As of 2025, 24 states and the District of Columbia let adults 21 and older possess cannabis for nonmedical use. Retail stores are open in 21 of those states. Thirty-eight states run a medical cannabis program, and some of those limit sales to low-THC oils. Eight states ban cannabis in all forms.
when will cannabis be legal federally
The rule that matters on a road trip: possession is legal under the law of the state where you bought the product. Crossing a state line with cannabis is a federal offense. A legal ounce in Colorado is contraband in Idaho.
States with legal adult-use cannabis
These states allow possession and use by adults 21 and older:
- 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
Delaware and Virginia allow possession but had no statewide adult-use retail open at the start of 2025. Minnesota was still building its licensing system. The other 21 states had operating stores.
Medical cannabis states
These states allow medical use only: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia. Nebraska voters approved a medical measure in 2024, and the program had not opened dispensaries at the start of 2025.
Georgia and Texas allow low-THC oils for a short list of conditions. Wisconsin allows CBD with no dispensary system.
States with no legal cannabis program
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Possession of a small amount in these states carries fines and jail time. Idaho has no medical program and no CBD exemption.
Delivery, storefronts, and local bans
Convenience now drives sales as much as price. California licenses delivery statewide, including into cities that ban storefronts. New York and Nevada allow delivery from licensed retailers. Colorado allows delivery from licensed stores.
Store counts vary by a wide margin. California has more than 1,000 licensed adult-use storefronts. Oklahoma has more than 1,000 licensed medical dispensaries. Cities and counties in California, Colorado, Michigan, and New York can ban or cap storefronts, which pushes buyers to delivery or to the next county.
What to check before a trip
- Age: 21 in every adult-use state. Patients under 21 need a state medical card.
- Possession limit: 1 ounce in Colorado, 28.5 grams in California, 30 grams of flower for Illinois residents.
- Public use: illegal in most states. Nevada and a few cities license consumption lounges.
- Vehicle: keep the product sealed and out of reach.
- Federal land: national parks, national forests, and airport security fall under federal law.