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State-by-State guide: cannabis legalization across the USA in 2024

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Hello, brothers and sisters!

"God Jah is with us" — whether you're a supporter or opponent of Rastafarianism, cannabis, and everything associated with it, and you're planning a trip to the USA — this article is for you.

The team of journalists and analysts from the international travel publication The Wandered has gathered statistics for you on which states allow and which restrict cannabis consumption. Check where you're traveling so you can be fully informed of the rules in advance.


Cannabis Legalization by State:

State-by-State Guide: Cannabis Legalization Across the USA in 2024


State      | Cannabis Legalization Status

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Alabama     | Restrictions: Medical use only


Alaska      | Full legalization


Arizona     | Full legalization


Arkansas     | Restrictions: Medical use only


California    | Full legalization


Colorado     | Full legalization


Connecticut   | Full legalization


Delaware     | Restrictions: Medical use only


Florida     | Restrictions: Medical use only


Georgia     | Restrictions: Medical use only


Hawaii      | Restrictions: Medical use only


Idaho      | Prohibited: No legalization


Illinois     | Full legalization


Indiana     | Prohibited: No legalization


Iowa       | Restrictions: Medical use only


Kansas      | Prohibited: No legalization


Kentucky     | Restrictions: Medical use only


Louisiana    | Restrictions: Medical use only


Maine      | Full legalization


Maryland     | Full legalization


Massachusetts  | Full legalization


Michigan     | Full legalization


Minnesota    | Full legalization


Mississippi   | Restrictions: Medical use only


Missouri     | Full legalization


Montana     | Full legalization


Nebraska     | Prohibited: No legalization


Nevada      | Full legalization


New Hampshire  | Restrictions: Medical use only


New Jersey    | Full legalization


New Mexico    | Full legalization


New York     | Full legalization


North Carolina  | Restrictions: Medical use only


North Dakota   | Restrictions: Medical use only


Ohio       | Restrictions: Medical use only


Oklahoma     | Full legalization


Oregon      | Full legalization


Pennsylvania   | Restrictions: Medical use only


Rhode Island   | Full legalization


South Carolina  | Restrictions: Medical use only


South Dakota   | Prohibited: No legalization


Tennessee    | Restrictions: Medical use only


Texas      | Prohibited: No legalization


Utah       | Restrictions: Medical use only


Vermont     | Full legalization


Virginia     | Full legalization


Washington    | Full legalization


West Virginia  | Restrictions: Medical use only


Wisconsin    | Prohibited: No legalization


Wyoming     | Restrictions: Medical use only

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Full Legalization

Full legalization of cannabis means that both medical and recreational use of cannabis are allowed. Under this policy, adults (usually aged 21 and older) can use, purchase, and possess cannabis legally, but there are still specific regulations regarding where, how much, and under what conditions cannabis can be consumed, grown, and sold. Here are the typical guidelines:


1. Home Cultivation:

  • In many fully legalized states, adults are allowed to grow a certain number of cannabis plants at home.
  • Common limit: Often between 4 to 6 plants per household.
  • Some states require that plants be grown in a private, locked area out of public view.


2. Where to Smoke:

  • Cannabis consumption is generally prohibited in public places, including streets, parks, and restaurants.
  • Consumption is usually limited to private property or designated smoking lounges.
  • Some states may have exceptions for specific cannabis-friendly businesses, but public smoking is often strictly regulated.


3. Possession Limits:

  • Adults in fully legalized states can typically possess between 1 to 2 ounces (28 to 56 grams) of cannabis for personal use.
  • Some states allow possession of concentrates (such as oils and edibles) but have different weight limits.


4. Sales:

  • Cannabis can be sold legally only through licensed dispensaries or cannabis retail stores.
  • Retailers must adhere to strict state regulations, including quality control, taxation, and advertising limits.
  • Selling cannabis without a license is still illegal, and violations can result in fines or criminal charges.


Medical use only

Medical use only means that cannabis can only be legally obtained and used by patients with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider for specific medical conditions. Each state defines the qualifying medical conditions differently, but they often include chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, and PTSD. Here's what medical-use restrictions usually entail:


1. Home cultivation:

  • In some states with medical-only laws, patients or their caregivers are allowed to grow cannabis at home, but under strict limits.
  • Common limit: Around 4 to 6 plants, and only for the patient’s medical use.
  • Growing licenses may be required, and plants must be grown in a secure, private location.


2. Where to smoke:

  • Medical cannabis consumption is usually restricted to private property.
  • Public consumption is generally prohibited, and medical users are often required to use non-smokeable forms of cannabis (e.g., oils or edibles) in public.


3. Possession limits:

  • Medical users are typically allowed to possess larger quantities of cannabis than recreational users, often up to 8 ounces (226 grams) or more depending on the state and the patient's needs.
  • Patients might also be allowed to possess cannabis concentrates or other medical formulations.


4. Sales:

  • Medical cannabis is sold through licensed dispensaries that serve only medical patients.
  • Patients must have a medical cannabis card issued by the state, which verifies their eligibility.
  • The sale of cannabis to anyone without a valid prescription or card is still illegal.


Key differences between full legalization and medical use:

Aspect: full legalization vs. medical use only

  1. Who can use:
  • Full legalization: Adults 21+
  • Medical use only: Only patients with a valid medical prescription
  1. Home cultivation:
  • Full legalization: Allowed, usually 4-6 plants
  • Medical use only: Allowed for medical patients, similar limits apply
  1. Where to smoke:
  • Full legalization: Private property, some designated lounges
  • Medical use only: Private property, some restrictions on public consumption
  1. Possession limit:
  • Full legalization: 1-2 ounces (28-56 grams)
  • Medical use only: Often higher, sometimes up to 8 ounces (226 grams)
  1. Sales:
  • Full legalization: Through licensed dispensaries, taxed heavily
  • Medical use only: Through licensed medical dispensaries, no recreational sales allowed