States and Territories Where Consumption and Possession of Marijuana is Legalized
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in public opinion and legislation surrounding the legalization of marijuana for personal possession and consumption.
Several states across the United States have taken steps to decriminalize or legalize the use of marijuana, both for medicinal and recreational purposes. Here are some of the states where marijuana has been legalized for personal use, along with the rules and regulations governing its use in those states.
Alaska
Alaska voters approved Measure 2 in 2014, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Individuals can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and can cultivate up to six plants per household for personal use.
California
California was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes in 1996 with the passage of Proposition 215.
In 2016, Proposition 64 was approved which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Residents and visitors alike can legally possess up to one ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana for personal use and can grow up to six plants for personal consumption.
Colorado
Colorado became one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, following the passage of Amendment 64. Adults aged 21 and older can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use.
Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to six plants for personal consumption, with a limit of three plants flowering at any given time.
Illinois
Illinois legalized recreational marijuana through legislative action in 2019, making it the 11th state to do so. Adults aged 21 and older can possess up to 30 grams (approximately one ounce) of marijuana for personal use.
Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to five plants for personal consumption, as long as they are kept in a locked and enclosed area out of public view.
Maine
Maine voters approved Question 1 in 2016, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Individuals can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use and can cultivate up to six flowering plants, 12 immature plants, and an unlimited number of seedlings for personal consumption in a locked and enclosed area.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts voters approved Question 4 in 2016, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Residents can possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public and up to 10 ounces at home.
Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to six plants per person, with a limit of 12 plants per household, for personal use.
Michigan
Michigan voters approved Proposal 1 in 2018, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older.
Residents can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use and can cultivate up to 12 plants for personal consumption, provided they are grown in a locked and enclosed area.
Nevada
Nevada voters approved Question 2 in 2016, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Residents and visitors can possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use.
The law also allows for the cultivation of up to six plants per person, provided they are grown in a locked and enclosed area.
Oregon
In 2014, Oregon voters approved Measure 91, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Residents can possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public and up to eight ounces at home.
Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to four plants per household for personal use.
Vermont
Vermont became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through legislative action rather than by voter initiative in 2018. Adults aged 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use and can cultivate up to two mature plants and four immature plants per household for personal consumption.
Washington
Washington voters approved Initiative 502 in 2012, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Similar to Colorado, individuals can possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use.
The law also allows for the cultivation of up to six plants per household for personal consumption.
Common Rules and Regulations
While the legalization of marijuana for personal use has brought about significant changes, it’s important to note that each state has its own rules and regulations governing its use. These regulations often cover aspects such as:
- Age restrictions – Generally, individuals must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume marijuana.
- Possession limits – Most states impose limits on the amount of marijuana individuals can possess for personal use, typically ranging from one to two ounces.
- Cultivation guidelines – Some states allow individuals to cultivate a limited number of marijuana plants for personal use, often with restrictions on the number of plants and where they can be grown.
- Consumption regulations – Laws may dictate where individuals can consume marijuana, with restrictions on public consumption and prohibitions on driving under the influence.
- Licensing and taxation – States typically regulate the sale and distribution of marijuana through licensed dispensaries, and impose taxes on marijuana sales to generate revenue for various purposes, such as education and healthcare.
Each of these states has its own specific regulations regarding the possession, cultivation, and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. It’s important for individuals to familiarize themselves with the laws in their respective states to ensure compliance and responsible consumption.
Additionally, while these states have legalized marijuana at the state level, it remains illegal under federal law.