Here Are All the States Where Cannabis Is Legal
With legislation on legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana on the ballot in multiple locations seemingly every election cycle, it can be difficult to keep up with where in the United States it is legal to toke up.
Technically, marijuana use is illegal at the federal level and has been ever since the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. But many state laws conflict with federal law, as ever more states are legalizing cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Leaving aside the states in which medicinal use is legal, here are the states that have decriminalized recreational use.
States that have outright legalized recreational marijuana include Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, the state of Washington, and the District of Columbia. In all of these states that have chosen to legalize marijuana, sale, growth, and transport are also legal (with certain restrictions and caveats), except in the case of Nevada, which has not legalized cultivation. Cannabis has been legalized on the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe reservation in South Dakota and the Suquamish Tribe and Squaxin Island Tribe reservations in Washington State as well.
Moving up to the next tier of restrictiveness, several states have legalized medicinal marijuana. These states often have guidelines specifying what forms of cannabis may be used. For example, Alabama allows medicinal marijuana, but only through non-psychoactive CDB oil. (Otherwise, it’s a felony.) Other states in which medicinal marijuana alone is permitted include Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Medicinal marijuana is also legal in Guam and Puerto Rico.
And while still not technically legal, several other states have decriminalized cannabis, meaning that if found in possession, citations and fines will be levied, rather than criminal charges. These states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
So, while you aren’t free to light up no matter where you are in America, there are a considerable number of places where you can do so, albeit with restrictions in some cases.
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