Cannabis Legalization by State: Where It Stands in 2025

Cannabis laws in the U.S. are changing fast—and not always in the same direction. Some states are rolling out full adult-use programs, others are stuck in medical-only limbo, and a few are still clinging to full prohibition. For cannabis consumers, businesses, and industry professionals, keeping track of what’s legal where isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

At The Hood Collective, we work with cannabis brands across the country, which means staying current on state-by-state regulations is part of the job. Whether you’re launching a product, expanding into new markets, or just making sure your marketing doesn’t cross a legal line, you need accurate, up-to-date information. Here’s a breakdown of where cannabis stands in every state as of April 2025.

These States Have Fully Legalized Cannabis

It’s taken decades of activism, shifting public opinion, and legal battles—but cannabis legalization is now a reality in half the country. What started as a slow, controversial movement has gained serious momentum, with state after state opting to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use.

The modern legalization wave began with Colorado and Washington in 2012, when voters passed ballot initiatives to legalize recreational cannabis. These early adopters were under intense national scrutiny, but their success paved the way for others. Over the next several years, more states followed suit—California in 2016, Illinois in 2019, and New York in 2021, to name a few. Today, a full 25 states (plus D.C.) have removed criminal penalties, established medical cannabis programs, and legalized adult-use recreational cannabis.

Fully Legal States (as of April 2025):

• Alaska

• Arizona

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• District of Columbia

• Illinois

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• Ohio

• Oregon

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

In these states, adults 21 and over can legally purchase and use cannabis, while patients with qualifying conditions have access to medical marijuana. Decriminalization also means that being caught with small amounts no longer leads to jail time or a criminal record.

Still, full legalization doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. Regulations around possession limits, home cultivation, public consumption, and cannabis sales vary widely. Some states allow delivery, others ban smoking in public spaces. In many places, local municipalities can opt out of allowing dispensaries altogether. For cannabis brands and consumers alike, understanding the fine print is essential.

The cannabis industry continues to evolve rapidly. Even in fully legal states, businesses must navigate a patchwork of local rules, shifting compliance requirements, and a constantly changing regulatory landscape. That’s where The Hood Collective comes in—we help brands make sense of the chaos, build credible and compliant identities, and connect with the cannabis community through thoughtful design and marketing.

States with Medical Programs, Decriminalization, or Limited Legalization

Not every state has fully legalized cannabis, but many have taken steps toward reform. In these “mixed-status” states, cannabis might be legal for medical use, decriminalized for personal possession, or restricted to only low-THC CBD oil. These laws reflect an ongoing shift in public opinion and policy, especially over the last decade, as lawmakers and voters grapple with how to regulate cannabis in a way that balances medical needs with criminal justice reform.

Medical cannabis legalization began even before full recreational legalization took hold. California was the first to pass a medical marijuana law in 1996, and many others followed with tightly controlled programs for patients with qualifying conditions. Over time, some states paired medical laws with decriminalization—removing or reducing penalties for personal possession—while others introduced only limited access to CBD oil for specific health conditions, often for children with severe epilepsy.

While these states haven’t fully embraced adult-use legalization, many are inching closer with ongoing legislative efforts, ballot initiatives, or pilot programs.

Medical Use Allowed (Some Decriminalized)

These states allow cannabis for medical use. Some have also decriminalized small amounts for personal use, reducing or eliminating jail time.

• Alabama – Medical

• Arkansas – Medical

• Florida – Medical

• Georgia – CBD Oil Only

• Hawaii – Medical + Decriminalized

• Kentucky – CBD Oil Only*

• Louisiana – Medical + Decriminalized

• Mississippi – Medical + Decriminalized

• New Hampshire – Medical + Decriminalized

• North Dakota – Medical + Decriminalized

• Oklahoma – Medical

• Pennsylvania – Medical

• South Dakota – Medical

• Utah – Medical

• West Virginia – Medical

• Wisconsin – CBD Oil Only

*Note: Kentucky has passed medical legislation that hasn’t yet taken effect, and allows limited access to CBD oil.

CBD Oil Only

These states have extremely limited cannabis programs—usually restricted to low-THC CBD oil for specific medical conditions.

• Indiana – CBD Oil Only

• Iowa – CBD Oil Only

• Tennessee – CBD Oil Only

• Texas – CBD Oil Only

These laws tend to be very narrow, with tight restrictions on THC content, who can prescribe or dispense the oil, and which conditions qualify for treatment. While they mark progress, advocates argue that CBD-only programs often leave most patients without access to effective care.

