We show you all the 420 friendly states in the U.S.
Cannabis has become a mainstream topic of conversation in recent years. As cannabis laws across the United States continue to relax, more and more states are considering on legalizing cannabis for both recreational and medical use. So we see the question more and more these days, what are the states where cannabis is legal?
With cannabis and other forms of THC becoming increasingly available, people will travel to the ‘420 friendly’ states to take advantage of this new freedom. Cannabis is no longer the taboo substance it once was and many people are now exploring cannabis, the culture around it, and the benefits it may hold for them. Can you get a contact high? Let’s find out.
Cannabis laws vary widely from state to state, so it’s important to know the cannabis laws of your destination before traveling there. Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for recreational use with many more states considering similar legislation. While cannabis is legal in these locations, it’s important to remember that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the United States, so always keep that in mind.
So for those of you looking for cannabis friendly states to explore, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. Just do your homework and have fun.
These states are where cannabis is legal.
If you’re looking for states that are 420 friendly, states where cannabis is legal for recreational use, here’s a comprehensive list of the states where this is true:
• Alaska. In 2015 the state of Alaska approved Ballot Measure 2 which legalized recreational marijuana. This measure was effective as of February 24th, 2015 and states that those over the age of 21 can now possess, use, display, buy or transport up to one ounce of marijuana.
• Arizona. In 2020 Proposition 207, In Arizona, residents are able to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. Additionally, each household can grow a maximum of six plants without facing any legal repercussions.
• California. In 2016 Californian voters passed Proposition 64 which legalized recreational cannabis in the state for adults aged 21 or older. It states that individuals can now possess, transport and purchase up to an ounce of cannabis, as well as six living plants.
• Connecticut. 2021, It was made legal for adults 21 years old and up to possess and consume marijuana. You can carry around a maximum of 1.5 ounces with you, while having 5 ounces stored away at home or inside your vehicle. Recreational sales will not be ready until January 10th 2023.
• Colorado. In 2012 Amendment 64 was passed which states that adults aged 21 or over may legally possess, use and grow marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of Colorado. It states that individuals may have up to one ounce of marijuana, as well as six living plants.
• District of Columbia. In 2014 Initiative 71 was passed which states that individuals aged 21 and over may legally possess up to two ounces of cannabis for recreational use in the US capital city. It states that individuals can also give away or share with other adults aged 21 and over, up to one ounce of marijuana as long as no money is exchanged.
• Illinois. In 2019 the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was signed into law, legalizing recreational cannabis in the state for those aged 21 or over. It states that individuals can have 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and 500 milligrams of THC contained in a cannabis-infused product.
• Maine. In 2016 Question 1 was passed which states that adults aged 21 and over may possess, transport and use up to two and a half ounces of marijuana for recreational purposes. It states that individuals can also give away 2.5 ounces or less to other adults aged 21 or over as long as no money is exchanged.
• Massachusetts. In 2016 Chapter 94G was passed which states that adults aged 21 and over may possess, grow and use up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of Massachusetts. It states that individuals can also give away or share with other adults aged 21 and over, up to one ounce of marijuana as long as no money is exchanged.
• Michigan. Now in 2018, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act was passed which states that adults aged 21 and over may possess, grow and use up to two and a half ounces of marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of Michigan. It states that individuals can also give away or share with other adults aged 21 and over, up to two and a half ounces of marijuana as long as no money is exchanged.
• Missouri. Amendment 3 has made it lawful for individuals 21 and over to purchase, possess, deliver, utilize, create and distribute cannabis in the state. Prospective shoppers can expect retail sales of marijuana to commence as early as February 2023!
• Montana. As of January 1, 2021, adults 21 years and above may legally have up to one ounce of marijuana without facing any criminal repercussions. Additionally, grown-ups are allowed to cultivate a maximum of two mature plants and two seedlings in their private residence.
• Nevada. In 2016 Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act was passed which states that adults aged 21 and over may possess, transport and use up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of Nevada. It states that individuals can also give away one ounce or less to other adults aged 21 and over as long as no money is exchanged.
• New Jersey. The Garden State recently legalized recreational cannabis, though the state is still in the process of setting up a system to accommodate commercial sales. As per New Jersey law, individuals aged 21 and above are authorized to possess, use and cultivate marijuana — with an upper limit of six ounces for personal consumption.
• New Mexico. If you are 21 years or older, then you can legally purchase cannabis in the State of New Mexico. Each person is restricted to a maximum of two ounces of cannabis, sixteen grams of a cannabis extract and 800 milligrams edible products. It’s illegal for anyone to carry more than these amounts outside their residence.
• New York. In 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) let New Yorker’s aged 21 and above hold up to 3 ounces of cannabis for recreational purposes, whereas the state allows cultivating a maximum of 12 plants per house with only six at home.
• Oregon. Back in 2014, Measure 91 was passed which states that adults aged 21 and over may possess, transport and use up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of Oregon. It states that individuals can also give away one ounce or less to other adults aged 21 and over as long as no money is exchanged.
• Rhode Island. Recently in 2022, the Rhode Island Cannabis Act was passed letting residents of Rhode Island who are 21 and older have the legal right to purchase, possess, transfer, and use up to one ounce of cannabis. They may keep no more than ten ounces in their residence as well as five grams of cannabis concentrate (exclusive of any additional ingredients). Retail sales can be done from a few medical dispensaries for now, with retail coming in later 2023.
• Virginia. In 2021, Virginia adults are now legally allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and cultivate a maximum of four cannabis plants. Unfortunately, the 2022 General Assembly failed to pass any laws which would make it possible for an adult-use retail market. However, there is hope that this will be addressed in their 2023 session beginning next January
• Vermont. Now in 2018 Vermonters above the age of 21 with a valid ID can now get up to one ounce of marijuana or 8,400 milligrams of THC in any other product. Furthermore, households are allowed two mature plants and four immature ones.
• Washington. In 2012 Initiative 502 was passed which states that adults aged 21 and over may possess, transport and use up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of Washington. It states that individuals can also give away one ounce or less to other adults aged 21 and over as long as no money is exchanged.
More to come…
It is evident that the momentum for legal cannabis in the United States is steadily growing. The number of states legalizing cannabis use has risen dramatically in recent years, and as more states see the financial benefits of this move, it appears likely that many more will follow suit.
This shift towards legalization represents a positive outcome for both individuals and society as a whole, with fewer criminal charges and resources used to incarcerate cannabis users. As the green wave of legalization continues, it is important that all stakeholders – including lawmakers, businesses, and consumers – work together to ensure that these changes are successful and beneficial for everyone.