Marijuana Laws by State
What is Marijuana Decriminalization?
Marijuana decriminalization eliminates criminal penalties, such as extended incarceration for possession of smaller amounts of cannabis.
The typical penalties for people caught possessing marijuana within decriminalized limits (these limits may be anywhere from 10 to 100 grams depending on the state’s laws) are fines, usually a few hundred dollars. For first offenses, short jail sentences may also be imposed in states with stricter decriminalization laws. Subsequent offenses, and people caught with possessing larger amounts of marijuana (outside the decriminalized limits), typically receive much harsher penalties.
Decriminalization and medical marijuana laws are a step in the right direction, but we feel that marijuana should be legal in every state. Polls show that the majority of public opinion has finally moved in this direction as well.
The problem is that lawmakers, by nature, are generally conservative, and typically slow to respond (more often than not, they didn’t get to where they are by being forward, progressive thinkers). They need to hear from us! If you think that marijuana should be legal, like we do, call your local representatives and let them know how you feel.
States That Have Decriminalized Marijuana:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
States That Allow Medical Marijuana:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington DC
States That Have Legalized Marijuana:
- Colorado
- Washington
Do you have a correction or an update for us? If so, please comment and help us keep this page up to date.
For more information on marijuana laws check out our sources: