In what states is weed legal? Here is the list.
Nearly a decade has passed since thevoters of Colorado and Washington decided to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. In the time since over twenty states and the District of Columbia have followed suit. All but a handful of states have OK'd its medical use and legalizing the substance at the federal level has picked up new momentum.
In the executive branch, President Biden announced that he planned to pardon those who received a federal conviction for the possession of marijuana. The president's pardon also blocks future federal prosecutions for simple possession. However, many drug convictions occur at the state level, As such, Biden has called for governors to follow his example and is requesting that both the Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice take a look at what category marijuana could be classified under according to federal law.
What states have legalized recreational marijuana?
The number of states that have legalized recreational use has risen steadily over the last 10 years. New York became the 15th state to legalize weed last year, but retail sales in the state aren't expected to begin until late 2022 at the earliest. Every state on this list had authorized the use of cannabis for medical purposes prior to full legalization.
Ohio: Legalized in 2023
Minnesota: Legalized in 2023
Delaware: Legalized in 2023
Rhode Island: Legalized in 2022
Maryland: Legalized in 2022
Missouri: Legalized in 2022
Connecticut: Legalized in 2021
New Mexico: Legalized in 2021
New York: Legalized in 2021
Virginia: Legalized in 2021
Arizona: Legalized in 2020
Montana: Legalized in 2020
New Jersey: Legalized in 2020
Vermont: Legalized in 2020
Illinois: Legalized in 2019
Michigan: Legalized in 2018
California: Legalized in 2016
Maine: Legalized in 2016
Massachusetts: Legalized in 2016
Nevada: Legalized in 2016
District of Columbia: Legalized in 2014
Alaska: Legalized 2014
Oregon: Legalized in 2014
Colorado: Legalized in 2012
Washington: Legalized in 2012
What states have legalized medical marijuana?
Marijuana is allowed for medical treatment in most of the country. Only 11 states prohibit the drug completely. Here are the states that allow medical marijuana only. Mississippi and Alabama are the latest states to legalize medical pot, but it is still unavailable for purchase as the states try to establish regulations.
Mississippi - Legalized 2022
Alabama- Legalized 2021
South Dakota - Legalized 2020
Missouri - Legalized 2018
Oklahoma - Legalized 2018
Utah - Legalized 2018
Iowa - Legalized 2017
West Virginia - Legalized 2017
Arkansas - Legalized 2016
Florida - Legalized 2016
North Dakota - Legalized 2016
Ohio - Legalized 2016
Pennsylvania - Legalized 2016
Georgia- Legalized 2015
Louisiana - Legalized 2015
Minnesota - Legalized 2014
Maryland- Legalized 2013
New Hampshire - Legalized 2013
Delaware - Legalized 2011
Rhode Island- 2006
Hawaii- Legalized 2000
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where is weed legal? These states have OK'd recreational pot.
