Where is Cannabis Legal? Our Guide to Cannabis Laws in the USA and Around the World

If you want to know, “Where is cannabis legal in the USA and elsewhere around the world?” look no further. This article shares the latest cannabis laws by state in the USA and the countries where cannabis is legal and decriminalized. We answer your frequently asked questions about marijuana legalization.

The worldview on cannabis shifts on a seemingly daily basis. While some countries pursue legislation to legalize, at least for medicinal use, others remain firm that marijuana and any associated products should remain illegal.

While there is a growing list of places where cannabis is legal, each location has its own rules. Some permit medical marijuana, while others have made recreational use legal. In some cases, possession of a small amount was decriminalized, meaning it isn’t fully legal, but those carrying amounts deemed within the “personal use” limits won’t face legal ramifications.

Adding to the complexity is the mish-mash of laws in the United States. Even though the federal government has a clear stance on the matter, states have been given some leeway, leading to a variety of laws that are only applicable if you don’t cross state lines.

Where is Cannabis Legal in the USA?

There are numerous cannabis-legal states. However, there are some states where medical cannabis is legal and some where recreational cannabis is legal along with its medicinal counterpart. Additionally, there are still quite a few where neither is legal.

By and large, states that allow medicinal cannabis use require the users to have a valid prescription from a medical professional. Without that prescription, you cannot legally consume cannabis for medical purposes or benefit from laws specifically associated with medicinal marijuana.

Recreational marijuana laws are a bit more varied. States may have varying age requirements or limits to how much a person can buy or carry. Additionally, they may restrict the form of cannabis, such as the sale or possession of cannabis products, like oils and edibles. Whether cannabis can be given as a gift may also be legally controlled.

It’s also important to note that the federal government still considers marijuana illegal, including for medicinal use. While states that choose to legalize have largely been left alone, each presidential administration can approach the situation differently.

In most cases, the federal stance doesn’t impact individuals who only possess enough for personal use. Growers and businesses that sell cannabis are more at risk of legal action. But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get in trouble, even in cannabis-legal states, so keep that in mind.

Cannabis Laws By State

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Alabama

Medicinal cannabis is legal.

Alaska

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. For recreational marijuana, a person must be at least 21. Additionally, each person can only transport up to an ounce at a time.

Arizona

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. For recreational marijuana, a person must be at least 21. Additionally, each person can only transport up to an ounce at a time.

Arkansas

Medicinal cannabis is legal.

California

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Adults aged 21 and up can use and carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana for recreational use. Additionally, they can purchase up to eight grams of cannabis concentrates, such as edibles or oils. Households can also grow up to six marijuana plants.

It’s important to note that not all cities or counties in California are recreational marijuana-friendly, potentially limiting the ability of businesses to sell recreational cannabis in the area.

Colorado

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. For adults who are 21 years old, the possession limit is currently set at 2 ounces. However, some cities and counties opted for more restrictive laws, though they kept recreational cannabis legal.

Connecticut

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Additionally, carrying up to 1.5 ounces or possessing up to 5 ounces is legal. Medicinal marijuana users can also have up to six total plants – three mature and three immature.

Delaware

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana has been decriminalized.

Florida

Medicinal cannabis is legal.

Georgia

Only CBD oil with less than 5 percent THC is legal, and only in the context of medical use.

Hawaii

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana has been decriminalized.

Idaho

Only CBD oil with less than 0.1 percent THC is legal, and only in the context of medical use.

Illinois

Medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal, limited to up to 1.1 ounces. Medicinal users can also have up to five plants for personal use.

Indiana

Only CBD oil with less than 0.3 percent THC is legal.

Iowa

Medicinal use is restricted to 4.5 grams of THC per patient per 90-day period.

Kansas

Cannabis is not legal for recreational or medicinal use.

Kentucky

Cannabis is not legal for recreational or medicinal use.

Louisiana

Medicinal cannabis is legal, but only in forms that are not smoked. Recreational marijuana has been decriminalized.

Maine

Cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational use. In Maine, adults aged 21 and up can possess up to 2.5 ounces and may have up to three mature and 12 immature plants.

Maryland

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana has been decriminalized.

