Understanding Medical Marijuana Laws
Medical marijuana is a type of cannabis that is used for medicinal purposes. It contains compounds that have potential health benefits, including the relief of chronic pain, nausea, and seizures. While some states have legalized marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use, others only allow it for medical purposes. It’s important to understand the laws surrounding medical marijuana in your state before using it.
The Legality of Medical Marijuana
First, it’s important to understand what medical marijuana is and how it’s used. Medical marijuana is a type of cannabis that is prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. While recreational marijuana is still illegal in many states, medical marijuana is legal in some form in 36 states in the US as of 2021. However, the laws and regulations for medical marijuana vary widely from state to state.
States That Allow Medical Marijuana
In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 36 states, including:
1. Alaska
Alaska became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1998. The state has a medical marijuana program that allows patients to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants.
2. Arizona
Arizona legalized medical marijuana in 2010. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to 12 plants if they live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.
3. Arkansas
Arkansas legalized medical marijuana in 2016. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
4. California
California legalized medical marijuana in 1996. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
5. Colorado
Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
6. Connecticut
Connecticut legalized medical marijuana in 2012. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
7. Delaware
Delaware legalized medical marijuana in 2011. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to six ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
8. Florida
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
9. Hawaii
Hawaii legalized medical marijuana in 2000. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to four ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to seven plants at home.
10. Illinois
Illinois legalized medical marijuana in 2013. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to five plants at home.
11. Louisiana
Louisiana legalized medical marijuana in 2015. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
12. Maine
Maine legalized medical marijuana in 1999. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
13. Maryland
Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2014. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 120 grams of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
14. Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana in 2012. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
15. Michigan
Michigan legalized medical marijuana in 2008. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to 12 plants at home.
16. Minnesota
Minnesota legalized medical marijuana in 2014. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
17. Mississippi
Mississippi legalized medical marijuana in 2020. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
18. Missouri
Missouri legalized medical marijuana in 2018. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 60-day supply of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
19. Montana
Montana legalized medical marijuana in 2004. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and to grow up to four plants at home.
20. Nevada
Nevada legalized medical marijuana in 2000. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to 12 plants at home.
21. New Hampshire
New Hampshire legalized medical marijuana in 2013. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
22. New Jersey
New Jersey legalized medical marijuana in 2010. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
23. New Mexico
New Mexico legalized medical marijuana in 2007. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 230 units of marijuana, and to grow up to 16 plants at home.
24. New York
New York legalized medical marijuana in 2014. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
25. North Dakota
North Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2016. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
26. Ohio
Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 90-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
27. Oklahoma
Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana in 2018. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
28. Oregon
Oregon legalized medical marijuana in 1998. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 24 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
29. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
30. Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalized medical marijuana in 2006. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to 12 plants at home.
31. South Dakota
South Dakota legalized medical marijuana in 2020. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
32. Utah
Utah legalized medical marijuana in 2018. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
33. Vermont
Vermont legalized medical marijuana in 2004. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to nine plants at home.
34. Virginia
Virginia legalized medical marijuana in 2020. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 90-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
35. Washington
Washington legalized medical marijuana in 1998. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana, and to grow up to six plants at home.
36. West Virginia
West Virginia legalized medical marijuana in 2017. The state’s medical marijuana program allows patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana, but does not allow home cultivation.
Final Thoughts
While medical marijuana is legal in 36 states, the laws and regulations surrounding it vary widely. It’s important to understand the laws in your state before using medical marijuana. Before using medical marijuana, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you. Medical marijuana can have side effects and can interact with other medications you may be taking. With the proper knowledge and care, medical marijuana can provide relief for a variety of medical conditions.
