One moment, you are blowing the trumpet as a marijuana legend because you have access to the personal marijuana plants at your backdoor in California.
And the very next moment, you are a crime suspect for blowing up all the cannabis rules in Alabama.
Like marijuana history the marijuana laws flicker across the United States.
There doesn’t seem to have a unified approach towards legalizing Marijuana— “thanks to the diversified ideologies.”
The varying belief system towards it can land you in trouble with hefty fines and possible jail terms.
Hence, you need local marijuana lawyers who understand the surrounding laws for the controversial herb and can bail you out from the worrying trend, which almost led to 659,700 arrests in 2017 alone. [1]
Let’s look into how different states of the US perceive marijuana and find local cannabis law firms to pull you out of the much-despised authoritarian values.
The following guide will give you a summary of state-wise marijuana laws and related cannabis law firms and cannabis lawyers to battle out your case.
Alabama:
Possession, sale, and trafficking— every kind of marijuana activity is illegal in Alabama. Showering leniency over CBD oil in 2016 is the closest they have gotten to the marijuana legality.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Alaska:
Alaska is one of the early states to understand the medical impact of marijuana which it displayed in early 1998 by voting in favor of it. However, it took 16 more years to legalize recreational cannabis in 2014. Selling and consuming is still prohibited in public.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Arizona:
In 2010, voters just crossed the 50% mark in favor of medical marijuana legalization, and contrary to it, they declined the recreational cannabis use in 2016. It’s illegal to keep it with selling and cultivation intent.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Arkansas:
Voters gave consent to medical marijuana in 2016 by approving the much-needed amendment; however, the state hasn’t found it worthy of legalizing it for recreational use. The rule allows selling less than 4 ounces.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Name |
Contact No. |
Address |
Chronister, Fields & Flake, PLLC |
479-783-4060 |
Chronister, Fields & Flake PLLC, 309 North 7th Street, P.O. BOX 66 Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902 |
Pray Law Firm PA |
(501) 771-7733 |
3807 McCain Park Dr #108, North Little Rock, AR 72116 |
Oliver Dwain Attorney/Cpa |
(870) 798-4664 |
422 E Main St, Hampton, AR 71744 |
California:
In 1996, California leaped a giant step by being the first state to accept medical marijuana in public use. Two decades in 2016, and it again successfully endorsed the idea of legal recreational marijuana. Selling permitted for the licensed sellers.
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Colorado:
Colorado earned the name as the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana back in 2012. This historic decision came precisely after 12 years from 2000 when it previously legalized medical cannabis. Possession and selling are legal at certain extend beyond 21.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Connecticut:
Connecticut subscribed to the ideas of medical marijuana much later in 2012. Although it still prohibits the use of the recreational herb, the selling of medical marijuana is allowed in the state since it was legalized.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Delaware:
Delaware was late in joining hands with other medical cannabis approved states when it accepted its constricted use in 2011 with a specific illness. The state still hates recreational marijuana use, but have shown positive intent in decriminalizing a bit of activity encircling marijuana.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Name |
Contact No. |
Address |
Thomas D. Donovan |
302-566-5529 |
Thomas D Donovan, PA, 424 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901 |
Law Office of Edward C. Gill, P.A. |
302-854-5400 |
16 North Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947 |
Thomas D Donovan, PA |
302-566-5529 |
424 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901 |
District of Columbia:
Even though the federal government rejects marijuana usage, D.C. legalized medical cannabis in 2010 and psychoactive use in 2015. Possessing 2 gram is legal yet fancies chances for public arrest.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Florida:
Getting a vast seven on ten votes for legalizing medical marijuana, Florida came into the marijuana party in 2016. While the state is yet to get its official recreational marijuana tag, possessing marijuana less than 20 grams is a minor crime.
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Georgia:
Georgia springs out as a strict state when it comes to the legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. It approved a minor possession for treating certain medical conditions in 2015.
