As of 2025, the legal landscape for cannabis in the United States continues to evolve rapidly, reflecting a complex patchwork of state-level policies. While federal law still classifies cannabis as a controlled substance, a majority of states have implemented some form of legal framework—either for medical or adult-use purposes—demonstrating a sustained shift in public opinion and legislative momentum.

Adult-Use (Recreational) and Medical States

By mid-2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for both medical and adult-use purposes. These jurisdictions include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Washington, D.C., while permitting possession and home cultivation, still lacks a fully licensed retail system due to ongoing federal oversight. Collectively, these states represent a significant portion of the U.S. population, underscoring the growing normalization of cannabis across diverse regions.

Medical-Only States

In contrast, 18 states currently allow cannabis strictly for medical purposes. These include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Nebraska, the latter of which approved a medical program via ballot initiative in 2024 and is in the process of implementation.

Each of these programs varies in scope. Some states permit the use of high-THC products under medical supervision, while others restrict access to low-THC or CBD-dominant formulations. Nonetheless, all medical programs provide regulated pathways for qualified patients seeking alternative treatment options.

States Without Legalization

Eight states—Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—have yet to enact either medical or adult-use cannabis laws. While a few have limited CBD-only regulations or local decriminalization ordinances, comprehensive reform has yet to take hold. Public polling in many of these states indicates growing support for medical cannabis, though legislative barriers remain.

National Overview

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), 40 states now maintain comprehensive medical cannabis laws, while 24 states have authorized adult-use legalization as of June 2025. The distinction between “comprehensive” and “limited” programs accounts for discrepancies among national datasets, but the general trend is clear: the majority of U.S. residents now live in a state where cannabis is legal in some form.

Recent Milestones

Several pivotal developments have shaped the legalization map between 2024 and 2025:

• Ohio became the 24th adult-use state in late 2023, signaling increased acceptance across the Midwest.
• Florida’s 2024 adult-use amendment received majority voter support but fell short of the state’s required 60% threshold, maintaining its medical-only status.
• Nebraska voters approved medical cannabis, marking a major breakthrough in one of the nation’s most restrictive regions.

These milestones demonstrate that public opinion continues to outpace federal policy, further pressuring Congress and regulatory agencies to reconsider national cannabis laws.

Outlook for Remaining States

For the eight states that have not yet legalized, regional and political dynamics play a critical role. The Southeast and Plains regions remain the most resistant, with many policymakers opposing reform despite shifting public sentiment. However, border-state influence—such as Virginia’s and Ohio’s moves toward adult-use and Kentucky’s medical rollout—continues to exert gradual pressure for change.

Where ballot initiatives are permitted, advocacy groups are expected to pursue direct voter measures in upcoming election cycles. In states that rely solely on legislative action, such as New Hampshire, progress often faces procedural delays despite bipartisan support in lower chambers.

On the federal level, the discussion surrounding potential rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III has created cautious optimism. Although rescheduling would not legalize adult-use cannabis, it could significantly reduce financial and research barriers, fostering a more stable regulatory environment and encouraging hesitant states to act.

Legal Compliance Considerations

Given the fluid nature of cannabis policy, businesses and consumers are advised to consult current state regulations before engaging in cannabis-related activities. Legal frameworks evolve frequently through legislative amendments, rulemaking, and judicial rulings, making compliance verification essential for all participants in the industry.

Learn More: What to Expect at Your First Cannabis Dispensary Visit