Massachusetts

Cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational use. Massachusetts allows residents who are at least 21 to carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana and possess up to 10 ounces within their homes. Additionally, up to 6 to 12 plants can be in their home, depending on the number of adults in the household.

Michigan

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Adults who are at least 21 years old can carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, possess up to 10 ounces in their home, and grow up to 12 plants in their home.

Minnesota

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana has been decriminalized. Beverages or foods containing less than 5 mg of hemp-derived THC are also legal recreationally.

Mississippi

Medicinal marijuana is legal, and recreational has been decriminalized for the first offence.

Missouri

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana has been decriminalized.

Montana

Medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal. Adults can possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrates, and up to 4 plants per household are allowed.

Nebraska

Cannabis is not legal for recreational or medicinal use but is decriminalized for first-time offenders.

Nevada

Cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational use for adults aged 21 and up. Additionally, adults aged 21 and up can grow up to 6 plants per household.

New Hampshire

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana was decriminalized in amounts up to 0.75 ounces.

New Jersey

Medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal. Adults can possess up to 1 ounce.

New Mexico

Medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal. Adults can possess up to 2 ounces.

New York

Medicinal and recreational cannabis is legal. Adults can possess up to 3 ounces or 24 grams of concentrate for recreational purposes and up to 3 mature plants and three immature plants, with no more than 12 plants per household.

North Carolina

Cannabis is not legal for recreational or medicinal use, though it was decriminalized in amounts of 1.5 ounces or less.

North Dakota

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana was decriminalized in amounts of 0.49 ounces or less.

Ohio

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational was decriminalized, becoming a civil infraction.

Oklahoma

Medicinal cannabis is legal.

Oregon

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Residents aged 21 and up can carry up to 2 ounces of marijuana and possess up to 4 plants in their homes.

Pennsylvania

Medicinal cannabis is legal, and recreational marijuana has been decriminalized in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Rhode Island

Recreational and medicinal marijuana is legal, with the limit for recreational set at 1 ounce. Having up to 3 plants is also legal.

South Carolina

Only CBD oil containing less than 0.9 percent THC is legal.

South Dakota

Cannabis is legal for medicinal use.

Tennessee

Only CBD oil containing less than 0.9 percent THC is legal.

Texas

Only CBD oil containing less than 1 percent THC and at least 10 percent CBD is legal.

Utah

Medicinal cannabis is legal.

Vermont

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Adults who are a minimum of 21 years of age can carry 1 ounce of marijuana and may grow up to 2 plants for recreational use.

Virginia

Cannabis is legal for recreational or medicinal use, limiting possession to 1 ounce and restricting households to 4 plants.

Washington

Cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Anyone 21 and up can carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Growing is permitted in homes, but you must have a medical need for cannabis to qualify for the grower’s license.

Washington DC.

In the District of Columbia, adults at least 21 can possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana and give gifts of up to 1 ounce, as long as the gift isn’t in exchange for money, goods, or services.

West Virginia

Medicinal cannabis is legal.

Wisconsin

CBD oil for medicinal use is legal, and qualifying medicinal patients can have up to 12 plants.

Wyoming

Only CBD oil is legal.

Countries Where Cannabis is Legal

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If you’re wondering, “In what countries is cannabis legal?” you’ve come to the right place. Overall, cannabis is being legalized or decriminalized more often than ever before. While there is a distinction between those two approaches, most users won’t see legal penalties for having small amounts for personal use, even if cannabis isn’t fully legal.

Typically, in countries where possession is decriminalized, other actions, like growing marijuana or selling cannabis (and any products containing it), are still illegal, at least to a degree. If you intend to use it while traveling, you’ll need to explore the nuances of the local laws to ensure you won’t face any legal repercussions.

With that in mind, here are some counties where cannabis is legal or has been decriminalized to some extent.

Canada

As of October 17, 2018, cannabis is legal in Canada for both medicinal and recreational use. Those with a license can grow marijuana, making cannabis seeds legal for those with the proper authorization.

Mexico

While the answer to the question, “Is cannabis legal in Mexico?” is technically mostly a no, there are some situations where it has been decriminalized. If you have marijuana for private, personal use and in an amount of five grams or less, possession won’t land you in jail.

