The legalization of cannabis for adult-use has been on a steady rise in the United States, with states from coast to coast now allowing for the purchase and sale of the product. To help you keep track, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the 21 states that have legalized marijuana for adult-use.
Alaska was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2014, with Oregon following suit in 2015. Since then, more states have joined the ranks of legalization, with the most recent addition being Virginia in 2021. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations governing the sale and use of cannabis, so it’s important to be familiar with your state’s specific rules.
Here is a list of the 21 states that have legalized marijuana for adult-use:
Alaska: Alaska was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2014, with sales beginning in 2016.
Arizona: Arizona legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, with sales beginning in 2021.
California: California legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, with sales beginning in 2018.
Colorado: Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, with sales beginning in 2014.
Connecticut: Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Delaware: Delaware legalized recreational marijuana in 2011, with sales beginning in 2015.
Hawaii: Hawaii legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, with sales beginning in 2021.
Illinois: Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2019, with sales beginning in 2020.
Maine: Maine legalized recreational marijuana in 2017, with sales beginning in 2019.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, with sales beginning in 2018.
Michigan: Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018, with sales beginning in 2020.
Minnesota: Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Montana: Montana legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Nevada: Nevada legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, with sales beginning in 2017.
New Jersey: New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Oregon: Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2015, with sales beginning in 2016.
South Dakota: South Dakota legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Vermont: Vermont legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Washington: Washington legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, with sales beginning in 2014.
Washington, DC: Washington, DC legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
Virginia: Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
West Virginia: West Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with sales beginning in 2022.
