Know the law

A plain-language summary. Laws change often — always check your state's official cannabis regulator before buying or traveling. This is not legal advice.

Federal law

Still federally illegal

Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Federal moves to reschedule it have been proposed; check current status before relying on any change.

No crossing state lines

Carrying cannabis across any state border is federal trafficking — even between two legal states, and even by car to a neighboring state.

Federal property

Possession is illegal on federal land: national parks and forests, military bases, federal buildings, airports' TSA areas, and many public housing units.

Hemp vs. marijuana

The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp (0.3% delta-9 THC or less by dry weight) federally legal. Anything above that is marijuana.

Firearms

Federal law bars "unlawful users" of marijuana from buying or owning guns, including state-legal and medical users.

Driving & jobs

Driving while impaired is illegal in every state. Federal employees, contractors and DOT-regulated drivers can be drug-tested and fired.

Dispensary buying rules

Be 21 or older with a valid, unexpired government photo ID (license, state ID or passport). Medical patients may be 18+ with a state medical card.
Out-of-state visitors can buy in adult-use states with a valid ID; medical-only states usually require an in-state card (some accept out-of-state cards).
Daily purchase limits apply — commonly about 1 ounce of flower, with separate limits for concentrates and edibles. Limits are set by each state.
Many stores are cash-only or use debit/ATM terminals because of federal banking rules. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
Products must stay in sealed, child-resistant packaging until you get home. No opening or using them on site or in the parking lot.
Most stores scan your ID at the door, and only check-in areas are open to the public. No photos or filming inside.
Sales are usually final — returns are typically limited to defective products.
Using in public, in a vehicle, or on a rented property is usually prohibited. Keep products in the trunk while driving.

State by state

AlabamaMedical only

Medical program; no smokable flower.

AlaskaAdult use (21+)

ArizonaAdult use (21+)

ArkansasMedical only

CaliforniaAdult use (21+)

ColoradoAdult use (21+)

ConnecticutAdult use (21+)

DelawareAdult use (21+)

District of ColumbiaAdult use (21+)

Possession legal; recreational sales are not licensed — medical dispensaries only.

FloridaMedical only

GeorgiaIllegal / very limited

Low-THC oil only for registered patients.

HawaiiMedical only

IdahoIllegal / very limited

No legal program.

IllinoisAdult use (21+)

IndianaIllegal / very limited

No legal program.

IowaIllegal / very limited

Limited medical cannabidiol program.

KansasIllegal / very limited

No legal program.

KentuckyMedical only

LouisianaMedical only

MaineAdult use (21+)

MarylandAdult use (21+)

MassachusettsAdult use (21+)

MichiganAdult use (21+)

MinnesotaAdult use (21+)

MississippiMedical only

MissouriAdult use (21+)

MontanaAdult use (21+)

NebraskaIllegal / very limited

Medical approved by voters; program not fully running.

NevadaAdult use (21+)

New HampshireMedical only

New JerseyAdult use (21+)

New MexicoAdult use (21+)

New YorkAdult use (21+)

North CarolinaIllegal / very limited

Illegal statewide; tribal land sales only (Cherokee).

North DakotaMedical only

OhioAdult use (21+)

OklahomaMedical only

OregonAdult use (21+)

PennsylvaniaMedical only

Rhode IslandAdult use (21+)

South CarolinaIllegal / very limited

No legal program.

South DakotaMedical only

TennesseeIllegal / very limited

No legal program.

TexasIllegal / very limited

Low-THC Compassionate Use Program only.

UtahMedical only

VermontAdult use (21+)

VirginiaAdult use (21+)

Possession legal; licensed recreational stores not yet open — medical only.

WashingtonAdult use (21+)

West VirginiaMedical only

WisconsinIllegal / very limited

No legal program.

WyomingIllegal / very limited

No legal program.