In a little over two weeks, Americans all across the country will vote on the issue of marijuana in some form or fashion. While some states, like Alaska and Oregon, have received a lot of media attention, the progress of legal weed remains somewhat a mystery in other areas. It is for this reason that we collected information from all 50 states and compiled a guide to the legislative efforts of the past week, as well as details surrounding each state’s current legal environment.
This is what legal marijuana looks like in your neck of the woods:
Alabama
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Alaska
To vote on establishing a recreational marijuana market in the upcoming November election. Decriminalization laws are already in place for up to four ounces of marijuana, and the state has a medical marijuana program. Recent polls show that nearly 58 percent of the voters support Measure 2, which would allow marijuana to be taxed and regulated similar to alcohol.
Arizona
The state has a medical marijuana program in place. However, Representative Ethan Orr says he intends to push a measure in 2015 to legalize recreational marijuana. He claims to trust the public to pass a ballot initiative and believes elected officials should approve the issue. Orr says the state could use the revenue from cannabis taxes to straighten out the state’s tanking budget.
Arkansas
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place. Yet, while Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel rejected another proposal to legalize marijuana in the state, he has given approved to two marijuana-related proposals that are now collecting signatures for 2016.
California
Possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana has been decriminalized. In addition, the state has one of the most liberal medical marijuana programs in the United States. The Marijuana Policy Project, however, is preparing to start collecting signatures for a 2016 initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana.
Colorado
Legal Recreational and Medical Marijuana Market in Place.
Connecticut
A half ounce or less of marijuana has been decriminalized, and the state has a medical marijuana program.
Delaware
A medical marijuana program is in place. Yet, a recent poll by the University of Delaware shows that 56 percent of population would support a measure to legalize recreational marijuana. This is not likely to happen, however, because Governor Jack Markell has said that he will no support any such legislation, but is open to discus decriminalization to a certain degree.
District of Columbia
To vote on allowing the recreational use of marijuana in the upcoming November election. In addition, the district has decriminalized 1 ounce or less of marijuana, and it currently has a medical marijuana program in place.
Florida
To vote on legalized medical marijuana in the upcoming November election. A recent poll indicates that the state has a good chance of passing this measure — 67 percent of the state’s voters are in favor of establishing a medical marijuana program. In order for the initiative to be approved, 60 percent of the voters will have to cast ballots in support of the issue.
Georgia
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Hawaii
The state has a medical marijuana program in place, but access is limited.
Idaho
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Illinois
There is a medical marijuana program in place.
Indiana
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Iowa
The state recently passed the Medical Cannabidiol Act, which allows parents with epileptic children to possess CBD oil. However, there is nothing written in the legislation that allows cultivation, so parents have been reduced to smuggle medicine in from other states or simply do without. This is because federal law will not allow the transport of cannabis medicine across state lines.
Kansas
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Kentucky
The state recently legalized industrial hemp for research purposes.
Louisiana
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Maine
Possession of 2.5 ounces of marijuana or less has been decriminalized, and a medical marijuana program is in place. Voters in select cities will decided on the issue of decriminalization in the upcoming election.
Maryland
Possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana has been decriminalized, and a medical marijuana program is in place.
Massachusetts
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana has been decriminalized, and a rough medical marijuana program is in place. Bay State Repeal, however, is currently working on an initiative to put the question to legalize marijuana in 2016. In addition, the state just launched a mandatory medical marijuana registration program that requires patients and caregivers to sign up before the end of the year to qualify for access to medical marijuana.
“You will need to register with the MMJ Online System by January 1, 2015 in order to possess marijuana for medical purposes, even if you already have a paper written certification from your physician. Paper written certifications will no longer be valid as of February 1st, 2015,” according to a press released issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Michigan
A medical marijuana program is in place.
Minnesota
A medical marijuana program is in place.
Mississippi
Possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana, first offense, has been decriminalized.
Missouri
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Montana
A medical marijuana program is in place.
Nebraska
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, first offense, has been decriminalized.
Nevada
A medical marijuana program is in place.
New Hampshire
A medical marijuana program is in place.
New Jersey
A medical marijuana program is in place.
New Mexico
A medical marijuana program is in place.
New York
Possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana, first and second offenses, has been decriminalized. In addition, the state recently approved legislation to establish a medical marijuana program.
North Carolina
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
North Dakota
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Ohio
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Oklahoma
Oregon
To vote on Measure 91 in the upcoming November election, which serves to establish a recreational marijuana market. Recent polls indicate that 52 percent of the voters are in support of the measure, while 41 percent are opposed. If the initiative passes, residents would be allowed to be in possession of up to eight ounces of marijuana, while cultivating up to four plants. Retail cannabis stores would be permitted to open to adults over the age of 21.
Pennsylvania
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place. Yet, there is speculation that a CBD pilot program is close to getting underway. Legislation for a broader medical marijuana bill was recently assigned to a House committee, but there is little hope the measure will receive a vote before the end of the legislative session.
Rhode Island
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana has been decriminalized. In addition, the state has a medical marijuana program in place.
South Carolina
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place. A CBD bill was approved last year, which will allow the Medical University of South Carolina to study the medicinal benefits of the non-psychoactive strain.
South Dakota
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Tennessee
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Texas
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Utah
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Vermont
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana has been decriminalized. In addition, the state also has a medical marijuana program in place.
Virginia
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Washington
Legal Recreational Marijuana Market in Place. However, voters will decide on how marijuana is taxed in the upcoming election.
West Virginia
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Wisconsin
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
Wyoming
There are currently no medical or recreational marijuana laws in place.
