The legality of medical marijuana use by state
Canadians have yet to convince a good portion of the world to join them by passing federal marijuana legalization, but luckily, most regions recognize the medicinal value of cannabis and its derived treatments. It has taken decades to get this far, and while the shift has been time-consuming, the wait is over for most patients that are seeking marijuana as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications.
The trouble is, living in such a fast-paced world means that sometimes we have to travel outside of our comfort zone, by travelling over borders that have very different restrictions than what you might be used to back home. Though this information might not be relevant to you now, the opportunity to choose between medical marijuana and other, more traditional options is one that is backed by hundreds of doctors and specialists who have confirmed the difference this miraculous plant can make in a patients quality of life.
In case you aren’t quite sure or need to know more about the legality of weed before a hasty move, then this list should be perfect for you. Here we will show you exactly what medical marijuana is, help to explain how an individual can go about obtaining a license for medicinal products and provide an in-depth list including all current restrictions by region for easy navigation and reference in the future.
What is medical marijuana?
A lot of people don’t understand the difference between recreational and medical marijuana, and that is likely because they are both virtually the same thing. Medical marijuana is unique only because it generally has a higher than average CBD content, which is the non-psychoactive medicinal element that is produced by cannabis plants, that can help with treating inflammatory conditions and offering longer-term benefits. Though medical marijuana strains are sometimes believed to be superior in nature, many patients find themselves searching for more potent options that can provide immediate pain relief instead.
How to get a medical marijuana card
If you happen to live in a state that has legalized medical marijuana, then it is typically a simple process to apply for a license to grow, smoke and possess cannabis products. An application must be filed in order to receive this special permission, and this can be done with a visit to your local family doctor or cannabis clinic. During this appointment, you will be asked to provide a medical reason.
States with legal, medical marijuana
1. Alaska
Possession: 1ounce
Growing: 12 plants per household with two adults
2. Arizona
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
3. Arkansas
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
4. California
Possession: 1 ounce
Growing: 6 plants per household
5. Colorado
Possession: 1 ounce
Growing: 6 plants per household
6. Connecticut
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Illegal
7. Delaware
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
8. Florida
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
9. Hawaii
Possession: Not allowed in public
Growing: Permitted with license
10. Illinois
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
11. Louisiana
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Illegal
12. Maine
Possession: 2 ½ ounces
Growing: 3 mature plants or 12 immature plants
13. Maryland
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Illegal
14. Massachusetts
Possession: 1 ounce (in public) 10 ounces (at home)
Growing: 6 plants per household
15. Michigan
Possession: 2 ½ ounces in public 10 ounces (at home)
Growing: no clear limits or restrictions
16. Minnesota
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
17. Missouri
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
18. Montana
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
19. Nevada
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: 6 plants per household
20. New Hampshire
Possession: ¾ ounce
Growing: Permitted with license
21. New Jersey
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
22. New Mexico
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
23. New York
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Misdemeanor
24. North Dakota
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Illegal
25. Ohio
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
26. Oklahoma
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
27. Oregon
Possession: 1 ounce
Growing: 4 plants per household
28. Pennsylvania
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
29. Rhode Island
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Permitted with license
30. Utah
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Illegal
31. Vermont
Possession: 1 ounce
Growing: 2 mature plants or 4 mature plants per household
32. Washington
Possession: 1 ounce
Growing: Permitted with license
33. West Virginia
Possession: no clear limits or restrictions
Growing: Illegal