However, growing and selling marijuana are both still illegal.

Other Countries Where Recreational and Medicinal Cannabis Is Legal

• Georgia (though the sale of marijuana isn’t legal)
• Malta
• South Africa (though the sale of marijuana isn’t legal)
• Thailand
• The Netherlands
• Uruguay

Other Countries Where Medicinal Cannabis Is Legal

Many countries have chosen to legalize medicinal cannabis, at least to some extent. Some countries where medical marijuana is legal have also decriminalized marijuana, though that isn’t universally true. Countries in this category include, but are not limited to:

• Australia
• Argentina
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Chile
• Columbia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Ecuador
• Estonia (with a special permit)
• Finland
• Germany (with restrictions)
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Luxemburg
• Morocco
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Other Countries Where Cannabis Is Decriminalized

There are also other countries where cannabis isn’t technically legal, but it’s broadly decriminalized. However, there can be restrictions on the quantity a person is allowed to possess. Countries in this category include, but are not limited to:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Austria
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bolivia
• Dominica
• Moldova
• Paraguay
• Spain
• Slovenia
• Trinidad and Tobago

Traveling with Marijuana

While marijuana is legal in many states and countries, that doesn’t mean traveling with cannabis products is wise if you cross borders.

Within the US, marijuana laws vary, including when it comes to maximum allowed amounts and travel-related restrictions. Even if you’re crossing solely between cannabis-friendly states by car, you should research local laws to see whether having marijuana with you is permitted.

If you’re flying domestically, regardless of the point of origin and destination, traveling with marijuana isn’t typically permitted. The only exceptions are CBD oil that contains no more than 0.3 percent THC or products containing THC that are approved by the FDA.

When traveling internationally, even between two marijuana-friendly countries, you can’t bring cannabis products with you. Generally, crossing an international border with THC-containing cannabis products isn’t legal, regardless of whether you cross the border in a vehicle, on foot, or through an international flight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Cannabis

Should Cannabis be Legal?

There is still a significant debate regarding the legalization of cannabis, including both for recreational and medicinal purposes. However, there has been a notable trend toward making cannabis legal in states and numerous countries. Whether that means cannabis should be legal is hard to say, but things appear to be shifting in that direction.

Are There a Lot of Cannabis Legal Countries?

The number of cannabis-legal countries continues to grow. However, many nations are still against marijuana.

Are Cannabis Seeds Legal?

Many people wonder, “Are cannabis seeds illegal?” Generally, in states or countries where growing marijuana is legal, cannabis seeds can also be legal. However, those who wish to have seeds may need specific permits, and the licenses are usually oriented to businesses, so most individuals aren’t able to possess them. As a result, the answer to the question, “Is buying marijuana seeds legal?” is “it depends,” as the legality is based on licensing requirements and permitting within the area the seeds are purchased.

Is Cannabis Oil Legal?

If you’re wondering, “Is marijuana oil legal?” the answer varies depending on your location. In states or countries where cannabis is legal, cannabis oil is also typically legal. Outside of those areas, cannabis oil is illegal.

Where Is Marijuana Legal to Grow?

There are several states and countries where growing marijuana is legal, though others deem the activity illegal. Additionally, grows may be limited to a specific number of plants or could require licenses.

Is Cannabis Legal in the UK?

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK. However, recreational marijuana is not legal.

Is Cannabis Legal in Canada?

Yes.

Is Cannabis Legal in America (US)?

From the perspective of the federal government, cannabis is still illegal. However, many states have legalized it for medicinal or recreational purposes. This means the legality of marijuana in America is a gray zone, as the states that choose to legalize it are technically in conflict with federal law.

Is Cannabis Legal in Australia?

Medical cannabis is legal.

Is Cannabis Legal in France?

Yes, but only if the product contains less than 0.2 percent THC.

Is Cannabis Legal in Jamaica?

Possession of cannabis is decriminalized, so having quantities that fall within “personal use” carries no legal ramifications.

Is Cannabis Legal in Spain?

Possession of cannabis is decriminalized, so having quantities that fall within “personal use” carries no legal ramifications. Additionally, in Catalonia, smoking clubs are legal, providing users with a source of cannabis approved by the region’s government.