In what states is weed legal? Here is the list.

Orlando Mayorquin and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY
Updated ·3 min read

Nearly a decade has passed since thevoters of Colorado and Washington decided to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. In the time since over twenty states and the District of Columbia have followed suit. All but a handful of states have OK'd its medical use and legalizing the substance at the federal level has picked up new momentum.

In the executive branch, President Biden announced that he planned to pardon those who received a federal conviction for the possession of marijuana. The president's pardon also blocks future federal prosecutions for simple possession. However, many drug convictions occur at the state level, As such, Biden has called for governors to follow his example and is requesting that both the Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice take a look at what category marijuana could be classified under according to federal law.

What states have legalized recreational marijuana?

The number of states that have legalized recreational use has risen steadily over the last 10 years. New York became the 15th state to legalize weed last year, but retail sales in the state aren't expected to begin until late 2022 at the earliest. Every state on this list had authorized the use of cannabis for medical purposes prior to full legalization.

  • Ohio: Legalized in 2023

  • Minnesota: Legalized in 2023

  • Delaware: Legalized in 2023

  • Rhode Island: Legalized in 2022

  • Maryland: Legalized in 2022

  • Missouri: Legalized in 2022

  • Connecticut: Legalized in 2021

  • New Mexico: Legalized in 2021

  • New York: Legalized in 2021

  • Virginia: Legalized in 2021

  • Arizona: Legalized in 2020

  • Montana: Legalized in 2020

  • New Jersey: Legalized in 2020

  • Vermont: Legalized in 2020

  • Illinois: Legalized in 2019

  • Michigan: Legalized in 2018

  • California: Legalized in 2016

  • Maine: Legalized in 2016

  • Massachusetts: Legalized in 2016

  • Nevada: Legalized in 2016

  • District of Columbia: Legalized in 2014

  • Alaska: Legalized 2014

  • Oregon: Legalized in 2014

  • Colorado: Legalized in 2012

  • Washington: Legalized in 2012

What states have legalized medical marijuana?

Marijuana is allowed for medical treatment in most of the country. Only 11 states prohibit the drug completely. Here are the states that allow medical marijuana only. Mississippi and Alabama are the latest states to legalize medical pot, but it is still unavailable for purchase as the states try to establish regulations.

  • Mississippi - Legalized 2022

  • Alabama- Legalized 2021

  • South Dakota - Legalized 2020

  • Missouri - Legalized 2018

  • Oklahoma - Legalized 2018

  • Utah - Legalized 2018

  • Iowa - Legalized 2017

  • West Virginia - Legalized 2017

  • Arkansas - Legalized 2016

  • Florida - Legalized 2016

  • North Dakota - Legalized 2016

  • Ohio - Legalized 2016

  • Pennsylvania - Legalized 2016

  • Georgia- Legalized 2015

  • Louisiana - Legalized 2015

  • Minnesota - Legalized 2014

  • Maryland- Legalized 2013

  • New Hampshire - Legalized 2013

  • Delaware - Legalized 2011

  • Rhode Island- 2006

  • Hawaii- Legalized 2000

Just curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How long does weed stay in your system?" to "Is Delta-8 legal?" to "What is THC-O?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where is weed legal? These states have OK'd recreational pot.

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