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· 04 Nov 2021

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In What States is Weed Legal?

In the US, the legalization of weed as a drug has been a controversial issue in some states. Some argue that they should legalize it while others oppose marijuana’s negative effects on the users. Marijuana contains a psychoactive compound known as THC, which makes people high when ingested and also causes addiction, and that's why some people find marijuana as a toxic drug. Opponents say that marijuana is a public health concern because it poses a safety risk. Proponents on the other side claim that it is not dangerous and alcohol, and argue it has got benefits that can be used therapeutically to treat stress and pain. However, 19 states have made weed consumption legal either for recreational purposes or for medical use. This post will focus on the states where weed is legal and its regulatory rules.

States where Recreational Marijuana is legal.
Colorado legalized weed in November 20212, making it the first state in the USA to do so. Adults above the age of 21 in Colorado can possess and give away up to an ounce of weed. They can also grow up to 6 plants each. However, residents are limited to 12 plants regardless of the number of people living there. Colorado does not support marijuana use in public.

Washington-weed was legalized in November 2012. Adults above the age of 21 can buy and possess up to an ounce of marijuana in Washington. It is illegal to consume weed in public, and recreational users cannot grow plants in their homes. The law only allows 16 ounces of marijuana edibles in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid products, and 7 grams of marijuana concentrate.

Alaska-legalized in November 2014. Adults in Alaska who are above 21 years of age can possess and give away up to an ounce of marijuana. They can only grow up to 6 plants, and only 3 of those weed plants can be let to mature. Again, in public, you can be arrested for using marijuana.

Oregon legalized weed in November 2014. Adults above the age of 21 can have up to an ounce of marijuana in public and 8 ounces at home. The law allows them to possess up to 16 ounces of marijuana products in solid form and up to 72 ounces in liquid form. They can only grow up to 4 cannabis plants and one can be arrested for using weed in public places.

Washington D.C. Weed was legalized in November 2014. Adults above 21 years may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, and share up to 1 ounce with another person. If you’re an adult, you can grow up to 6 plants, but only 3 can be left to mature. In D.C, recreational marijuana is illegal.

California cannabis use was legalized in November 2016, allowing adults above 21 years to purchase or give away up to an ounce of cannabis. They can also have up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis and are allowed to grow up to 6 plants. In public places, one cannot ingest or smoke marijuana in public or a car as it is illegal.

Maine. Adults can possess marijuana. It was legalized in November, above 21 years of age. They can grow up to 6 flowering and 12 immature cannabis plants.

Massachusetts approved in November 2016, allowing adults above 21 to possess up to an ounce of weed in public and up to 10 ounces at home. They can freely grow cannabis at home. Residents can only grow up to 6 plants per person, and up to 12 plants in a house of 2 or more persons.

Nevada approved in November 2016. Adults above 21 can have an ounce of weed in public and up to ⅛ of an ounce of concentrated marijuana. They can grow up to 6 plants or 12 plants per house. You cannot use weed in public or in a car.

Michigan legalized cannabis in November 2018, allowing adults over 21 to grow, consume and possess marijuana. Each household can grow up to 12 plants and possess up to 2.5 ounces of the drug and 12 grams of concentrated marijuana.

Vermont legalized weed use in January 2018. One can grow and possess marijuana in Vermont, but you cannot buy or sell it. This narrative is expected to change in October 2022, when retailers will be permitted to sell. Adults above 21 years can have up to an ounce of weed and are allowed to grow 2 mature and 4 immature cannabis plants [per household.

Guam legalized it in April 2019, giving adults above the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and can grow up to 6 plants, with only 3 mature ones. Weed selling is illegal, but adults can give someone up to an ounce of cannabis.


Illinois approved it in May 2019, allowing adults over 21 years to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana, 5 grams of concentrated cannabis, and products containing up to 500 milligrams of THC. Non-residents can only have half of the stated amounts. In public places, the consumption of weed is illegal.

New Jersey legalized cannabis in November 2020. Only adults over 21 years are legally allowed to consume weed. On Feb 22, 2021, the state established a recreational marketplace and reduced penalties for underage possession of marijuana and alcohol.

Montana cannabis use was legalized in November 2020. Only faults above 21 years may use weed.

South Dakota approved cannabis use in November 2020, allowing adults above 21 years of age to possess and distribute up to 1 ounce of Cannabis. The legalization measure was approved, but it has a pending lawsuit.

Arizona cannabis use was legalized in November 2020. The state allows adults over 21 years to consume, possess and cultivate marijuana. It is illegal to use it in public and if someone is caught; the law allows the user to be eradicated.

New York legalized marijuana in March 2021. The law permits adults above 21 years to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis for recreational purposes. The government clears the way for individuals arrested for marijuana offenses to have their records removed.

Virginia legalized weed consumption in April 2021. The State of Virginia allows adults above the age of 21 to possess up to 1 ounce of recreational marijuana. The law allows Virginia residents to grow up to 4 weed plants.

New Mexico legalized it in April 2021, allowing 21 years and over adults to grow cannabis at home, but possessing up to 2 ounces while in public. Home growers are only allowed to have 6 plants per person and 12 plants per household.

Connecticut legalized weed consumption in June 2021. The state allows individuals above 21 years to possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis, and have up to 5 ounces at home or in a car. Again, the law allows low-level marijuana offenses to be done away with.