2023 States where legal recreational marijuana has been approved
Marijuana is now legal in some form in 33 states and the District of Columbia. One of the most significant victories occurred in 2018 when the federal government officially legalized hemp. But marijuana, the more potent form of the plant, remains illegal on the federal level, although the government has adopted a hands-off approach to state-level legalization.
RELATED: How to get rid of weed smells in the car
The states where marijuana is legal for medical and/or recreational use are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
In these states, marijuana is regulated similarly to alcohol, and most of them allow adults 21-years-old and over to purchase and possess marijuana in certain amounts. Laws vary from state to state, so it is important to know the local regulations before buying marijuana.
In states where marijuana is legal, there are a variety of dispensaries, retail stores, and even delivery services that make it easy and convenient to purchase marijuana legally. However, it is important to be aware that some of these businesses may not be licensed, so it is important to ask questions and do your research before buying.
In addition to the states where marijuana is legal, some states have "decriminalized" the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. In these states, possession of small amounts of marijuana is considered a civil offense, instead of a criminal one. This means that, instead of facing jail time, offenders may instead face a fine or community service. The states that have decriminalized marijuana are: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
In addition to the United States, many countries around the world have also legalized marijuana in some form, including Canada, the Netherlands, Uruguay, and some parts of Australia.
No matter where one lives, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding marijuana, and to purchase it legally. Doing so will help to ensure that all parties involved are safe and that the industry continues to flourish and become more accepted in society.