Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction

 Alabama

First-time possession for personal use may be punished as a misdemeanor, but further personal possession, or intent to sell, can result in felony charges.

 Alaska

Legalized in Measure 2 on November 4, 2014.^[5]

 Arizona

In November 2010, Arizona legalized medical marijuana when the voters passed Proposition 203 with 50.13% of the vote.^[6][7][8]

 Arkansas

Possession of amounts under three ounces is a criminal misdemeanor; the cities of Fayetteville and Eureka Springs have labeled cannabis the "lowest law enforcement priority". On November 8, 2016, the state legalized medical marijuana when voters passed Issue 6 by 53%.^[9]

 California

In July 1975, Governor Jerry Brown enacted Senate Bill 95, which reduced the penalty for possession of one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis or less to a citable misdemeanor.^[10]
On November 5, 1996, California became the first state in the United States to legalize medical marijuana when the voters passed Proposition 215 by 56%.^[11]
On November 8, 2016, Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, passed by a vote of 57% to 43%, legalizing the sale and distribution of cannabis in both a dry and concentrated form. Adults are allowed to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for recreational use and can grow up to six live plants individually or more commercially with a license.

 Colorado

Colorado Amendment 64 legalized the sale and possession of marijuana for non-medical uses on November 6, 2012, including private cultivation of up to six marijuana plants, with no more than three being mature.^[13][14]

 Connecticut

Possession of less than one half ounce by persons 21 and over results in graduating scale of fines, and seizure of contraband. Under 21 face addition sanctions, to include temporary loss of license to drive.^[15]

 Delaware

On February 10, 2012, Gov. Markell announced that he was suspending medical marijuana because of a letter from the Obama Justice Department alleging that its implementation would subject those licensed under the law, as well as public servants, to federal criminal prosecution. On 31 August 2016, Gov. Markell signed House Bill 400 into law, to expand medical cannabis programs for people with a terminal illness.^[16][17]

 Florida

On November 8, 2016, the state legalized medical marijuana when voters passed Amendment 2 by 71%.^[18] The rules implementing the law started on July 1.

 Georgia

Any conviction of a marijuana possession, sale, or cultivation offense results in suspension of driver's license. First-time offenders may be eligible for a conditional discharge under Section 16-13-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), which operates as a dismissal if certain conditions are met, such as the payment of a fine and community service. A measure to allow medical cannabis oil passed the House in February 2015.^[19] On April 16, 2015, the non-psychoactive form of Marijuana oil (CBD Oil, also known as "Charlotte's Web") was legalized for medical use in the state.^[20]

 Hawaii

On June 15, 2000, Governor Benjamin Cayetano signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana.^[21][22] On July 14, 2015 the Governor of Hawaii David Ige signed a bill into law allowing medical cannabis dispensaries.^[23] On July 14, 2016 David Ige also signed into law expanding medical cannabis programs.^[24]

 Idaho

Personal use possession of 3 ounces or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000 if for. If the quantity possessed is more than 3 ounces but less than 1 pound, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.^[25]

 Illinois

Illinois passed the Cannabis Control Act in 1978, which technically allows for medical marijuana. However, in order for it to become an actuality, action is required from two state departments—Human Services and the State Police—neither of which has taken action.^[26][27]
On August 1, 2013, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana; the legislation took effect on January 1, 2014.^[28]

On March 22, 2017, Illinois lawmakers proposed legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.^[29] The measure would also allow residents to possess up to 28 grams of marijuana, or about an ounce, and to grow five plants.

 Indiana

• 1913: prohibited

 Iowa

• 2014 CBD legalized

 Kansas

• 1927: prohibited

 Kentucky

• 2014 CBD legalized

 Louisiana

• 1924: prohibited
• 2015: medical cannabis legalized

 Maine

• 1913: prohibited
• 1976: decriminalized
• 1999: medical cannabis^[31]
• 2009: further decriminalization^[32][33]
• 2016: legalized recreational^[34]

 Maryland

On April 14, 2014, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed two pieces of cannabis reform legislation. SB 364 decriminalizes possession of 10 grams or less to a civil infraction punishable by a $100 fine for the first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine plus possible drug treatment for a third offense. HB 881 legalizes the possession, sale, and production of medical cannabis, and it authorizes the creation of a commission to license dispensaries, doctors, and patients to manage distribution. These two laws do not go into effect until October 1, 2014, prior to the effective date, possession of any amount of marijuana could still be charged and prosecuted.^[35][36]

