States with Cannabis Legalization: 2025 Complete Guide
Comprehensive breakdown of recreational and medical marijuana laws across all 50 US states
Last Updated: January 2026 | By: The Library Dispensary, West Orange, NJ
Quick Answer: Cannabis Legalization in 2025
24
States + DC with Recreational Cannabis
40+
States with Medical Programs
50%+
US Population in Legal States
As of January 2026, 24 states plus Washington D.C. have fully legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. An additional 16+ states have medical-only programs, meaning over 40 states have some form of legal cannabis access. Only a handful of states—primarily in the South and Midwest—maintain full prohibition.
This guide provides a complete state-by-state breakdown of cannabis legalization status, including purchase limits, consumption rules, and what to know if you're traveling between states. Whether you're a New Jersey resident or visiting from New York, understanding these laws helps you stay compliant.
States with Recreational Cannabis (Adult-Use Legal)
These 24 states allow adults 21+ to purchase and possess cannabis for personal use without a medical card. Sales occur through licensed dispensaries with varying purchase limits.
| State | Year Legalized | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 2014 | First wave of legalization |
| Arizona | 2020 | Voter initiative |
| California | 2016 | Largest cannabis market |
| Colorado | 2012 | First state to legalize |
| Connecticut | 2021 | Legislative action |
| Delaware | 2023 | Legislative action |
| Illinois | 2020 | Legislative action |
| Maine | 2016 | Voter initiative |
| Maryland | 2022 | Voter initiative |
| Massachusetts | 2016 | Voter initiative |
| Michigan | 2018 | Voter initiative |
| Minnesota | 2023 | Legislative action |
| Missouri | 2022 | Voter initiative |
| Montana | 2020 | Voter initiative |
| Nevada | 2016 | Voter initiative |
| New Jersey | 2021 | Voter referendum |
| New Mexico | 2021 | Legislative action |
| New York | 2021 | Legislative action |
| Ohio | 2023 | Voter initiative |
| Oregon | 2014 | First wave of legalization |
| Rhode Island | 2022 | Legislative action |
| Vermont | 2018 | First via legislature |
| Virginia | 2021 | Sales pending |
| Washington | 2012 | First state to legalize |
| Washington D.C. | 2014 | No commercial sales (gifting allowed) |
* Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands have also legalized recreational cannabis.
States with Medical Cannabis Only
These states have medical marijuana programs but have not legalized recreational use. Requirements vary—some have comprehensive programs while others only allow low-THC or CBD products.
Note: Several medical-only states like Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Hawaii are actively considering recreational legalization in 2025. Florida's Amendment 3 received 56% support in 2024 but failed to meet the 60% threshold required for constitutional amendments.
States Where Cannabis Remains Illegal
Only a few states have no operational cannabis program. These represent the most restrictive cannabis laws in the country.
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Idaho | Fully illegal |
| Kansas | Fully illegal |
| Nebraska | Medical approved 2024, pending implementation |
| South Carolina | No program |
| Wyoming | CBD only |
New Jersey Cannabis Laws: What You Need to Know
Recreational Cannabis
- Legal since February 2021 (voter referendum)
- Purchase limit: 1 oz flower per transaction
- Concentrates: 5g per transaction
- Must be 21+ with valid ID
- Consumption: Private residences only
- Home cultivation: Not permitted
Medical Cannabis
- Legal since 2010
- No sales tax for patients (6.625% savings)
- Higher possession limits available
- Access to higher potency products
- Learn about NJ MMJ cards
The Library is a licensed recreational dispensary in West Orange, NJ serving both recreational customers and medical patients.
Interstate Travel & Cannabis
Transporting cannabis across state lines is illegal under federal law—even between two states where cannabis is legal.
NY Residents Visiting NJ
New York residents can legally purchase cannabis at New Jersey dispensaries like The Library. You'll need:
- Valid government-issued ID proving you're 21+
- Cash or debit card (credit cards often not accepted)
Remember: Consume your purchase in NJ. While both states have legal cannabis, crossing state lines with cannabis remains federally illegal.
Read our complete NY vs NJ cannabis laws guide →Traveling to Illegal States
Never transport cannabis into states where it's illegal. Neighboring Pennsylvania still prohibits recreational cannabis—getting caught crossing the border with NJ-purchased cannabis can result in criminal charges.
Recent Legalization Changes (2024-2025)
2024 Election Results
- Nebraska: Voters approved medical marijuana (implementation pending legal challenge)
- Florida: Amendment 3 received 56% support but failed to meet 60% threshold
- North Dakota: Recreational measure failed
- South Dakota: Recreational measure failed (again)
Federal Developments
The DEA initiated a review in 2024 to potentially reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. While this wouldn't legalize cannabis federally, it would acknowledge medical value and reduce some federal restrictions on research and banking.
States to Watch in 2025
- Pennsylvania: Bipartisan support for recreational legalization
- New Hampshire: Governor-elect supports legalization
- Hawaii: Working on recreational sales framework
- Virginia: Finalizing recreational sales regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states have legalized recreational cannabis in 2025?▼
As of January 2026, 24 states plus Washington D.C. and three U.S. territories have legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. This represents over 50% of the U.S. population living in states with legal adult-use cannabis.
How many states have medical marijuana programs?▼
40 states, three territories, and Washington D.C. have operational medical cannabis programs. This includes states with comprehensive programs and those with limited CBD-only or low-THC programs for specific conditions.
Is cannabis legal in New Jersey?▼
Yes, New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in February 2021 through a voter referendum. Adults 21+ can purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis per transaction at licensed dispensaries like The Library in West Orange, NJ. Medical marijuana has been legal since 2010.
Can I travel between states with cannabis?▼
No, transporting cannabis across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between two states where cannabis is legal. However, you can legally purchase and consume cannabis within any state where it's legal. NY residents can legally buy cannabis at NJ dispensaries and consume it in NJ.
Which states are likely to legalize cannabis next?▼
States actively considering legalization in 2025 include Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Hawaii (recreational sales), and several states considering medical programs including Wisconsin, Kansas, and North Carolina. Virginia is also working to launch recreational sales.
Is cannabis still illegal at the federal level?▼
Yes, cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. However, the DEA initiated a review in 2024 to potentially reschedule cannabis to Schedule III. Federal enforcement against state-legal cannabis operations has been minimal due to congressional funding restrictions.
What states have fully illegal cannabis with no programs?▼
Only 3 states have no legal cannabis programs: Idaho, Kansas, and Nebraska (though Nebraska voters approved medical cannabis in 2024, implementation is pending legal challenges). Wyoming has very limited CBD-only provisions.
Can out-of-state visitors buy cannabis at dispensaries?▼
Yes, in most recreational cannabis states including New Jersey, out-of-state visitors with valid ID showing they're 21+ can purchase cannabis. The Library in West Orange, NJ welcomes visitors from New York and other states with same purchase limits as NJ residents.
Visit The Library Dispensary
Located in West Orange, NJ — serving Essex County and the tri-state area
5 Washington Street, West Orange, NJ 07052 | NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228
Disclaimer: Cannabis laws are subject to change. This guide is current as of January 2026 but may not reflect future legislative updates. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Must be 21+ to purchase recreational cannabis. The Library holds NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult local laws before purchasing or consuming cannabis.