Understanding Cannabis Law: What’s Legal in Your State?
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit : Sasun Bughdaryan
Quick Answer: Cannabis laws vary by state: some allow recreational and medical use, others only medical, and some still prohibit it entirely. Despite state laws, cannabis remains federally illegal, and traveling across state lines with it is a federal offense. Always check your local laws before buying or using cannabis.
Cannabis laws in the U.S. can feel like a patchwork quilt: messy, colorful, and stitched together piece by piece.
What is legal in one state might land you in trouble just across the border.
So if you’ve ever wondered what’s actually allowed where you live, you’re not alone.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know about cannabis law and why it matters.
Image credit: Jinsoo Choi
Cannabis Is Still Federally Illegal
Let’s start with the big picture: Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level.
That means no matter how legal weed is in your state, it’s technically classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. In day-to-day life, this mostly affects things like:
Banking for cannabis businesses
Crossing state lines with cannabis
Access to federal housing or jobs
So yes, your state can say it’s legal. But the federal government still says it’s not.
Image credit: Stephen Monroe
State Cannabis Laws Vary (A Lot)
Now let’s zoom in. As of now, cannabis laws fall into a few broad categories:
Fully Legal (Recreational + Medical): States like California, Washington, Colorado, and Illinois allow adults 21+ to purchase, possess, and use cannabis for recreational or medical purposes.
Medical Only: Places like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Utah allow medical cannabis use, but not recreational sales.
Decriminalized: In some states, possession of small amounts won’t lead to jail time but might still result in a fine or citation.
Illegal: A handful of states still outlaw cannabis entirely, with penalties for possession, sale, or use.
And even within legal states, things can get tricky. Each one sets its own rules around how much you can buy, how much you can carry, where you can use it, and whether you can grow it at home.
Image credit: Suhyeon Choi
Can You Travel With Cannabis?
The short answer is no. Even if cannabis is legal in both the state you’re leaving and the one you’re visiting, crossing state lines with it is still a federal offense. That includes air travel (even if you’re flying out of a legal state.)
If you’re traveling, it’s best to leave your stash at home.
Image credit: Shelby Ireland
What About CBD and Hemp?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal, though states can still regulate it.
You’ll find CBD in everything from gummies to skin cream, but its legal status can still be murky in some areas.
If you're buying CBD, make sure it’s third-party tested and clearly labeled.
Image credit: Roman Kraft
Why Staying Informed Matters
Cannabis laws are changing fast. New ballot measures, court rulings, and state laws roll out every year. So if you use cannabis it’s worth checking your local rules from time to time.
Getting caught up in outdated laws isn’t just inconvenient: it can carry real-life consequences.
Image credit: Nico Smit
So, what’s legal in your state?
That depends on where you are. While more states are embracing legal cannabis, laws still vary widely (and the federal ban adds an extra layer of complexity.)
Your best move? Know your local laws, stay informed, and when in doubt, ask before you partake.
Want to learn more?
Then check out our related posts here!
Need help picking out a product? Then ask our friendly budtenders!
Whether you’re shopping in Redmond or online, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it.