What States Have Legalized Marijuana for Recreational Use?

Marijuana legalization is gaining momentum across the United States, so you might be wondering, “What states have legalized marijuana for recreational use?”

Cannabis policies nationwide are unclear for many people due to conflicting state and federal laws. This guide focuses on marijuana legalization in the U.S. and will help clear up any confusion.

How Many States Have Legalized Recreational Marijuana Use?

There are only 17 states (plus the District of Columbia) that have legalized recreational marijuana use. In contrast, 35 states have medical marijuana programs for patients who obtain a medical marijuana ID card.

The other states currently adhere to federal law, stating that marijuana is a Schedule 1 classified drug.

With all of the confusing marijuana laws on the books, it’s understandable that you might not know which states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. And, it makes sense that you may be interested. After all, many Californians are planning on traveling or moving out of state soon.

What are the States’ Marijuana Programs?

Many people are interested in states’ marijuana programs. One of Google’s top search questions this year was, “What states have medical marijuana?” And, one of its most-searched phrases was ‘medical marijuana states.”

This is likely because people who can’t use recreationally in their state might want to get a medical marijuana card. This article, though, focuses on where you can use marijuana for recreation.

So, refer to this helpful recreational marijuana guide whether you’re traveling, moving, or simply curious.

• Alabama - ILLEGAL

• Alaska - RECREATIONAL

• Arizona - RECREATIONAL

• Arkansas - MEDICAL

• California - RECREATIONAL

• Colorado - RECREATIONAL

• Connecticut - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Delaware - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• District of Columbia - RECREATIONAL

• Florida - MEDICAL

• Georgia - MEDICAL

• Guam - RECREATIONAL

• Hawaii - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Idaho - ILLEGAL

• Illinois - RECREATIONAL

• Indiana - ILLEGAL

• Iowa - MEDICAL

• Kansas - MEDICAL

• Kentucky - MEDICAL

• Louisiana - MEDICAL

• Maine - RECREATIONAL

• Maryland - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Massachusetts - RECREATIONAL

• Michigan - RECREATIONAL

• Minnesota - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Mississippi - MEDICAL

• Missouri - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Montana - RECREATIONAL

• Nebraska - ILLEGAL

• Nevada - RECREATIONAL

• New Hampshire - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• New Jersey - RECREATIONAL

• New Mexico - RECREATIONAL

• New York - RECREATIONAL

• North Carolina - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• North Dakota - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Ohio - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• Oklahoma - MEDICAL

• Oregon - RECREATIONAL

• Pennsylvania - MEDICAL

• Puerto Rico - MEDICAL

• Rhode Island - DECRIMINALIZED, MEDICAL

• South Carolina - MEDICAL

• South Dakota - ILLEGAL

• Tennessee - MEDICAL

• Texas - MEDICAL

• Utah - MEDICAL

• Vermont - RECREATIONAL

• Virginia - RECREATIONAL

• Washington - RECREATIONAL

• West Virginia - MEDICAL

• Wisconsin - MEDICAL

• Wyoming - ILLEGAL

In the 15 states where marijuana is illegal, there are some exceptions for qualifying conditions.

To learn more about marijuana for medical or recreational use, stop by Foothill Wellness. We are happy to help you understand the differences and available products.