 Massachusetts

• 2008: decriminalized cannabis when 63% of the populace voted yes on Question 2. The legislation defines possession of 1 ounce or less to be a civil infraction punishable by a $100 fine.^[37][38]
• 2012: legalized medical marijuana when voters passed Question 3 by 60%.^[39][40]
• 2016: legalized recreational marijuana when voters passed Question 4 by 54%.^[41]

 Michigan

• 2008: legalized medical cannabis

 Minnesota

• 1976: decriminalization^[42]
• 2014: medical cannabis legalized^[43]

 Mississippi

• 1978: decriminalized
• 2014: CBD legalized

 Missouri

• 2014: decriminalized
• 2014: CBD legalized

 Montana

Personal use possession of 60 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and a fine of $100 – $500. A second offense is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000. Possession of more than 60 grams is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $50,000. Possession of any amount of marijuana with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $50,000.^[44]

 Nebraska

Possession of up to one ounce of cannabis is treated as a civil infraction for the first offense, and as a misdemeanor for the second and third offenses. A fine of up to $300 may be issued for the first offense, along with potential court-mandated drug education courses. A second offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to five days' jail time, and a third offense carries up to a $500 fine and a maximum of one week in jail.^[45]

 Nevada

On November 7, 2000, Nevada legalized medical marijuana when 65% of the populace voted yes on Question 9.^[46][47]
On November 8, 2016, the state legalized recreational marijuana when voters passed Question 2 by 54%.^[48]

 New Hampshire

On July 18, 2017, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill into law decriminalizing possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce.

On July 23, 2013, New Hampshire legalized medical marijuana when Governor Maggie Hassan signed HB 573.^[49][50] On July 11, 2015 Governor Maggie Hassan signs a law that expands the medical marijuana law.^[51]

 New Jersey

On January 18, 2010, New Jersey legalized medical marijuana when Governor Jon Corzine signed the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Maximum sentencing of 1 year in prison as a misdemeanor and a 1,000 dollar fine for possession of up to 50 grams.^[52][53] On September 19, 2016 New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a measure expanding the state’s medical marijuana law, further nullifying federal prohibition in practice. A coalition of representatives introduced Assembly Bill 457 (A457) in January. The new law adds post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify a patient to receive medical marijuana under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. The Assembly passed A457 on June 16 by a 56-7 vote. After substituting the assembly bill for a Senate version, the Senate passed the measure 28-9 on Aug. 1. Gov. Christie’s signature, the provision went into immediate effect.^[54]

 New Mexico

In April 2007, New Mexico legalized medical marijuana when Governor Bill Richardson signed Senate Bill 523.^[55][56]

 New York

On July 14, 2014, New York legalized medical marijuana when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act into law. The legislation only allows patients to ingest cannabis using edibles, oils, pills, or vaporization, and does not allow smoking of the plant material.^[58][59][60]

 North Carolina

• 1977: decriminalized
• 2015: CBD legalized

  North Dakota

 Ohio

On June 8, 2016, Governor John Kasich signed legislation legalizing marijuana for medical use.^[62]

 Oklahoma

• 1933: criminalized^[63]
• 2015: governor Mary Fallin signed a bill legalizing cannabis oils for children with epilepsy.^[64]

 Oregon

Oregon voters approved Measure 91 on November 4, 2014, providing for regulated legal possession and sale of set amounts of cannabis.^[65][66] Further cannabis reforms were signed into law on July 1, 2015 by Oregon Democratic Governor Kate Brown.^[67][68] More medical cannabis reforms were signed into law on July 28, 2015 by Governor Brown. To become effective from October 1, 2015.^[69][70] On top of all the cannabis law reforms in Oregon, Governor Brown also signed a bill that sets a cannabis sales tax at 25 percent.^[71]

 Pennsylvania

For medical use only. Signed by Governor Wolf on April 17, 2016. Possession of 30g or less is a misdemeanor resulting in up to 30 days incarceration and a fine of up to $500. Possession of more than 30g is a misdemeanor netting up to a year in jail and a $5000 fine.^[72]

 Rhode Island

Possession of an ounce or less is a civil violation with a $150 fine, three violations within 18 months is a misdemeanor with larger fines and/or prison.^[73]

