States Where Weed is Legal [2025 Updated States]

A decade ago, the discussion regarding lighting a joint or vaping might have led to hushed whispers. The topic of cannabis was considered to be taboo among the masses, sometimes even accompanied by repercussions. But time has changed now, and so has the cannabis industry.

With evolving cannabis laws, today, you can see a local dispensary selling medical marijuana in broad daylight. You can even hear people discussing different weed strains, from Girl Scout Cookies to Sour Diesel and Granddaddy Purple, in any casual gathering.

Weed isn’t quite the taboo topic now as it used to be years ago. This might lead one to wonder about the states where weed is legal in US.

Let’s dive in and answer all your queries!

Legalization of Cannabis in the US

Cannabis-related laws vary from state to state in the US.

At the federal level, it is still classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that the interstate transport of marijuana is a punishable crime.

However, the waves may be turning as lawmakers have put forth a federal reform bill like the MORE Act, which not only decriminalizes marijuana but also removes it from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act.

Different states have legalized it in various capacities.

Some states have legalized the use of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes, while others have permitted its use for medical purposes only.

However, there are still a couple of states that have totally prohibited marijuana to this day, and the possession or consumption of marijuana can land someone in legal trouble there.

So, let’s take a closer look at different states where marijuana is legal in the United States.

States where Weed is Legal for Medical Purposes

To this day, about 38 states, the District of Columbia, and 3 territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) have legalized the medical usage of marijuana for patients with qualifying medical conditions and having a valid medical marijuana card.

The following are the states that have permitted the medical use of marijuana through comprehensive programs:

Moreover, 9 other states have medical laws that allow the use of only low THC/High CBD products for qualifying medical conditions.

It is worth mentioning that, as of the November 2024 elections, Nebraska citizens have also approved two ballot measures regarding the establishment and regulation of a medical marijuana program.

However, the implementation is pending as the validity of the petitions for the ballot measures is currently being challenged in court.

States where Weed is Legal for Recreational Purposes

24 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 territories (Guam and North Mariana Islands) have permitted the use of cannabis for recreational purposes.

These states are:

Thus, one can legally purchase and consume cannabis in these recreational weed states, provided that they are 21 years or older.

If you belong to the Golden State and are craving weed, you can check out the diverse range of cannabis products offered by VioletBayArea. They not only provide you with high-quality, premium cannabis products but also offer the best weed delivery service in California.

Is CBD Legal in All 50 States of the US?

Now that we have discussed legal marijuana states, let’s take a quick sneak peek at different states that have legalized the use of CBD.

CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive compound present in cannabis. It does not provide the user with the “high”; rather, it is more well-known for its relaxing and therapeutic effects.

But, the legality of CBD is still in the grey area as it is derived from the cannabis plant.

On the federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill has hemp and hemp-derived products like CBD with a THC concentration below 0.3%.

However, the states have the final say in whether or not cannabis-derived products are legal in their states.

States where CBD is Fully Legal

If you own a weed cart and are wondering, “Do weed carts expire?” Our guide will surely be helpful.

States where CBD is Conditionally Legal

States where CBD is Illegal

Conclusion

We hope that by the end of this guide, you have gained a clear understanding of the states where marijuana is legal in US.

From strict prohibition to widespread acceptance, the cannabis industry has come a long way in the US.

More than half of the states today have legalized weed, and more states are considering its legalization in the upcoming years.

So, whether you are a resident of one of the legal marijuana states or are visiting one, you need to stay informed of the local laws and enjoy weed responsibly.