Marijuana State Laws
This chart highlights state marijuana laws. Check back often, as this chart is updated frequently.
If you don't find what you're looking for, see our Cancer-Related Legal Issues Materials & Resources.
| State | Recreational Marijuana Law | Recreational Marijuana Law Approved / Effective Date | Summary of Recreational Marijuana Law | Medical Marijuana Law | Medical Marijuana Law Approved / Effective Date | Summary of Medical Marijuana Law | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALABAMA | SB 46 (2021) - The Alabama Compassion Act | 5/17/2021 | https://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/actdetail.mbr/detail?page=act&year=2021&act=450 | Allows individuals diagnosed with a "qualifying condition" to legally use and access medical canabis. Examples of a "qualifying condition" include cancer-related pain, nauseau, or weight loss; a condition causing crhonic pain, a terminal illness, etc.. A medical cannabis card is required. | |||||
| ALASKA | Alaska Statutes, Title 17, Chapter 38 - Regulation of Marijuana Act | 11/4/2014 | https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/9/pub/MCB/StatutesAndRegulations/MJ_BallotMeasure2.pdf | Alaska Statutes, Title 17, Chapter 37 - Medical Use of Marijuana | 11/1998 | https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#17.37 | |||
| ARIZONA | A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 28.2 - Safe and Smart Act | 11/2020 | https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/02850.htm | A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 28.1 - Arizona Medical Marijuana Act | 11/2/2010 | https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/02801.htm | |||
| ARKANSAS | AR Const. Amend. 98, s. 1 - The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment | 11/8/2016 | https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Amendment_98_Sections_1-8.pdf | Allows a "qualifying patient" diagnosed with a "qualifying medical condition" to use and obtain medical marijuana. A registry identification card is required. | |||||
| CALIFORNIA | full legalization | 2016 | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=11362.1.&lawCode=HSC | ||||||
| COLORADO | full legalization | 2012 | https://codes.findlaw.com/co/colorado-constitution-of-1876/co-const-art-xviii-sect-16/ | ||||||
| CONNECTICUT | full legalization | 2021 | https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Browse/RCSA/Title_21aSubtitle_21a-408_HTML/ | ||||||
| DELAWARE | full legalization | 2023 | https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=129970&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=HB1 | ||||||
| *DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | full legalization | 2014 | https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/20-153 | ||||||
| FLORIDA | Section 29. Medical marijuana production, possession and use.— | 2019 | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=Constitution&Submenu=3&Tab=statutes#A10S29:~:text=2012%3B%20adopted%202014.-,SECTION%2029.,-Medical%20marijuana%20production | The Florida Constitution allows the use of medical marijuana by a "qualifying patient" diagnosed with a "debilitating medical condition." Examples of a debilitating medical condition include cancer, epilepsy, chronic nonmalignant pain, a terminal condition, etc. A qualified patient identification card is required. | |||||
| GEORGIA | HB 1 (2015) - Haleigh's Hope Act | 2015 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20152016/149361.pdf | Allows the possession of low-THC oil (5% or less) by patients diagnosed with a "condition." Examples of a condition include cancer, multiple sclerosis, chron's disease, etc. A registration card is required. | |||||
| HAWAII | SB 862 (2000) | 2000 | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2000/acts/Act228_SB862_HD1_.htm | Allows the possession and use of marijuana by a "qualifying patient" if they are diagnosed with a "debilitating medical condition" and have a statement from a Hawaii health care profession that the "potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient." Examples of a debilitating medical condition include cancer, lupus, conditions causing severe pain or severe nauseau, etc. An ID card is required. | |||||
| IDAHO | SB 1017 (2021) | 2021 | https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/billbookmark/?yr=2021&bn=S1017 | Permits prescription use of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication containing up to 0.1% THC, exclusively for treating seizure disorders and only when prescribed by a licensed heatlh care provider; no broader group qualifies for medical marijuana or CBD use under this law. | |||||
| ILLINOIS | full legalization | 2019 | https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ChapterID=35&ActID=3992 | ||||||
| INDIANA | HB 1148 (2017) | 2017 | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/house/1148/details | Permits registered patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy to use cannabidiol oil containing no more than 0.3% THC and at least 5% CBD. Registration and obtainment of a state-issued cannabidiol registration card—available to Indiana residents (or their caregivers) certified by a neurologist—are required. | |||||
| IOWA | Chapter 124E - Medical Cannabidiol Act | 2017 | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/124e.pdf | Permits registered patients to use regulated CBD/THC products for certain qualifying medical conditions. Examples include cancer (when accompanied by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or wasting, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, among others. Registration and obtainment of a medical cannabidiol registration card is required. | |||||
| KANSAS | SB 282 (2017-2018) - Uniform Controlled Substances Act Amendment | 2018 | https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2018/b2017_18/measures/documents/sb282_enrolled.pdf | Authorizes the sale and possession of CBD products that are THC-free (0%), by explicitly excluding cannabidiol from the legal definition of “marijuana.” No registration or medical card is required. No medical conditions are specified as qualifying reasons. | |||||
