Recreational marijuana has been legalized in 21 states across the U.S., with Oklahoma vying to be the 22nd during a March special election.
This means that despite decades of prohibition and propaganda, adults over the age of 21 can legally purchase and consume marijuana for recreational purposes in over 20 states (this number was 0 at the start of 2012). While the laws differ from state to state, here we list each state that has legalized recreational marijuana and their respective laws (in alphabetical order). Of these states, only Virginia and Rhode Island don’t allow licensed marijuana retail outlets.
- Alaska – Alaska was the third state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2014, two years after Colorado and Washington became the first states to do so. Adults over the age of 21 can purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Individuals can grow up to six plants for personal use.
- Arizona – Arizona legalized recreational marijuana in November 2020. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- California – California legalize recreational marijuana in 2016, four years after Colorado and Washington. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- Colorado – Colorado was one of the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- Connecticut – Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana in July 2021. The law allows for the possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana by adults over the age of 21.
- Illinois – Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2020. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to 30 grams of marijuana and grow up to five plants for personal use.
- Maine – Maine legalized recreational marijuana in 2016. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to three flowering plants, 12 immature plants, and unlimited seedlings for personal use.
- Massachusetts – Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana in 2016. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- Michigan – Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for personal use.
- Montana – Montana legalized recreational marijuana in November 2020. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants for personal use.
- Nevada – Nevada legalized recreational marijuana in 2016. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- New Jersey – New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in February 2021. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to six ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- New Mexico – New Mexico legalized recreational marijuana in April 2021. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to two ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- New York – New York legalized recreational marijuana in March 2021. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to three ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- Oregon – Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2014. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants for personal use.
- Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania legalized recreational marijuana in April 2021. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use.
- Rhode Island – Rhode Island legalized recreational marijuana in July 2021. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for personal use.
- Vermont – Vermont legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to two mature and four immature plants for personal use.
- Virginia – Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in July 2021. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants for personal use. The law also establishes a regulatory framework for the commercial cultivation, processing, and sale of marijuana.
- Washington – Washington legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana, though marijuana cultivation for personal use remains illegal.
