In the last decade, the USA witnessed the advent of recreational cannabis, with 9 states opening the door for recreational cannabis use. During the same period, many other states legalized medical cannabis or decriminalized cannabis use.
The inconsistency between state and federal laws makes cannabis transportation and possession an extremely confusing matter for Americans. It is an ongoing struggle for the cannabis industry as this inconsistency limits cannabis transportation around the USA.
Each person should be familiar with the cannabis laws in their state, including rules surrounding possession, cultivation, and transportation. In this article, we have a look at each individual state and its laws regarding all aspects of cannabis. This list has been crafted and last updated on December 2019.
Alabama
Cannabis remains illegal in Alabama, with the exception of non-psychoactive medicinal Cannabidiol. Transportation, cultivation and possession are felonies.
Alaska
Alaska enjoys legal recreational and medicinal cannabis. Up to 1 ounce can be carried on a person, and up to 12 plants per household of two people or more.
Arizona
Medical cannabis is legal in Arizona, while recreational cannabis is illegal. Cultivation and transport are only allowed for medical marijuana patients.
Arkansas
Medical cannabis is legal in Arkansas, while recreational cannabis is illegal. Cultivation and transport are only allowed for medical marijuana patients.
California
California was the first state to legalize medical cannabis and in 2016, the state legalized recreational cannabis use. Up to 1 ounce can be transported, and up to six plants can be cultivated per household.
Colorado
Colorado has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis. Like California, up to 1 ounce can be transported and up to 6 plants can be cultivated per household.
Connecticut
Recreational use in Connecticut is decriminalized, while medical use is legal. Transportation of recreational cannabis is a felony, though it is permitted for medical marijuana patients. Cultivation is strictly illegal.
Delaware
Delaware has decriminalized recreational cannabis use and legalized medicinal cannabis. Transportation and cultivation are limited to medical cannabis patients.
Florida
In Florida, recreational cannabis is illegal while medical cannabis is legal. Transportation and cultivation are only allowed for patients enrolled in the medical marijuana program.
Georgia
The state of Georgia declares recreational cannabis illegal, although it has been decriminalized in Atlanta, Clarkston, Forest Park, Savannah, South Fulton and Statesboro. Medical cannabis is legal across the whole state, but is limited to Cannabidiol oil with less than 5% THC. Transportation and cultivation are strictly illegal.
Hawaii
Beginning on 1st January, 2020, Hawaii will decriminalize recreational cannabis use. Medical cannabis is already legal, though transportation of medical cannabis is against the rules of the program. Cultivation is allowed for medical cannabis patients only.
Idaho
Recreational cannabis possession is a misdemeanor in Idaho for possession of 3 ounces or more. Medical cannabis is legalized only for Cannabidiol with 0% THC. Transportation is not clearly indicated in Idaho law, though cultivation is forbidden.
Illinois
As of 1st January, 2020, Illinois will enjoy legal recreational cannabis. Medical cannabis is legal, as is transport for medicinal cannabis patients. Cultivation is a misdemeanor for recreational cannabis, though it is allowed for medicinal cannabis patients.
Indiana
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Indiana with up to 6 months prison and $1000 fine. It is not really clear if medical cannabis is legal or not, but Indiana complies with federal law about hemp. Cannabidiol oil is legal so long as it contains 0.3% THC or less. Transportation and cultivation are forbidden.
Iowa
Recreational cannabis is a felony in Iowa, but medical cannabis containing only Cannabidiol, and no more than 0.3% THC is legal. Transportation and cultivation are felonies.
Kansas
Recreational cannabis is illegal in Kansas, as is medical cannabis. However, Cannabidiol oil containing no more than 0.3% THC is legal, in compliance with federal hemp law. Cultivation is illegal.
Kentucky
Possession of recreational cannabis less than 8 ounces is considered a misdemeanor. Cannabidiol oil is legal, in compliance with federal law. Cultivation is a misdemeanor so long as it is less than 5 plants.
Louisiana
Recreational cannabis remains illegal, but medical cannabis is legalized. Transportation is allowed for medical cannabis patients only and cultivation is prohibited.
Maine
Maine enjoys legal recreational and medical cannabis. Transportation is allowed up to 2.5 ounces. Residents can have up to 3 mature plants, 12 immature plants, and unlimited seedlings.
Maryland
In Maryland, recreational possession is decriminalized for up to 10 g. Medical cannabis is legal, and transportation is only legal for medical cannabis patients. Cultivation is prohibited.