| KENTUCKY | SB 47 (2023) | 2023 | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/23RS/sb47.html | Authorizes state-licensed practitioners to certify patients for medical cannabis starting January 1, 2025, for qualifying debilitating conditions (such as cancer and chronic nausea). It requires patients (or their caregivers) to obtain a "registry identification card," issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, to legally possess and use medical cannabis. | |||||
| LOUISIANA | HB 819 (2020) | 2020 | https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=20rs&b=HB819&sbi=y | Authorizes state‑licensed physicians in good standing to recommend medical marijuana for a broader range of debilitating conditions (such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, seizure disease), extending beyond previously listed ailments to include additional conditions and any others the physician deems appropriate within their training. | |||||
| MAINE | full legalization | https://legislature.maine.gov/lawlibrary/recreational_marijuana_in_maine/9419 | Title 22, Ch. 558-C - The Medical Use of Cannabis Act | 1999 | https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/22/title22ch558-C.pdf | Allows state-licensed medical providers to certify patients for medical cannabis for any debilitating conditions they deem appropriate. Patients (and caregivers) must obtain a "registry identification card" issued by the state. | |||
| MARYLAND | full legalization | https://cannabis.maryland.gov/pages/law.aspx | §36–302. | 2022 | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab§ion=36-302&enactments=False&archived=False | Allows qualifying patients or their caregivers to obtain medical cannabis from state‑licensed dispensaries and exempts these purchases from state cannabis sales tax. As of July 1, 2024, patient registration is free and identification cards are optional. | |||
| MASSACHUSETTS | full legalization | 2016 | https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter94G | ||||||
| MICHIGAN | full legalization | 2018 | https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(zvgdoombemf0xl3d1zqggf2u))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-333-27954 | ||||||
| MINNESOTA | full legalization | 2023 | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/63/ | ||||||
| MISSISSIPPI | SB 2095 (2022) - Medical Cannabis Program | 2022) | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2022/pdf/history/SB/SB2095.xml | Permits registered patients with one or more debilitating medical conditions to use medical cannabis, including cancer and others like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, severe nausea, chronic pain, seizures, cachexia (wasting), and muscle spasms; registration and obtainment of a state-issued registry identification card are required. | |||||
| MISSOURI | full legalization | 2022 | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++2&bid=51541&constit=y | ||||||
| MONTANA | full legalization | 2020 | https://leg.mt.gov/bills/MCA/title_0160/chapter_0120/part_0010/section_0060/0160-0120-0010-0060.html | ||||||
| NEBRASKA | Medical Cannabis Program | 2024 | https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=71-24,104 | Permits patients to possess up to five ounces of medical cannabis with a written recommendation from a health care practitioner; no formal registry or state-issued ID card is required at present, and cancer is not explicitly listed, though practitioners may certify any condition they deem appropriate under professional judgment. | |||||
| NEVADA | full legalization | 2023 | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-678D.html | ||||||
| NEW HAMPSHIRE | Therapeutic Cannabis Program | 2013/2015 | https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-X-126-X.htm | Permits registered patients with qualifying medical conditions, including cancer (alongside other conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, PTSD, ALS, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and more) to use medical cannabis; registration and obtainment of a state-issued registry identification card (for patients and caregivers) are required. | |||||
| NEW JERSEY | full legalization | 2020 | https://pub.njleg.gov/bills/2020/PL21/16_.PDF | ||||||
| NEW MEXICO | full legalization | 2021 | https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Special/final/HB0002.pdf | ||||||
| NEW YORK | full legalization | 2021 | https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/a1248a | ||||||
| NORTH CAROLINA | H 766 (2015) | 2015 | http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/PDF/H766v6.pdf | Permits use of regulated hemp extract (CBD oil)—containing less than 0.9% THC and at least 5% CBD—exclusively for treating intractable epilepsy as determined by a neurologist, with use limited to registered caregivers who must hold a registration card issued by the state. Cancer is not included as a qualifying condition under this law. | |||||
| NORTH DAKOTA | Compassionate Care Act | 2016 | https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t19c24-1.pdf | Permits registered patients to use medical cannabis for debilitating medical conditions—including cancer, terminal illnesses, epilepsy, chronic pain, cachexia or wasting, severe nausea, seizures, multiple sclerosis–type muscle spasms, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, ALS, and others; registration and obtainment of a state-issued registry identification card (for patients and caregivers) are required. | |||||
| OHIO | full legalization | 2023 | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-3780 | ||||||
| OKLAHOMA | Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Program | 2018 | https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/index.asp?level=1&ftdb=STOKST63&year=#CiteID483199 | Permits registered patients to use, possess, grow, and consume medical cannabis; no specific qualifying conditions are listed, allowing patients to receive a recommendation as deemed appropriate by a licensed physician following accepted medical standards. Registration and obtainment of a state-issued medical marijuana license (ID card), including for caregivers, is required. | |||||
