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420: The US states where marijuana is legal

Twenty-five U.S. jurisdictions have legalized the drug, while others have only decriminalized. If you’re traveling, make sure to avoid legal issues

A demonstrator waves a flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana, outside of the White House on April 2, 2016
A demonstrator waves a flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana, outside of the White House on April 2, 2016, in Washington.Jose Luis Magana (AP)

The 420 culture has been growing in the U.S. since California first legalized medical marijuana in November 1996. Later, Washington became the first state in legalize recreational cannabis on December 6, 2012, while Colorado opened the first legal marijuana store on January 1, 2014. Since then, more than 20 U.S. jurisdictions have legalized recreational marijuana and authorized sales, and medical marijuana is legal in most jurisdictions. Some have decriminalized recreational marijuana but consumption isn’t completely legal and several states still consider recreational use of cannabis as illegal.

It’s important to know the difference between the terms “legalized” and “decriminalized” to avoid legal problems related to marijuana use or possession. Legalization means that a substance is fully legal and regulated by the government. Decriminalization means that a substance is still technically illegal but the penalties for possession or use are reduced or eliminated. While some jurisdictions have completely decriminalized marijuana, some still have punishments on second offenses.

If you’re traveling withing the country and want to know if you’re allowed to carry marijuana, here’s the complete list of states and other jurisdictions that have legalized recreational cannabis. We also list the states where is decriminalized, where is completely legal, and where only medical marijuana is legalized.

States where recreational marijuana is legal

Alaska

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Illinois

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

Oregon

Rhode Island

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Joseph DuPuis, co-founder of Doc & Yeti Urban Farms, a licensed cannabis producer, looks out at marijuana buds in Tumwater, Wash., on March 15, 2023
Joseph DuPuis, co-founder of Doc & Yeti Urban Farms, a licensed cannabis producer, looks out at marijuana buds in Tumwater, Wash., on March 15, 2023.Associated Press/LaPresse

Besides those states, the following jurisdictions have legalized recreational marijuana:

States where recreational marijuana is decriminalized

Delaware

Georgia

Hawaii

Louisiana

Minnesota

Mississippi

Nebraska

New Hampshire

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Pennsylvania

States where recreational marijuana is illegal

A person dressed as a Marijuanas leaf
A person dressed as a marijuana leaf poses at the Cannabis & Psychedelic Expo at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida, on February 5, 2022.CHANDAN KHANNA (AFP)

It is also illegal on the territories of American Samoa and Puerto Rico.

States where medical marijuana is legal

And the following jurisdictions:


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