For the first time in over a hundred years, more Americans have access to legal, recreational cannabis than those who do not. This recent shift has been five decades in the making, starting from a pivotal change in drug policy in the 70s and culminating in the proposed rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III in 2024.
This up-to-date guide covers where cannabis is legal in 2025 – complete with maps, state-by-state breakdowns, and insights for both consumers and aspiring cannabis retailers. Whether you’re planning your next trip or exploring where to launch a dispensary, this guide covers everything you need to know about the current legal landscape across the U.S. and Canada.
Disclaimer: This page is meant to educate readers and spread awareness only – it has been fact-checked and is current as of May 20, 2025. It is not intended to be, nor should be considered legal advice. Given the evolving nature of cannabis regulations, legal advice of any nature should be sought from legal counsel.
Where Is Cannabis Legal in the United States
With legalization having made major strides in the past decade across the country, it’s easy to lose track of what's happening, especially as new entrepreneurs or a curious traveler.
Weed Legality Map (USA)
Source: Cannabis Laws for Dispensaries in U.S. by State
How Many States Have Legalized Weed?
As of May 2025, 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have fully legalized cannabis for recreational use, and 38 states have legalized it in some form, including for medical use. These marijuana states allow adults 21 and over to purchase and possess specified amounts of cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
That means over 70% of Americans now live in a state where cannabis is legal in some capacity. While federal legalization is still pending, state-by-state reform continues to push the industry forward.
Where is Recreational Cannabis Legal in The US
Knowing where weed is legal for recreational use is the first step to responsible consumption, especially for tourists looking to enjoy cannabis outside of their state.
These are the 24 states where recreational cannabis is fully legalized – in other words, weed is legal in:
|
State |
Is Weed Legal? |
|
Alabama |
No |
|
Alaska |
Yes |
|
Arizona |
Yes |
|
Arkansas |
No |
|
California |
Yes |
|
Colorado |
Yes |
|
Connecticut |
Yes |
|
Delaware |
Yes |
|
District of Columbia |
Yes |
|
Florida |
No |
|
Georgia |
Low THC/CBD Oil Only |
|
Hawaii |
No |
|
Idaho |
Fully Illegal |
|
Illinois |
Yes |
|
Indiana |
Low THC/CBD Oil Only |
|
Iowa |
Low THC/CBD Oil Only |
|
Kansas |
No |
|
Kentucky |
No |
|
Louisiana |
No |
|
Maine |
Yes |
|
Maryland |
Yes |
|
Massachusetts |
Yes |
|
Michigan |
Yes |
|
Minnesota |
Yes |
|
Mississippi |
No |
|
Missouri |
Yes |
|
Montana |
Yes |
|
Nebraska |
No |
|
Nevada |
Yes |
|
New Hampshire |
No |
|
New Jersey |
Yes |
|
New Mexico |
Yes |
|
New York |
Yes |
|
North Carolina |
No |
|
North Dakota |
No |
Where is Medical Cannabis Legal in the US
Beyond recreational use, medical cannabis programs provide access to patients with qualifying conditions. These states require a medical card, often issued by a state-licensed physician, to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
These are the 39 states where medicinal cannabis is legalized – in other words, medical weed is legal in:
|
State |
Is Medicinal Cannabis Legal? |
|
Alabama |
Yes |
|
Alaska |
Yes |
|
Arizona |
Yes |
|
Arkansas |
Yes |
|
California |
Yes |
|
Colorado |
Yes |
|
Connecticut |
Yes |
|
Delaware |
Yes |
|
District of Columbia |
Yes |
|
Florida |
Yes |
|
Georgia |
Low THC/CBD Oil Only |
|
Hawaii |
Yes |
|
Idaho |
No |
|
Illinois |
Yes |
|
Indiana |
Low THC/CBD Oil Only |
|
Iowa |
Low THC/CBD Oil Only |
|
Kansas |
No |
|
Kentucky |
Yes |
|
Louisiana |
Yes |
|
Maine |
Yes |
|
Maryland |
Yes |
|
Massachusetts |
Yes |
|
Michigan |
Yes |
|
Minnesota |
Yes |
|
Mississippi |
Yes |
|
Missouri |
Yes |
|
Montana |
Yes |
|
Nebraska |
No |
|
Nevada |
Yes |
|
New Hampshire |
Yes |
|
New Jersey |
Yes |
|
New Mexico |
Yes |
|
New York |
Yes |
|
North Carolina |
No |
|
North Dakota |
Yes |
Where Can You Buy Weed Legally?
In states where cannabis is legal for recreational use, adults 21 and over can purchase weed from licensed dispensaries. These are regulated storefronts authorized by state governments to sell cannabis products such as flower, edibles, vapes, and concentrates.
Last year alone, there were nearly 15,000 licensed cannabis retail outlets – a figure that has certainly increased in 2025.
Finding legal cannabis near you isn’t hard either. Most states maintain official dispensary registries, like California’s DCC Search Registry or Alberta’s Cannabis Licensee Search. Alternatively, you can also use trusted platforms like Weedmaps or Leafly to locate licensed shops and browse menus.
The Easiest States to Buy Legal Weed: Cannabis-Friendly States for Shoppers
“Where is weed legal” is a question you’ll want to know the answer to, given that taking weed across a state border is still considered a federal crime. And while all recreational states offer legal purchase, some stand out for their mature markets, abundant dispensaries, and consumer-friendly regulations.