In these “in-between” states, cannabis reform is still unfolding. Lawmakers are often under pressure from voters, patients, and advocacy groups to expand access or move toward full legalization. As the national conversation evolves, many of these states could be next to join the list of fully legal markets.

For cannabis brands and businesses, understanding the legal nuances in each of these states is critical. At The Hood Collective, we help you navigate this complexity with smart strategy, clear design, and compliant messaging—so you’re ready when your state opens up, or when you're ready to expand into new territory.

These States Still Prohibit Cannabis Use

While the tide of cannabis legalization continues to shift, some states remain staunchly opposed to any form of cannabis use—whether recreational, medical, or even CBD oil with THC. In these fully illegal states, cannabis use is prohibited in all its forms, including medical use, recreational use, and products like CBD oil with THC. For residents of these states, cannabis remains a criminal offense, and possessing even small amounts can result in legal penalties.

The legalization movement has made significant strides across the country, but in states like Idaho, Kansas, and South Carolina, the push for reform remains limited. While public support for cannabis reform is growing in these regions, legislators have yet to take significant action to change the laws. However, there are some states, like Nebraska and North Carolina, where marijuana remains fully illegal but has been decriminalized—meaning that although it’s still prohibited, penalties for possession have been reduced or eliminated, typically treating it as a civil violation rather than a criminal offense.

Fully Illegal States

• Idaho

• Kansas

• Nebraska

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

• Wyoming

  
  

Note: Nebraska and North Carolina have decriminalized marijuana possession. While still illegal, these states have reduced or eliminated criminal penalties for small possession offenses. Instead, individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana may face civil fines or other non-criminal consequences.

For cannabis brands and businesses, operating in fully illegal states presents significant challenges, both in terms of compliance and consumer engagement. However, understanding the nuances of cannabis laws in these states is crucial for any future market expansion or compliance strategies. At The Hood Collective, we keep you informed on the changing legal landscape, helping you plan for what’s next—whenever that may be.

Cannabis Reform Under the Trump Administration: A Mixed Bag for the Industry

As the U.S. cannabis industry continues to evolve, the shifting tides of political power significantly impact the regulatory landscape. One of the most significant developments in recent months has been the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposal to reschedule cannabis, which has stirred both optimism and uncertainty within the cannabis community. The current legal framework has created a patchwork of regulations, with some states adopting medical and recreational use, while others still prohibit cannabis entirely. This changing dynamic makes it essential for stakeholders in the cannabis industry to stay informed about the Trump administration’s stance on cannabis reform and how it might impact federal policy.

On May 21, 2024, the DOJ published a notice of proposed rulemaking to reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III controlled substance, potentially loosening federal restrictions on its medical use. However, a series of legal challenges has delayed this process, with the DEA canceling a scheduled hearing on January 21, 2025, after a legal motion was filed by cannabis industry groups. Despite these delays, the move to reschedule cannabis remains a focal point for industry leaders and advocates, as the outcome could pave the way for greater federal acceptance of cannabis for medical purposes. However, under the Trump administration, the question of how cannabis will be treated remains uncertain.

This uncertainty extends to the administration's appointments to key regulatory agencies. President Trump has nominated Terrance C. Cole to lead the DEA—someone who has expressed opposition to cannabis reform—while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has largely deferred to the DOJ and DEA on the rescheduling decision. This lack of clarity from top officials leaves cannabis reform advocates wondering whether the Trump administration will push for loosening regulations or stand firm on maintaining cannabis as a Schedule I substance.

As the rescheduling proposal moves forward amid these administrative changes, cannabis industry stakeholders are left navigating an unpredictable environment. Whether cannabis reform will accelerate or stall under the Trump administration remains a central question for the industry, one that businesses must closely monitor to remain compliant and strategic as regulations evolve.

Stay Ahead of Cannabis Legalization: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

As cannabis legalization continues to shift across the United States, staying informed about each state's evolving laws is essential. From fully legal states to those with medical use or limited CBD oil access, understanding the nuances of cannabis legislation can be the difference between compliance and legal missteps. As reform efforts unfold, businesses and consumers alike must stay agile and educated.

If you’re ready to navigate this complex landscape, The Hood Collective is here to guide you through smart strategy, design, and compliant messaging. Reach out to us today to stay ahead in the ever-changing cannabis market.

Note: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The status of cannabis legislation can change rapidly, and it is important to consult with legal professionals or regulatory experts to ensure compliance with current laws in your jurisdiction.