Cannabis law in the US is a patchwork that changes at every state line. In some states an adult can walk into a licensed shop; in others the same act is a medical-only privilege, merely decriminalized, or still a crime. Below is where all 50 states (plus Washington, D.C.) stand right now, grouped by status. Tap any state for the dated, officially-sourced detail.
One thing is true everywhere: cannabis is still illegal under federal law, so state legality won't protect you on federal land, when flying, or at a border. And carrying it across a state line — even between two legal states — can be a crime. That's exactly the kind of flip that happens the moment you cross a state line.
"Legal" still comes with rules
Even where recreational cannabis is broadly legal, states limit how much you can possess, where you can buy it, and where you can use it (public use is often still prohibited). And "limited" covers a wide range — from medical-only programs to simple decriminalization with no legal sales. Always check the specific state: see a state's cannabis detail for possession limits, purchase rules, and public-use rules, each separately sourced and dated.
Know it the moment it changes
Cannabis law moves fast — states legalize, expand, or adjust the rules almost every session. LawLert pins the live rule to where you are and alerts you when a law you track changes or when you cross into a state where it flips. Browse all state laws.
FAQ
Which states have legal recreational marijuana in 2026?
Roughly two dozen states allow recreational cannabis for adults, with rules on amounts, where you can buy, and where you can use it. Many more allow medical use or have decriminalized possession, and a handful still treat it as illegal. This guide groups all 50 states + DC by status; tap a state for the dated, sourced detail.
Is marijuana legal federally?
No. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law regardless of state law. That matters on federal land (national parks, military bases), when flying, and at international borders — where state legality does not protect you.
What does 'limited — medical-only or decriminalized' mean?
It covers a range: some states allow cannabis only with a medical authorization, while others have removed criminal penalties for small amounts (decriminalized) without allowing legal sales. The specifics vary a lot by state — check that state's detail page.
Can I carry it across a state line?
No — even between two legal states, transporting cannabis across the border can be a crime, and an edible that's legal at home can be a serious offense one state over. Crossing the line changes the law instantly.
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.
51 jurisdictions covered · generated live from LawLert's verified cannabis data · informational only, not legal advice.