The Status of Cannabis Legalization by State

Changes in legislation in the United States over the past few years have led to an increased interest in the topic of cannabis. One of the hot-button issues related to this subject is the legalization of cannabis or marijuana as it is known colloquially. Cannabis is experiencing shifts in its regulatory status nationwide and here, we will explore the legalization landscape of cannabis by state.

In the United States, starting with Colorado and Washington in 2012, ongoing changes in policy continue to shift public opinion and usage regulations. As of January 2022, the recreational use of cannabis is legal in 18 states and decriminalized in 13 others and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medical use is legal in 36 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, under federal law, any use of cannabis remains illegal.

Recreational Cannabis States

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington are the states where recreational use of cannabis is legal. Most of these states also allow residents to grow their plants at home for personal use. However, public smoking is still banned in all 18 states, and driving under the influence of cannabis is also a crime.

Medical Cannabis States

Medical cannabis is legal in 36 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state has its conditions and regulations, with some more strict than others. But generally, if you hold a legitimate card depicting your medical need for cannabis, you get relief from the criminal laws of your state.

CBD and Hemp States

CBD (cannabidiol) and Hemp, two non-psychoactive substances derived from cannabis, are legal in more states than marijuana itself, largely due to the signing into law of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized industrial hemp at the federal level, which is where CBD products are primarily derived. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD, but each state differs in the specifics.

Many states have also begun using more creative methods to distribute cannabis to their residents within legal boundaries. One of these innovative methods is the creation of a traditional medicine-like formulation – the cannabis tablet.

The cannabis tablet represents an effort by several states to provide individuals with a regulated, dosage-controlled way of consuming cannabis. These tablets are similar in appearance to traditional medical tablets, providing an approachable form for those who may be apprehensive about using cannabis. They allow for convenient use, controlled dosage, and easy storage.

In conclusion, the cannabis legalization map is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up with which states have legal cannabis, as the laws can range from fully legal to only decriminalized or legal for medical use only. Therefore, one must be informed about such a significant subject, particularly if they are considering using cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes. As the trend towards legalization grows, we will likely see more states adopting laws that decriminalize or legalize the use of cannabis, further pushing the conversation on cannabis regulation in the country.