In the US, the law that applies to you is the law of the state you're physically standing in — and it can flip the moment you cross a line. An edible that's legal at home can be a felony one state over; a concealed-carry permit honored here may not be honored there. Below is where each of the four most border-sensitive categories stands across all 50 states (plus DC), grouped by status. Tap any state for the dated, officially-sourced detail. Heading abroad instead? See the laws that catch travelers off guard in 80+ countries.
Cannabis by state
Cannabis ranges from fully permitted to a criminal offense depending on the state — and an edible that's legal at home can be a felony across the line.
Firearms by state
Carry rules swing from permitless (constitutional) carry to permit-required — and a permit honored in one state may not be honored in the next.
Alcohol by state
Most states permit alcohol sales broadly, but hours, Sunday rules, and dry counties vary — the local rule wins.
Gambling by state
Sports betting and casino rules differ sharply by state, from fully legal to restricted.
Know it the moment it changes
This is a snapshot. LawLert pins the live rule to exactly where you are — your city, county, and state — and alerts you when a law you track changes or when you cross into a state where it flips. Browse all state laws.
FAQ
Does my home state's law apply when I travel to another state?
No. The law of the state you are physically in applies — and it can change the moment you cross the border. Something legal where you live can be a crime one state over.
Is recreational cannabis legal in all 50 states?
No. Cannabis law varies widely — some states permit recreational use, others allow only limited/medical use, and several still treat possession as a criminal offense. Check your specific state.
What is permitless (constitutional) carry?
It means a state lets eligible adults carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Many states allow it; others require a permit or restrict carry — and reciprocity (whether your permit is honored elsewhere) is a separate question.
How current and trustworthy is this?
Each state's detail page shows the official government source and the date LawLert verified it. This hub is generated live from that same data, so the status reflects the latest verified record.