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Cannabis in America
The State of Weed: Marijuana Legalization State by State
**Last Updated February 3, 2017 **
In recent decades, marijuana legalization has continuously evolved in the United States, as opposition against the drug continues to wane amidst new research on the drug's effects and criticism of the U.S.'s handling of the "War on Drugs." Four states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and 25 total states have legalized marijuana for medical use.
In November, a total of nine states voted on marijuana legalization. California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada all voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Arizona voters shot down their legal pot ballot measure. In addition, Florida, Arkansas, and North Dakota voted to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, while Montana voters chose to expand the parameters of their existing medical marijuana program.
The map below displays each state's current marijuana legalization status, from illegal to full legalized recreational use, as of February 3, 2017.
The State of Weed Map
According to Gallup polls, one in eight U.S. adults say they smoke marijuana and 58 percent of Americans believe marijuana should be legal in the U.S. As cannabis initiatives continue to find traction and make their way onto ballots, understanding the intricacies of each state's marijuana laws will become increasingly important.
Patients who use medical marijuana will need to know things like whether or not they can travel with the drug and use it in other states, and in cities where the drug is decriminalized mere fractions of an ounce could make the difference between low fines or substantial jail time. The following slide show contains information on each states' marijuana laws in regards to possessing, selling, and cultivating weed, although please note that this is intended as a basic resource and does not include the entirety of provisions in any given state. This is the "State of Weed."
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AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY
Image courtesy of Paul Hamilton via Flickr
Marijuana Legalization Status: Medical
Possession: Marijuana is decriminalized in New York State. Possessing 25 grams or less only carries prison time for a third offense (up to 15 days), and incurs fines of up to $250. Possessing 25 grams to eight ounces is a misdemeanor, which can result in a max sentence of one year and a max fine of $1,000. Possessing more than eight ounces is a felony, which can result in max prison terms from four to 15 years, and max fines from $5,000 to $15,000. Possessing any amount in public view is a misdemeanor and can lead to prison time and a fine.
Sale: Selling 25 grams or less is a misdemeanor offense. That could mean up to one year in prison, and/or a max fine of $1,000. Selling more than 25 grams is a felony, resulting in max prison terms of four to 15 years, and max fines of $5,000 to $15,000.
Cultivation: Growing marijuana plants is a misdemeanor in New York, punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Qualifying Medical Conditions Include: cachexia (wasting syndrome), cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, seizures, severe muscle spasms, severe nausea, and spinal cord damage.
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Research and analysis conducted by Law Street’s Cannabis in America Team: Alexis Evans, Alec Siegel, Anneliese Mahoney, and Kevin Rizzo.
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