The Legality of Cannabis: A Look at the Changing Landscape

Since Colorado and Washington became the first states to pass legislation in 2012, there are now 24 states (plus the District of Columbia) that have legalized recreational marijuana. The states where recreational weed is legal are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Additionally, many other states have decriminalized or legalized medical marijuana.

On May 21, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Agency issued a notice of proposed rulemaking indicating that the FDA intends to transfer marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II controlled substance. This move would be a significant step forward in the federal government's stance on cannabis.

Ho-Chunk Nation decriminalizes cannabis, but that doesn't mean it's legal everywhere. The Ho-Chunk Nation will decriminalize cannabis on tribal lands, signaling a shift in attitudes towards marijuana use within indigenous communities.

Cannabis is currently classified along with drugs like heroin and LSD. The administration is expected to reschedule it in a category that reflects its medicinal benefits and lower potential for abuse.

This map shows the countries where recreational cannabis use is allowed as of April 2024, based on data from Wikipedia. It highlights the global trend towards legal and decriminalization of marijuana.

Marijuana may remain illegal federally, but in most states, it's accessible for adult medical or recreational use. On November 7, voters in Ohio made it the 24th state to allow adult cannabis use for non-medical purposes.

Where is marijuana legal and illegal in 2024. Zoom in: Ohio became the 24th state to allow adult cannabis use for non-medical purposes when voters passed a ballot measure in November.

recreational marijuana is currently legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C. Another 17 states have legalized the use of marijuana solely for medical purposes.