U.S. States with Legal Recreational Marijuana

Every state has its own laws about marijuana. Some states do not allow for any use of marijuana, so it is always illegal. Other states allow for the use of medical marijuana. And, other states allow people to use marijuana for recreational use. Here are those states:

Alaska

Marijuana has been legal for recreational use since February 2015 in Alaska. It is legal for adults 21 and older to have up to an ounce of marijuana and six plants. You cannot give marijuana to anyone under the age of 21 unless they have a medical marijuana card. Just like many other states, it is illegal to use marijuana and drive. This is considered impaired driving and can lead to fines and arrest. You cannot use any marijuana products in public, this includes smoking. You can only use it on private property. However, landlords and hotels can prohibit the use at all, so you need to check before you use if it is not your property.

California

In November 2016, it became legal to use marijuana recreationally under the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64). Adults 21 and older can possess, transport, and purchase up to one ounce of marijuana or eight grams of concentrate. In addition, they can give it away to another adult. On private property, you can have six live plants as long as they are out of public view. You can smoke marijuana in public, just like tobacco. There are some limitations, including prohibition near a school or where children would be present. However, you cannot use marijuana while driving or riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

Colorado

Possession, consumption and retail sale of marijuana was made legal in November 2012. It is legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of retail marijuana. It is also legal for adults to grow up to six plants privately for their own use. The only way for someone under the age of 21 to use or possess marijuana is if they have a medical marijuana card. There are also rules about how much residents and non-residents can purchase. A resident can purchase one ounce and a non-resident can purchase a quarter of an ounce. While you can purchase marijuana at a retail shop, you cannot sell marijuana to another person and you cannot give your marijuana to someone else.

Maine

It has been legal to use recreational marijuana statewide in Maine since 2016. However, it was legal in Portland since November 2013. It is legal for an adult to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or concentrate. Additionally, people can grow up to six mature plants and 12 immature plants in their private home. The use of marijuana is not permitted in public and can only be done in a private home. If you violate this law, you are subject to a $100 fine. Furthermore, you cannot use marijuana and then drive. This is like drinking and driving and Maine has drugged driving laws. This means you cannot operate a vehicle while impaired due to marijuana use.

Massachusetts

Recreational marijuana was made legal in December 2016. It is legal to buy marijuana if you are age 21 or older. You do not have to be a resident, but you must have identification. You may possess up to one ounce of marijuana in your home and smoking in public is against the law. Landlords can prohibit the smoking of marijuana in a rented property. However, you can consume it in other methods, like concentrates. You are allowed to give up to an ounce to another person and can possess it outside your home.

Michigan

Recreational use of marijuana became legal in 2018 and stores are expected to open in 2020. You have to be 21 or older to use marijuana and can buy and carry up to 2.5 ounces. However, you can keep up to 10 ounces in your home, just keep it locked up. You are not allowed to use marijuana and drive. Michigan has a zero-tolerance policy and you will face fines and arrest if caught.

Nevada

Nevada made it legal to use marijuana recreationally in January 2017. As of 2017, anyone 21 or older can purchase up to one ounce of marijuana or 1/8 of an ounce of concentrate. It is also illegal to grow marijuana if you live within a 25-mile radius of a dispensary. If you have a medical marijuana card and are at least 18 years old, you can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. You can only use the marijuana on private property. It is illegal to use it while driving or while in a car or to smoke in public.

Oregon

Recreational use was legalized in 2014 through Measure 91. The laws in Oregon are like those in other states. You can possess and buy marijuana if you are and adult 21 and over. Recreational users can have up to 8 ounces of marijuana on their private property. They are also allowed to have one ounce of concentrates and four marijuana plants. Marijuana must be used in a private property and is not allowed to be used in public. However, landlords can limit or restrict the use and growing of any marijuana. Additionally, you cannot buy marijuana and then give it away to someone else, it is for your use only.

Vermont

Recreational use became legal in Vermont in July 2018 for adults 21 and older. You are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and up to two mature and four immature plants. You are not allowed to smoke in a car and can get a steep fine if you are caught smoking with a child in the car. The use of marijuana must be in a private home and is not permitted in public. Furthermore, you cannot sell marijuana, you can only buy it or grow it for personal use.

Washington (state)

This was the first state to legalize recreational use in December 2012. As with most of the other states, you must be at least 21 to buy and use marijuana. You can purchase up to an ounce and seven grams of concentrates. You can only buy it at state-licensed retail stores and cannot use it in public. Additionally, you cannot drive under the influence, otherwise you will be subjected to fines and arrest.

Washington DC

It became legal in 2014 for recreational use. Anyone 21 years and older can possess up to two ounces of marijuana, in addition to growing plants in their homes. The plants are limited to three mature and three immature plants. Additionally, you can give up to one ounce of marijuana to another person. The public use, sale, and purchase is considered illegal and can be subject to fines and arrest.