| OREGON | full legalization | 2015 | https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors475c.html | ||||||
| PENNSYLVANIA | Medical Marijuana Program | 2016 | http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0003 | Permits registered patients and caregivers to use medical cannabis for a broad list of serious medical conditions, including cancer (including remission therapy), chronic or intractable pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, intractable nausea, anxiety disorders, and more. Patients must obtain certification from a registered physician and receive a state-issued ID card to participate in the program. | |||||
| *PUERTO RICO | Medical Cannabis Program (Act 42‑2017, amended by Act 15‑2021) | 2017 | https://ferraiuoli.com/news/act-no-42-2017-medical-cannabis/ | Permits registered patients to use medical cannabis for a wide range of qualifying medical conditions—including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, chronic pain, cachexia, HIV/AIDS, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, severe nausea, muscle spasms, and more (as determined by the Medical Advisory Body and Regulatory Board); registration and obtainment of a medical cannabis ID card are required. | |||||
| RHODE ISLAND | full legalization | 2022 | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText22/SenateText22/S2430.pdf | ||||||
| SOUTH CAROLINA | Julian’s Law (2014) | 2014 | http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess120_2013-2014/bills/1035.htm | Permits patients with severe forms of epilepsy (such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or other intractable epilepsy not responsive to traditional therapies) to use cannabidiol oil containing no more than 0.9% THC and at least 15% CBD as part of FDA-approved clinical trials; no patient registration or state-issued medical card is required. Cancer is not included as a qualifying condition. | |||||
| SOUTH DAKOTA | Medical Cannabis Program | 2021 | https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-20G-1 | Permits registered patients with debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer (when accompanied by severe or chronic pain, cachexia/wasting, severe nausea or vomiting), along with epilepsy/seizures, multiple sclerosis, AIDS/HIV, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, ALS, PTSD, and others, to use medical cannabis products; registration and obtainment of a state-issued registry identification card (for patients and caregivers) are required. | |||||
| TENNESSEE | Limited Low-THC/CBD Access (HB 197, 2015) | 2015 | http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/109/Bill/HB0197.pdf | Permits individuals diagnosed with intractable epilepsy or seizure disorders to legally possess CBD oil containing less than 0.9% THC, but only if the oil was obtained legally outside Tennessee; no state registration or ID card is required. Cancer is not included as a qualifying condition under this law. | |||||
| TEXAS | Texas Compassionate Use Program | 2021 | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.169.htm#169.003 | Permits qualified physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis (capped at 1% THC by weight) to permanent state residents diagnosed with qualifying medical conditions, including cancer; no patient registration or ID card is required, but physicians must document the prescription in the state’s confidential Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). | |||||
| UTAH | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter37/58-37-S3.9.html | 2023 | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter37/58-37-S3.9.html | Permits registered patients with qualifying medical conditions, such as cancer, chronic or persistent nausea, terminal illnesses (with less than six months to live), hospice care status, rare diseases, and both acute and chronic pain, to use medical cannabis; registration and obtainment of a state-issued electronic medical cannabis card (for patients, guardians, and caregivers) are required. | |||||
| VERMONT | full legalization | 2018 | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/084/04230 | ||||||
| VIRGINIA | full legalization | 2021 | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title4.1/chapter11/section4.1-1100/ | ||||||
| WASHINGTON | full legalization | 2012 | https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=314-55&full=true&pdf=true | ||||||
| WEST VIRGINIA | Medical Cannabis Program (SB 386, 2017) | 2017 | https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2017_SESSIONS/RS/bills/SB386%20SUB1%20enr.pdf | Permits registered patients with serious medical conditions, including cancer (as well as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, severe chronic pain, terminal illnesses, and more), to use medical cannabis in approved forms (e.g., pills, oils, topicals, tinctures, vaporizable forms, and dry leaf as permitted by rule). Registration and obtainment of a state-issued medical cannabis identification card (for patients and caregivers) are required. | |||||
| WISCONSIN | Cannabidiol (CBD) Law (Act 4, 2017) | 2017 | http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/acts/4 | Permits use and possession of non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) for individuals with any medical condition when accompanied by a written certification from a physician; no registration or state-issued medical card is required. | |||||
| WYOMING | Supervised Medical Use of Hemp Extract (HB 0032, 2015) | 2015 | https://wyoleg.gov/2015/Digest/HB0032.pdf | Permits registered patients with intractable epilepsy, as diagnosed by a neurologist, to use hemp extract containing no more than 0.3% THC and at least 15% CBD; registration and obtainment of a state-issued hemp extract registration card (including for parents or guardians acting on behalf of minors) is required. Cancer and other conditions are not included among the qualifiers. | |||||
| GUAM | full legalization | 2019 | https://law.justia.com/codes/guam/title-11/division-1/chapter-8/ | ||||||
| Last Updated: | 9/2025 |