Massachusetts
Both medical and recreational cannabis are legal in Massachusetts. Transportation is allowed up to one ounce, and each household can contain up to six plants.
Michigan
Michigan has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis. Transportation is allowed for both recreational and medicinal users up to 2.5 ounces. Up to 12 plants can be cultivated per household.
Minnesota
Minnesota has decriminalized recreational cannabis, while medical cannabis is legal. Transportation and cultivation are allowed only for members of the medical marijuana program.
Mississippi
Recreational cannabis is decriminalized for the first offense, so long as it is below 30 grams. There is no medical cannabis program, and only Cannabidiol oil can legally be purchased in Mississippi. Transportation and cultivation are illegal.
Missouri
Missouri has decriminalized recreational cannabis and has legalized medical cannabis. Cultivation is allowed only for members of the medical cannabis program.
Montana
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Montana. Medical cannabis has been legalized, and only medical cannabis patients may transport or cultivate cannabis.
Nebraska
Recreational cannabis is decriminalized in Nebraska for the first offense only. Medical cannabis is illegal, and so are transportation and cultivation.
Nevada
Residents of Nevada enjoy legal medical and recreational cannabis. Transportation is permitted for both medical and recreational customers, and up to 6 plants per household is permitted for cultivation.
New Hampshire
Up to three quarters of an ounce (21 g) is decriminalized in New Hampshire. Medical cannabis is legal, and cultivation and transport are only permitted for those with a medical cannabis permit.
New Jersey
Only medical cannabis is legal in New Jersey. Transportation and cultivation are only permitted by those with a medical cannabis license.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, recreational cannabis has been decriminalized. Medical cannabis is fully legal, and those with a medical cannabis license are permitted to cultivate and transport.
New York
New York has also decriminalized recreational cannabis and fully legalized medical cannabis. Transportation is permitted only for those registered in the medical cannabis program, and cultivation is a misdemeanor.
North Carolina
For half an ounce or less, recreational cannabis is decriminalized. Medical cannabis is only legal in the form of Cannabidiol oil. Transportation and cultivation are illegal.
North Dakota
For half an ounce or less, recreational cannabis is decriminalized. Medical cannabis is legal, and transportation is only allowed for medical cannabis patients.
Ohio
Recreational cannabis is decriminalized while medical cannabis is legal. Cultivation is only permitted with a medical cannabis permit.
Oklahoma
Recreational cannabis is prohibited and medicinal cannabis is legal. Cultivation is only permitted for those with a medical cannabis license.
Oregon
Both recreational and medical cannabis are legal in Oregon. Up to one ounce is permitted for transport, and each household may grow up to 4 plants.
Pennsylvania
Recreational cannabis is illegal but medical cannabis has been legalized. Transportation and cultivation are permitted only for medical cannabis patients.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, recreational cannabis has been decriminalized. Medical cannabis is legal, and transportation and cultivation are allowed for medical cannabis patients.
South Carolina
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Medical cannabis is only permitted as cannabis oil with no more than 0.9% THC. Transportation is only allowed for Cannabidiol oil, and cultivation is prohibited.
South Dakota
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Medical cannabis is illegal, and cultivation and transport are strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Tennessee
For less than half an ounce, on the first or second offense only, recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Medical cannabis is only legal for cannabis oil containing less than 0.9% THC. Transportation is only permitted for Cannabidiol oil, and cultivation is a misdemeanor for 8 plants or less.
Texas
Recreational cannabis is illegal, while medical cannabis is legal only for Cannabidiol oil with no more than 0.5% THC, and no less than 10% Cannabidiol. Cultivation is illegal.
Utah
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Medical cannabis is legal, but transportation and cultivation are illegal.
Vermont
Recreational cannabis is legal up to one ounce, or the yield of two mature plants. Medical cannabis is legal, and cultivation is permitted for up to 2 mature plants and 4 immature plants.
Virginia
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Medical cannabis is permitted only for cannabis oil with no more than 5% THC. Cultivation is not permitted.
Washington
Medical and recreational cannabis are legal in Washington. However, cultivation is only legal with the correct licensing and permits.
West Virginia
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Medical cannabis is legal, and cultivation is illegal.
Wisconsin
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor on the first offense, and a felony on the second offense. Only Cannabidiol oil is legal as a medical cannabis product. Medical cannabis patients may have up to 12 cannabis plants and three ounces of leaves or flowers. Otherwise, cultivation is a felony.
Wyoming
Recreational cannabis is a misdemeanor. Cannabidiol oil is the only permitted form of medical cannabis. Cultivation is strictly illegal.