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Hawaii:
In 2000, the Hawaiin governor legalized medical marijuana and fought an intense battle in promoting its cultivation; however, the purpose was defeated the same year. Further, the state doesn’t permit recreational use which is a punishable offense.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Name |
Contact No. |
Address |
Law Offices of Michael Jay Green |
(808) 521-3336 |
841 Bishop St # 2201, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
Attorney at Law; Law Office of John Schum, |
(808) 235-3363 |
Law Office of John Schum, LLLC,737 Bishop Street, Suite 1460, Honolulu, HI, 96813 |
Samuel P. King Jr. Attorney At Law |
(808) 521-6937 |
Dillingham Transportation Bldg.735 Bishop St.Ste. 304Honolulu, HI 96813 |
Idaho:
Idaho completely prohibits the possession, sale, and use of medical or recreational marijuana. The state did floor the medical marijuana bill in 2015; however, the governor vetoed it.
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Illinois:
Initially approving the pilot program in 2013; Illinois went onto look for medical marijuana response for four years which it later confirmed it in 2016 by decriminalizing possession. It will legalize recreational marijuana on the eve of the new year in 2020.
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Indiana:
Cannabis in Indiana was illegal for any purpose until medical marijuana was given the green signal for selling and possession in 2017. The state doesn’t sponsor the concept of recreational marijuana. Hence, it imposes minor punishment for possessing it.
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Iowa:
Iowa rejects the use of marijuana— be it medical or recreational. Despite such strict restrictions, the state permits the consumption of medical marijuana for a handful of diseases from the licensed dispensaries.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Name |
Contact No. |
Address |
Blair & Fitzsimmons PC |
(563) 588-1970 |
820 Locust St, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
Johnston, Stannard, Kleiner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., |
(319) 359-6492 |
373 Scott Ct Suite B, Iowa City, IA 52245 |
Sheree L. Smith Law Firm |
(319) 362-3982 |
210 2nd St SE, Ste 700, Cedar Rapids, IA |
Kansas:
Kansas has fought marijuana legalizing battle for over a decade now only to end up at the same spot. In 2018, the governor exempted CBD products from marijuana. But since the infused products may include THC— the psychotropic substance, CBD could never flourish.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Kentucky:
Overall, Kentucky outlaws the use of medical and recreational marijuana barring non-psychoactive CBD oil which got approved in 2014. Later in 2015, the state went through the failed attempt in legalizing medical cannabis which makes selling and possessing it an acute felony.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Louisiana:
Louisiana is one of the early admirers of medical cannabis which legalized it way back in 1978; however, lack of enforcement and improper regulation in legal dispension put it in the lousy shade until the governor of the state clarified the structure in 2016 bill. The state bans the use of recreational marijuana.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Maine:
Maine legalized medical marijuana in 1999 with 62% of the population voting in its support. In 2009, it decriminalized severe punishments, and by the end of 2016, it went on to accept recreational marijuana by less than a percentage vote.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Maryland:
Akin to many states, Maryland chooses the middle-grounds where marijuana continues to remain illegal; howbeit, possessing 10 grams or less marijuana is non-punishable or invite a very nominal fine. Furthermore, the proof for medical necessity can prevent the penalty.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Massachusetts:
In a series of steady steps, Massachusetts decriminalized cannabis in 2008, nodded a yes for medical marijuana, and finally sanctioned the recreational use of medical marijuana in 2016. Possessing, cultivating, and giving marijuana up to 1 ounce is permissible.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Michigan:
By the end of 2008, Michigan became the 13th state to legalize medical marijuana, and winning by 56% to 44%— it legalized the recreational consumption of cannabis in 2018, thereby making itself the 10th state to legalize both the marijuanas. Adults above 21 are good to possess 2.5 ounces in public, use, transport, and grow the herb.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Minnesota:
Minnesota applies one of the restricted medical marijuana laws in the country by allowing it for a few diseases. Although the bill got passed in 2014, it generally activated in 2015. It still blocks the recreational use of marijuana but decriminalizes a few severe offenses.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Mississippi:
Mississippi strictly warns the use of medical and recreational marijuana, but grants the permission for CBD infused products with low THC content under the state legislation bill, 2015. The state has diluted the severity of punishment if found guilty.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Missouri:
The long halt for legal, medical marijuana came into reality in 2018 when the Missouri constitution amended the laws in its favor; however, it continues to disregard the use of recreational cannabis. The state also reduced the graveness of the punishment and penalties in 2017
Marijuana Lawyers:
Montana:
Montana legalized medical cannabis in 2004, but the differences in opinion between the lawmakers and voters make it a controversial subject altogether. Despite legalization, a consumer may end up in serving jail terms. Recreational marijuana faces the same fate as it meets in other states, i.e., prohibition.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Nebraska:
Nebraska remains one of the austere states when it comes to the usage of medical and recreational cannabis. However, the state looks forward to toning down the intensity of punishment for possessing a small amount of herb. Selling and cultivating marijuana are punishable offenses.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Nevada:
Using ballot initiative, Nevada confirmed the legal use of medical marijuana in 2000 and recreational use in 2016. The state legislation permitted to purchase, cultivate, possess, or consume less than an ounce of marijuana; and decriminalized the strict laws.