 South Carolina

• 2014: governor Nikki Haley signed into law Senate Bill 1035, "Julian's Law", following a unanimous Senate vote and a 92–5 House vote. The law allows children with severe epilepsy to be treated with CBD oil if recommended by a physician.^[75]

 South Dakota

Personal use possession of 2 oz or less is a Class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,000.^[76]

 Tennessee

First-time possession offenders can complete one year of supervised probation instead of criminal penalty of one year incarceration; *Possession of 1/2 ounce or more is automatic felony charge: possession for resale. Non-psychoactive CBD oil possession, as of Monday, May 4, 2015, is allowed, due to newly signed legislation, if a person is suffering seizures or epilepsy and has the recommendation of their doctor.^[77]

 Texas

"Both the current leadership and candidates for prominent political offices are increasingly calling for marijuana policy reform in the Lone Star State--In Texas, a conviction for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana can result in a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $2,000.".^[78] On June 1, 2015 governor Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing non-psychoactive CBD oil for medical use.^[79]

 Utah

House bill 105 was introduced by Representative Gage Froerer (R) and has been passed and signed by the governor. This bill would excuse anyone who was in possession of hemp extract. Hemp extract means an extract from a cannabis plant, or a mixture or preparation containing cannabis plant material, that is composed of less than .3% of THC by weight.^[80] Possession of less than an ounce can result in a 6-month incarceration and a maximum fine of $1,000. Any amount over 10 ounces can result in a $10,000 fine. Selling of any amount is a felony and will result with 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.^[81]

 Vermont

On May 19, 2004, Vermont legalized medical marijuana when Governor James Douglas announced he would allow Senate Bill 76 to pass without his signature.^[82] The law was further expanded in June 2007 when Senate Bill 7 passed without Governor Douglas' signature once again.^[83]
On June 6, 2013, Governor Peter Shumlin signed legislation (HB200) which decriminalized the possession of 1 ounce or less to a civil infraction.^[84] In both 2016 and 2017, bills have passed both houses of the Vermont Legislature to end prohibition of cannabis and legalize recreational cannabis within the state, but fail in conference committee – due to a lack of an agreement between the two houses and time restraints. It is unlikely that Vermont will fully legalize recreational cannabis until at least 2018.

 Virginia

A first offense is an "Unclassified Misdemeanor", meaning the maximum penalty is 30 days in jail and a $500 fine (or both), and loss of driving privileges. A subsequent offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of 12 months in confinement and a $2,500 fine (or both), plus loss of driving privileges. A first-offense will qualify for a deferred disposition resulting in dismissal. This option requires a drug assessment, classes, community service, and loss of driving privileges for six months. The first-offender program is controversial according to some Virginia criminal defense attorneys and advocates for young men and women in the Commonwealth, primarily because it does not allow the defendant to qualify for expungement, and as a result, remains on the individual's record for life.^[85]

 Washington

 West Virginia

"Creates the "Compassionate Use Act for Medical Cannabis; providing for protections for the medical use of cannabis..."" ^[87]

 Wisconsin

A first offense for possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. A second offense is a Class I felony and is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3.5 years.

 Wyoming

"Being under the influence of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 90 days imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100. Possession of three ounces or less is a misdemeanor that is punishable by a maximum of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1000."^[89]

 District of Columbia

• 1998: Initiative 59 was voted in to allow medical marijuana, but its effecting was blocked by Congress until 2009.
• 2014: D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray signed a bill that decriminalized possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana in the U.S. capital for persons 18 years of age or older. The law made possession a civil violation with a penalty of $25, lower than most city parking tickets.
• 2014, D.C. voted by ballot Initiative 71 to legalize marijuana possession and cultivation for personal recreational use (commercial production and sale not permitted); the law went into effect 26 February 2015 following 30 days of Congressional review.^[91]

 American Samoa

In 1999, the Territory established a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence for possession of any amount of any illegal drug, to explicitly include marijuana, even when medically prescribed in another jurisdiction.^[92]

 Guam

Residents passed a ballot measure on 4 November 2014 that allows cannabis for medical use only.^[93]

 Northern Mariana Islands

In 2010, the CNMI House of Representatives approved a legalization bill to regulate and tax marijuana,^[94] but the measure ultimately failed.

 Puerto Rico

On May 4, 2015, the governor of Puerto Rico signed an executive order legalizing medicinal marijuana in the U.S territory.^[95]

 U.S. Virgin Islands