How Many States Is Marijuana Legal In

Number of States: 24 states + Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Adults aged 21 and older
Legal Activities:
- Possession of cannabis (within set limits)
- Purchase from licensed dispensaries
- Home cultivation (in most states)
Examples of States:
- West: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, Montana
- Midwest: Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota
- Northeast: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine
- South & East: Maryland, Delaware, New Mexico, Virginia

Number of States: 39 states
Eligibility: Patients with qualifying medical conditions (varies by state)
Access Requirements:
- Physician recommendation
- State-issued medical marijuana card
Common Approved Conditions:
- Chronic pain
- Cancer-related symptoms
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- PTSD and severe anxiety
Products Allowed:
- Flower, oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules (formulated differently in some states)

Status: Cannabis remains fully illegal
Number of States: Approximately 6–8 states
Characteristics:
- No recreational or medical programs
- Some allow only low-THC, CBD-rich products under limited conditions
- Strict penalties for possession and distribution
Examples: Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Indiana, Tennessee

Classification: Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act
Implications:
- No federal recognition of medical use
- Banking and interstate transport heavily restricted
- Conflicts with state laws continue
Possible Changes:
- Ongoing federal review could lead to rescheduling or de-scheduling, potentially transforming research access, banking, and federal oversight

In 24 states and Washington, D.C., marijuana is legal for recreational use.
In 39 states, medical marijuana is legal.
A minority of states maintain full prohibition
The federal government still classifies cannabis as illegal, but reforms are under discussion

This evolving legal environment reflects increasing public support for cannabis reform across the United States.

How many states is marijuana legal in