Based on current trends and industry insights, the following states are generally considered among the best for purchasing legal cannabis in 2025:
- Oregon: A long-standing cannabis hub with low prices, plentiful dispensaries, and minimal restrictions. Great for both locals and visitors.
- California: Despite high taxes and regulatory complexity, cannabis is widely available, especially in urban and tourist-heavy areas.
Also Read: California Cannabis Laws
- Colorado: The original adult-use market remains has some of the cheapest legal weed in the nation with a well-regulated system, strong consumer protections, and wide availability.
Also Read: Colorado Cannabis Laws
- New York: Despite a slow start due to the regulatory issues, New York has quickly become the best state for weed lovers on the East Coast with hundreds of dispensaries opening doors in 2025.
Also Read: New York Cannabis Laws
- Michigan: Rapid growth, robust supply, and reasonable prices make Michigan a standout in the Midwest.
Also Read: Michigan Cannabis Laws
Best States to Start a Cannabis Business: Opportunities for Cannabis Retailers
Finding the best market to launch your cannabis business isn’t just about finding the biggest or fastest growing market: market maturity, regulatory nuances, and licensing availability create a complex landscape. Taking these factors into consideration, here are 5 marijuana states to keep an eye on:
- Michigan: A national leader in monthly cannabis sales with continued room for expansion. Market demand is strong, and taxes are relatively low, boosting profitability.
Also Read: Michigan Cannabis Laws
- Missouri: A breakout success story. Rapid growth, strong consumer demand, and manageable startup requirements make this a top-tier opportunity.
Also Read: Missouri Cannabis Laws
- Minnesota: Just starting adult-use rollout. First-mover advantage is key here, with licensing processes underway and early entrants set to shape the market.
Also Read: Minnesota Cannabis Laws
- Illinois: While competitive, the state issues new licenses annually, and retail demand – especially outside Chicago – remains strong and underserved.
Also Read: Illinois Cannabis Laws
- New York: Still developing, but the long-term potential is massive. High population density and limited competition in the early stages give a clear upside.
Also Read: New York Cannabis Laws
- New Mexico: Smaller scale, but consistent monthly sales and a friendly regulatory environment make it an appealing low-barrier entry point.
Also Read: New Mexico Cannabis Laws
- Maryland: Rapid post-legalization growth and strong early revenue suggest long-term opportunity, especially for retailers that can establish brand trust early.
Also Read: Maryland Cannabis Laws
Honorable mentions include California and Colorado, where strong demand still presents opportunities. However, the path to entry is challenging, with limited new licenses and complex regulations. These markets are best suited for well-funded, innovative operators – or those interested in acquisitions and/or partnerships with existing cannabis businesses.
Where is Cannabis Legal in Canada as of 2025?
Cannabis has been legal across Canada since 2018, making it one of the only countries with federal legalization. Adults 18 or 19+ (depending on the province) can legally purchase, possess, and consume cannabis.
Weed Legality Map (Canada)
Source: Cannabis Laws for Dispensaries in Canada by Province
Since the Cannabis Act came into effect in October 2018, each province and territory has implemented its own framework for cannabis distribution and sales. This means that while cannabis is legal everywhere – how cannabis is sold and who gets to sell it – varies by province. The key differences lie in retail models:
Private Retail Only
Cannabis here is sold exclusively through privately owned and operated stores. The government is typically responsible for wholesale distribution and licensing, but all storefronts and online sales are handled by private businesses.
Provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Yukon
Government-Run Stores Only
In this model, cannabis sales are conducted entirely through government-owned and operated retail stores and official online portals. Private businesses are not allowed to sell cannabis.
Provinces: Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Hybrid Models (Government + Private)
These provinces use a mix of government-operated and private retail stores, or a split model where the government controls online sales and wholesale distribution, while private companies manage physical retail locations.
Provinces: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
While cannabis is legal nationwide, opportunities for retailers vary. Most provinces are therefore reaching market saturation – especially in major urban centers.
That said, new municipalities continue to open up, and some licensing is still underway in areas of Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick. These regions may offer the most viable opportunities for entrepreneurs entering the Canadian weed market in 2025.
Indigenous Cannabis Retailers
Across some states and provinces, Indigenous entrepreneurs are also becoming part of the cannabis retail landscape. Some of these businesses may work to align with state, provincial, or federal regulations and standards, while others follow their own community regulations. As a consumer, simply be aware you may be subject to the same possession limits in any given market, regardless of whether the retailer is required to abide by purchase limits. As a retailer, your state or provincial regulations will determine whether you are legally permitted to purchase product from Indigenous producers.
Final Takeaways: Cannabis Legalization in 2025
- Carefully evaluate emerging markets for less saturated opportunities, while established ones in mature marijuana states should focus on innovation or acquisitions.
- Prioritize a "seamless and reliable shopping experience" for growing cannabis tourism and to stand out locally.
- Stay informed about shifting market maturity, licensing opportunities, and regulatory changes for early-bird advantages.
If you’re an existing cannabis business or one that’s about to start, you have all the reasons to up your retail game – starting with providing a seamless and reliable shopping experience.
With over two decades of experience working with countless cannabis dispensary owners across North America, Cova dispensary POS systems offer secure, fast, and compliant payment processing for cannabis businesses.