Read Time: 3:30 min.
Here’s the good news: many state laws have evolved to legalize cannabis.
But (you knew that was coming, right?)…there are some states still evolving. Which means it remains illegal in those states — altogether, or under certain conditions. And cannabis continues to be illegal on the federal level. To help answer the question: Is cannabis legal in my state we’ve put together the upcoming synopsis.
Should you be concerned? You should be informed. Cannabis brings many benefits to health and overall well-being. That’s what we’re learning together here at Three Wells.
Your Guide to Recreational Activities
Let’s start with Recreationally Legal. As of May 2021, there are 16 states — plus DC — that have legalized marijuana for adult use. You can buy it at a local retail store, also called a dispensary. Depending on how a cannabis business is licensed, you may also be able to have it delivered right to your door.
Adult-use cannabis contains THC. While best known for the sense of euphoria and pleasure it brings, THC can also help with a variety of medical conditions, such as muscle pain, sleep, nausea, or stimulating your appetite. It’s a good idea to learn about dosage guidelines as you find what works best for you and the sense of wellness you’re looking to achieve.
Is There a Doctor in the House?
Then there’s Medically Legal. Including all the states where cannabis is recreationally legal — which covers recreational and medical use — there are now 35 states where you can be approved to use marijuana for medical purposes. While all marijuana has therapeutic value, cannabis designated for medical use differs in the amount of THC or CBD it contains.
It’s important to know that medical marijuana is not just a “walk-in” business. You’ll need to have an eligible condition. Some of those are anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, back and joint pains, glaucoma, epilepsy, anxiety, and cancer. But guidelines vary from state to state — some being more restrictive in terms of condition, or limiting use to CBD oils. Check your state’s guidelines for what qualifies. Or, as the saying goes, “Talk to your doctor…”
In any case, you will need to apply for a medical marijuana card in order to purchase and use in states where it is not legal for recreational use.
While we’re on subject of medicine, a couple of our related articles you might find useful:
Health Insurance for Medical Marijuana?
Microdosing and Medical Cannabis
What’s this “CBD” I see everywhere?
That CBD would be “Cannabidiol.” It is found in both cannabis — and the hemp plant, a cousin to cannabis, has no more than .3% THC. Hemp CBD doesn’t produce psychoactive effects — the “high” that THC creates. The cultivation and sale of hemp was legalized in 2018. That means you’re good to go with hemp CBD products in all but three states: Idaho, Iowa and South Dakota.
CBD products with that less than .3% THC can be purchased online and shipped across state lines in many licensed brands of drops, tablets, foods, drinks, vapes, ointments and more. (Look for a few here at Three Wells!)
Laws & Delivery; In Which States is Cannabis Legal — As of April 2021
Hopefully that helps as you decide how and when to add cannabis products to your life and living. And if you’re looking for “just the facts”, here’s where things stand as of April 2021:
| State | Recreational | Medicinal | CBD Shipping | Recreational Delivery | Medicinal Delivery |
| Alabama | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Arkansas | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| California | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Connecticut | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Delaware | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Florida | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Georgia | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Hawaii | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Idaho | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Indiana | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Iowa | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Kansas | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Kentucky | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Louisiana | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Mississippi | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Missouri | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Nebraska | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| New Mexico | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| New York | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| North Carolina | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| North Dakota | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ohio | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Oklahoma | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Rhode Island | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| South Carolina | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| South Dakota | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Tennessee | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Texas | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Utah | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Virginia | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| West Virginia | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Wisconsin | No | CBD Oil Only | Yes | No | No |
| Wyoming | No | No | Yes | No | No |
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As we said at the start: cannabis laws are always evolving. It’s possible things may have changed from the top of the page to here. 🙂 Stay up to date on where your state stands by checking back with us here at Three Wells.
