Marijuana laws in the United States vary by state, with some allowing recreational use, others permitting medical marijuana only, and a few maintaining strict restrictions. This page breaks down which states have legalized marijuana, how legalization differs by use type, and what current laws mean for residents and visitors. For a broader reference covering cannabis laws by location—including U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide—visit our Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
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What states is marijuana legal
As of May 2025, marijuana is legal in various forms—medical, recreational (adult-use), or both—in a growing number of U.S. states. However, legality varies significantly by jurisdiction.
Recreational Use Legalization
Recreational (adult-use) marijuana is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C. These include:
- Western states: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, and Montana
- Midwestern states: Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri
- Northeastern states: Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland
- Southern states: Virginia, Delaware
Voters in Ohio passed a recreational cannabis initiative in November 2023, and implementation is underway. Several other states are considering ballot initiatives or legislation in 2025.
Medical Use Legalization
38 states and several U.S. territories permit medical marijuana. In addition to the states listed above, others that allow medical use (but not recreational) include:
- Southern states: Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, and West Virginia
- Midwestern states: North Dakota, South Dakota (though recreational is under review), and Iowa (low-THC only)
- Others: Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Hawaii, and Utah
Medical marijuana programs typically require physician certification and registration with the state. Qualifying conditions vary by state.
Limited or Prohibited Use
States where marijuana remains largely illegal or highly restricted include:
- Idaho and Nebraska: No legal marijuana use (even CBD is heavily restricted).
- Texas, Georgia, and Indiana: Only low-THC products for limited medical conditions.
Federal Status
Despite state-level legalization, marijuana remains illegal federally under the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I drug. However, federal enforcement has generally been deprioritized in states with regulated programs.
Always consult local laws and regulations before purchasing or using cannabis, as laws are subject to rapid change.
