5 Cannabis-Friendly States for Enjoying Recreational Pot
Support for marijuana legalization is greater than ever. After all, 91% of Americans are in favor of legalizing weed.
Today, medical marijuana is legal in 36 states. Meanwhile, 16 states allow recreational cannabis use.
Note that legal recreational weed doesn’t mean complete, unconditional use. The 16 states (plus Washington, D.C.) have varying conditions on recreational cannabis. Regardless, don’t be too casual, even if you know which states allow recreational weed.
With this in mind, here are five of the states that allow recreational cannabis. Read on and learn whether your state is on the list.
- California
California is one of the best recreational cannabis states. It’s the first among the states to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. In 2016, the Golden State finally allowed recreational use.
In California, persons over 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and buy up to eight grams in concentrates like edibles. The laws also allow six marijuana plants per household.
California’s open weed culture means you’ll find dispensaries and pot shops almost everywhere. One of the most notable shops is MedMen.
- Colorado
In Colorado, adults (both locals and tourists) over 21 can buy up to one ounce of marijuana or eight grams of concentrates.
Like California, this state allows up to six marijuana plants for individual households. That is as long as three are mature and flowering at a given time.
Note that there are some cities in Colorado with stricter laws on marijuana use. However, you’ll find more dispensaries here than McDonald’s and Starbucks combined. If you’re looking for one of Colorado’s finest cannabis shops, check out dalwhinnie.com.
- Alaska
Legal recreational use in Alaska means people over 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana. You’re also allowed to grow your own marijuana plants. It’s legal as long as only three are mature and flowering at the same time.
Alaska legalized recreational cannabis back in 2015. Today, they have a flourishing weed economy. Two million people visit Alaska for its recreational pot shops.
- Illinois
Illinois joined the states that allow recreational cannabis in 2019. In Illinois, residents aged 21 or older can possess up to 30 grams of marijuana or about 1.06 ounces.
Meanwhile, tourists aged 21 and above can only possess half of what’s allowed for residents. That’s 15 grams or half an ounce.
Registered medical marijuana patients can cultivate up to five plants per household. It’s only legal if the plants are five inches or taller.
- Massachusetts
Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana in 2012. They legalized recreational use in 2016.
In this state, adults 21 and over can possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public. In private residences, however, they can possess up to 10 ounces. Adults can also cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants in their homes.
More States That Allow Recreational Cannabis
These are only five of the states that allow recreational cannabis use. The list of states with legal recreational cannabis is longer.
You’ll find thriving weed culture and economies in these states. Remember the particular limitations to recreational use for each state.
Want to know more about recreational cannabis? Check out our other guides here!
