How many states are legalized for Cannabis?

How many states are legalized for Cannabis?

As of mid-2025, cannabis legalization in the United States continues to expand, reflecting significant shifts in public policy and societal attitudes. Currently, cannabis is fully legalized for recreational use in 25 states, including major jurisdictions such as California, New York, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, Michigan, and Alaska, among others.

Additionally, 14 states permit cannabis for medical purposes only, providing regulated access to patients for specific health conditions. These states include Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, reflecting a cautious but growing acceptance of cannabis’s medical benefits.

States that have fully legalized cannabis typically regulate sales through licensed dispensaries, tax cannabis products significantly, and implement strict guidelines to ensure public safety, quality control, and responsible consumption. Revenues from cannabis taxation frequently support education, healthcare, and public infrastructure projects.

Legalization status and regulations can vary widely, making it essential for consumers and businesses to remain updated on state-specific legislation to ensure compliance and informed engagement within this evolving industry.

Fully Legal – Recreational and Medical (24 states + D.C.)

These jurisdictions allow adult-use for those 21+, as well as medical programs:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington — plus Washington, D.C.

Medical Only (Comprehensive Medical Programs; no recreational)

There are 39 states (including D.C.) with full medical legalization. Removing the 24 above and D.C., that leaves 15 medical only states:

• Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia

Limited CBD Only Medical (Low THC, high CBD laws)

A subset of states restrict their medical cannabis programs to low‑THC, high‑CBD products only. As of March 2025, six states fall into this category: Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Idaho These states legally allow CBD-rich medicines without permitting higher‑THC medical cannabis and are not included in the broader medical‑only or recreational categories above.

Fully Illegal

Only 5 states have yet to allow any form of cannabis (medical or recreational) :

Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, Wyoming

Summary Table