In How Many States Is Weed Legal?

If you are curious about how many states is weed legal in, the general answer is 19, but the specific states that allow recreational marijuana include:

• Colorado
• Maine
• Washington
• Alaska
• California
• Oregon
• Washington DC
• Nevada
• Massachusetts
• Vermont
• Michigan
• Illinois
• Guam
• Montana
• Arizona
• Virginia
• New York
• New Jersey
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• New Mexico

It is believed that recreational marijuana could hit the shelves of Vermont in the fall of 2022 and a regulated recreational market in the District of Columbia may be live as of August 2022. States all have their own individual process for licensing dispensaries of marijuana, and the sales are taxed and regulated by those states at various rates.

Adults over the age of 21 in Oregon can possess as much as one ounce of marijuana in public and up to eight ounces at home. Solid forms such as edibles allow adults to have up to 16 ounces, or 72 ounces in liquid form, and adults are able to grow as many as four cannabis plants although it is still illegal in Oregon to use marijuana in a public place.

Adults in Alaska over the age of 21 can give away and possess up to an ounce of marijuana and can grow as many as six marijuana plants although only three at a time can be mature. It is still illegal to consume the drug in public.

Adults over 21 in Washington can possess and buy up to an ounce of marijuana, up to 16 ounces of marijuana edibles in a solid form, and up to 72 ounces of marijuana liquid products. Furthermore, they can have up to seven g of concentrated marijuana but it remains illegal to consume in public.

Adults in DC over age 21 can possess up to two ounces of marijuana and can give as much as one ounce to another person. They can also have up to six marijuana plants with a maximum of three mature at any given time.

People over age 21 in Maine can possess as much as 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to six flowering and 12 immature marijuana plants.

Adults over the age of 21 in California can purchase, possess, or give away as much as one ounce of cannabis and no more than eight grams of concentrated cannabis. As many as six live cannabis plants can be cultivated at any one point in time.

Nevada residents over age 21 can have up to one ounce of marijuana and up to 1/8 of an ounce of concentrated marijuana. A total of 12 plants in each household is the limit and it remains illegal to use marijuana in a car in public.

Adults living in Massachusetts who are over age 21 can have as much as one ounce of marijuana on them personally and as many as 10 ounces within their home. Residents can grow up to 12 plants in a household of two or more people.

Adults over the age of 21 in Michigan can consume, grow and possess marijuana as many as 12 plants in a household, as many as 15 grams of concentrated marijuana, and up to 2.5 ounces of the drug.

You cannot buy or sell marijuana in Vermont although it is legal to grow and possess it. In October 2022, however, retailers will begin receiving licenses to buy or sell it. Residents of Vermont who are over age 21 can have as much as one ounce of marijuana and can grow up to four immature marijuana plants in one household.

Residents in Illinois over age 21 can have as many as five grams of concentrated cannabis, 30 grams of marijuana, and products containing no more than 500 milligrams of THC. Those who are not Illinois residents can have half those amounts while in the state but consumption in public places is still illegal.

Adults over age 21 can grow up to six plants but no more than three of them can be mature and adults can possess up to one ounce of marijuana.

New Jersey has a formally established state recreational marketplace allowing adults over age 21 to use marijuana recreationally.

Initiative 190 legalized the use and possession of limited amounts of cannabis for those adults aged 21 and over.

This law allows individuals aged 21 or older to have as many as three ounces of cannabis for recreational purposes.

Proposition 207 in Arizona would allow limited marijuana possession, cultivation, and use by those adults over age 21 while still banning smoking it in public.

South Dakota currently does not allow recreational marijuana use.

Virginians aged 21 and above can possess as much as one ounce of recreational marijuana.

HB2 was signed by the New Mexico governor allowing adults above age 21 to possess up to two ounces—not in their homes—and to grow cannabis plants at home. Home growers of cannabis can have as many as 12 total ounces in one household.

Recreational cannabis was legalized in Connecticut in June 2021, allowing adults above 21 to possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis in addition to another five ounces in a vehicle or home.

A May 2022 law legalizes taxes and regulates cannabis in the state, allowing up to one ounce of cannabis and the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants in a private residence for adults aged 21 and above.

If you have further questions about a current issue involving cannabis-related legislation or drug charges against you, it is important to work with a law firm that has familiarity with these complex and evolving issues.
 

These laws are complex and require the outside insight of an experienced lawyer. If you are convicted of a legitimate crime, you could face problems with criminal records and even background checks in the future. Even though many marijuana laws have decriminalized it or come up with limits for people to own it, it's still a serious matter and one that might require help from an attorney. 

Laws can and do change over time, especially as it relates to possession of marijuana and evolving medical cannabis program allowances. Keeping yourself up to date is strongly recommended so that you know what to do if you're accused of violating any marijuana law related to possession, retail sale, or trafficking. Cannabis-related offenses might still apply, but you can discuss legalization laws and other questions about your future with a criminal defense lawyer. 

If you've been hurt in an accident caused by someone under the influence of marijuana, don't wait to take action. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.