generally, it comes with a monthly cap of 10 oz flowers or 60 g concentrates.

   • Cultivation Rules: MMMP card holders can grow up to 12 plants in an enclosed facility (indoors or out of public view). A primary caregiver can grow up to 12 plants each for up to 5 patients, which is a maximum limit of 60 plants in total.

   • Caregiver Provisions: A registered caregiver can carry, grow and supply cannabis on behalf of their patient. It is mandatory for the caregiver to be a 21+ Michigan resident with no felonies in the last 10 years.

Explore Smilez Cannabis: Michigan’s Trusted Source for Premium Cannabis

Here in Michigan, it is legally mandatory to purchase cannabis from a registered dispensary, a regulation designed to protect your health and ensure product quality.

Cannabis obtained from unlicensed sources like street dealers may be contaminated with mold, pesticides, or synthetic additives, posing serious health risks. These poor-quality products can also lead to unwanted side effects or disappointing outcomes.

So that’s why it's important to shop from a reputable dispensary like Smilez Cannabis. Smilez offers a wide selection of tested and regulated cannabis products, including flowers, pre-rolls, weed vapes, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, CBD, accessories, and even trendy cannabis apparel.

Today, Smilez is recognized as a premier Michigan dispensary as it has partnered with leading brands to deliver premium cannabis at the most reasonable pricing. And, to make your shopping and recreational experience wholesome, Smilez offers exclusive daily discounts on every cannabis product.

Visit our website to explore, and place curbside orders at convenient locations in Michigan, or drop by our cannabis store located in Allegan, Burton, Quincy, Reading, Three Rivers, and Wayne.

The Bottom Line: Be Smart and Use Cannabis Legally

If cannabis is legal in your state, that’s a great opportunity to use it legally and responsibly. But that starts with understanding the laws where you live. To keep you aware of the cannabis laws in the U.S., this article provides comprehensive information starting from its first medical approval in 1996 to the growing trend of recreational use today.

Plus, you will also find a state-to-state breakdown showing where cannabis is legal for recreational and medical use to help you stay legally compliant. In contrast, so far cannabis has been legalized in 24 states for recreational use, and in 39 states for medical purposes.

FAQ

How many states in the US legalize cannabis?

Cannabis is legal in 24 states for recreational use and 39 states for medical use. The legalization and approval of cannabis is still an ongoing process with each state amending, and decriminalizing its use progressively over time.

What state has the loosest cannabis laws?

States that have the most lenient cannabis laws include Michigan, California, Nevada, Colorado, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Oregon.

Which states have recreational dispensaries open?

You will find recreational cannabis dispensaries in several states throughout the U.S. including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Is cannabis legal in 39 states?

Yes, as of 2025, medical cannabis is legal in 39 U.S. states. While not all states allow recreational use, many have approved cannabis for medical purposes to treat qualifying health conditions. Laws vary by state, so it's important to check local regulations for possession limits, patient eligibility, and cultivation rules.

How many states can you grow cannabis in? 

You can legally grow cannabis for recreational use in 20 U.S. states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

In addition, several states allow cultivation only for medical use, including Hawaii, Illinois, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Washington, New Jersey, Delaware, Utah, Georgia, and Iowa.