The rules about using medical marijuana are changing quickly in the United States. It’s happening in all 50 states, and things can get confusing. This guide is here to help you understand where each state stands on medical weed. We’ll go through the details, like when the medical marijuanas USA laws were passed and how much marijuana you’re allowed to have.
Alabama
In 2021, Alabama legalized medical marijuana with the approval of Senate Bill 46, permitting individuals to hold up to 70 daily dosages.
Alaska
Alaska has been a trailblazer since 1998 when Ballot Measure 8, with a 58% majority, paved the way for legalization. The possession limit includes 1 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature).
Arizona
In 2010, Arizona adopted medical marijuana via Proposition 203, securing approval by 50.13%. Patients in the state are permitted to have 2.5 oz of usable marijuana within a 14-day period and can cultivate up to 12 plants..
Arkansas
Arkansas began its venture into medical marijuana in 2016 with the approval of Ballot Measure Issue 6, supported by 53.2%. Possession limits in this state are set at 2.5 oz over a 14-day period.
California
California is an early MMJ states where medical marijuana has been legalized. In 1996 through Proposition 215 (56%), they allowed possession of 8 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 6 mature or 12 immature plants.
Colorado
Colorado embarked on its path to becoming a medical states with the approval of Ballot Amendment 20 in 2000, gaining 54% support. Possession limits encompass 2 oz of usable marijuana and the right to cultivate 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature).
Connecticut
Connecticut made a legislative move in 2012 with House Bill 5389 (96-51 H, 21-13 S), allowing possession of 2.5 oz of usable marijuana.
Delaware
In 2011, Delaware passed Senate Bill 17 (27-14 H, 17-4 S), permitting possession of up to 6 oz of usable marijuana.
District of Columbia
In 2010, the District of Columbia took a significant step towards becoming a medical legal states with the legalization of medical cannabis with Amendment Act B18-622, granting individuals the right to possess up to 2 oz of dried marijuana.
Florida
Florida witnessed a landmark change in 2016 through Ballot Amendment 2, securing a 71.3% majority. Patients here can possess a 35-day supply.
Hawaii
Hawaii adopted medical marijuana early in 2000 through Senate Bill 862, allowing possession of 4 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 10 plants.
Illinois
In 2013, Illinois made a significant move by passing House Bill 1 (61-57 H; 35-21 S), permitting the possession of 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis within a 14-day period.
Kentucky
In 2023, Kentucky joined the list of medical pot states where marijuana is legalized with the passage of Senate Bill 47 (26-11 S; 66-33 H), permitting a 30-day supply of medical marijuana.
Louisiana
In 2016, Louisiana approved Senate Bill 271 (62-32 H; 22-14 S), allowing a monthly supply of medical marijuana.
Maine
Maine embraced medical marijuana early in 1999 through Senate Bill 611, allowing possession of 2.5 ounces and cultivation rights for 6 plants.
Maryland
Maryland made a legislative move towards becoming a states for medical weed in 2014 through House Bill 881 (125-11 H; 44-2 S), allowing a 30-day supply determined by physicians.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts secured a ballot win in 2012 through Question 3 (63%), allowing a 60-day supply for personal medical use (10 oz).
Michigan
In 2008, Michigan took a step forward in legalizing medical marijuanas laws with Proposal 1 (63%), enabling the possession of 2.5 oz of usable marijuana and the right to cultivate 12 plants.
Minnesota
In 2014, Minnesota enacted a change through Senate Bill 2470 (46-16 S; 89-40 H), permitting a 30-day supply of non-smokable marijuana.
Mississippi
Mississippi witnessed a recent development in 2022 through Senate Bill 2095, allowing patients to purchase up to 3.5 grams of cannabis per day, up to six days a week, totaling about 3 oz per month.
Missouri
Missouri secured a ballot win in 2018 through Amendment 2 (66%), allowing possession of 4 oz of dried marijuana per 30-day period and cultivation rights for 6 plants.
Montana
Montana embraced medical marijuana in 2004 through Initiative 148 (62%), allowing possession of 1 oz of usable marijuana, 4 mature plants, and 12 seedlings.
Nevada
Nevada legalized medicinal marijuana in 2000 through Question 9 (65%), allowing possession of 2.5 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 12 plants.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire made a legislative move in 2013 through House Bill 573 (284-66 H; 18-6 S), allowing possession of 2 oz of usable cannabis during a 10-day period.
New Jersey
In 2010, New Jersey gained legislative approval through Senate Bill 119 (48-14 H; 25-13 S), allowing possession of 3 oz of usable marijuana.
New Mexico
In 2007, New Mexico underwent legislative changes with Senate Bill 523 (36-31 H; 32-3 S), permitting possession of 6 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature).
New York
New York made a progressive shift towards becoming a medicinal weed states in 2014 and 2021 through Assembly Bill 6357 (117-13 A; 49-10 S) and Senate Bill S845A, allowing a 60-day supply of non-smokable marijuana.
North Dakota
In 2016, North Dakota approved Measure 5 with a majority vote of 63.7%, enabling individuals to legally possess 3 oz of marijuana every 14 days.
Ohio
Ohio made a legislative move in 2016 through House Bill 523 (71-26 H; 18-15 S), allowing a 90-day supply of medical marijuana.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana in 2018 through Question 788 (56.8%), allowing possession of 3 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 12 plants (6 mature, 6 immature).
Oregon
Oregon, an early adopter in 1998 through Measure 67 (55%), allows possession of 24 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature).
Pennsylvania
In 2016, Pennsylvania enacted Senate Bill 3 (149-46 H; 42-7 S), permitting individuals to have a 30-day supply of medical marijuana.
Rhode Island
In 2006, Rhode Island gained legislative approval for legalizing weed through Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 H; 33-1 S), allowing possession of 2.5 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 12 plants.
South Dakota
In 2020, South Dakota implemented Measure 26, granting individuals the right to possess 3 oz of usable marijuana and cultivate up to 3 plants.
Utah
In 2018, Utah enacted House Bill 3001 (60-13 H; 22-4 S), permitting individuals to possess 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis.
Vermont
Vermont made an early legislative move in 2004 through Senate Bill 76 (22-7) HB 645 (82-59) to allow possession of 2 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 9 plants (2 mature, 7 immature).
Virginia
Virginia made a progressive shift toward legalization in 2020 and 2021 through Senate Bill 1015 and House Bill 2218 & Senate Bill 1333, allowing a 90-day supply of total cannabis products (extracts and botanicals).
Washington
Washington, an early adopter in 1998 through Initiative 692 (59%), allows possession of 8 oz of usable marijuana and cultivation rights for 6 plants.
West Virginia
In 2017, West Virginia gained legislative approval for legalizing medical marijuana through Senate Bill 386 (74-24 H; 28-6 S), allowing a 30-day supply of medical marijuana.
How do Americans feel about legalizing weed?
In a 2021 Pew Research poll, a significant 91% of Americans expressed support for cannabis legalization in varying degrees. Out of this majority, 31% advocated for medical use exclusively, while a substantial 60% favored legalization for both medical and recreational purposes. A mere 8% of respondents opposed marijuana legalization entirely.
An August 2022 Gallup poll revealed that 16% of Americans partake in smoking marijuana, surpassing the 11% of US adults who smoke cigarettes. Additionally, Gallup’s research uncovered that almost half (46%) of American adults admit to trying marijuana, despite its federal classification as a Schedule I controlled substance.