Marijuana Lawyers:
New Hampshire:
New Hampshire comes out as another recreational marijuana restrictive states which legalized the medical version of the herb in 2013. The state mellowed down with its decriminalization laws in 2017 by allowing three-quarters of an ounce possession. With authorized dispensaries, the state refutes its cultivation.
Marijuana Lawyers:
New Jersey:
New Jersey tolerates the usage of medical marijuana since 2010, but declares recreational marijuana as an illegal substance. Despite making hard efforts in 2018, the state couldn’t convert the legal status of recreational drug. It forbids the non-medical possession of it.
Marijuana Lawyers:
New Mexico:
New Mexico passed bills relating to medical marijuana in 2007. Although the recreational consumption remains illegal, a recent decriminalization bill in 2019 reduced the seriousness of the penalties.
Marijuana Lawyers:
New York:
New York approved medical marijuana in 2014, but regulates vigorous enforcement while barring the recreational use. Possessing 25 grams of the non-medical herb can expose possessor to the punishable offense of 100$.
Marijuana Lawyers:
North Carolina :
North Carolina has been uncompromising towards legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes; however, the later one has a narrow exception as a medical healer for selective diseases.
Marijuana Lawyers:
North Dakota :
Like many states, North Dakota follows the same pattern where it allows medical marijuana and disregards the recreational one. Possessing half-ounce may invite a month jail and hefty fine.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Ohio :
Ohio allowed medical marijuana to seep into society in 2016, but dismisses the legality of recreational grass as of today. The state has softened the decriminalization rules by permitting possession level up to 100 grams.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma has the harshest punishments concerning marijuana-rule breaking. It may range anything between one year to life-time imprisonment. None of the amendment bills have reached to the favorable outcome.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Oregon:
Oregon enjoys the tag of one of the pro-weed states in the country which legalized medical marijuana way back in 1998 and recreational herbs in 2014. Additionally, it amends the decriminalization laws regularly.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Pennsylvania :
Pennsylvania was a firm nay-sayer of all the marijuana usage until 2016 when the state allowed therapeutic marijuana. Possessing and selling marijuana come under a severe felony.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Rhode Island :
Rhode Island joined the early marijuana-legality movement in 2006 with a yes for medical-cannabis. The state still holds the recreational cannabis illegal and possessing less than 1 oz can lead to fine and cultivation may leeway for life-time imprisonment.
Marijuana Lawyers:
South Carolina :
South Carolina emerges as one of the most conservative states which suppress the legality of Marijuana in any form. The punishment may vary between one year to 20 years, depending on the severity of the rule violation.
Marijuana Lawyers:
South Dakota :
South Dakota surfaces as another marijuana blockers which forbids any cannabis, consumed in any form. Irrespective of the complete prohibition, possessing a small amount is a minor offense.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Tennessee :
Going against the liberal movement around cannabis laws, Tennessee opts out to keep the harsh laws against marijuana use. Recreational or medicinal, it dismisses the use of both the forms and its brutality can be judged from a year jail-term for possessing as little as ½ ounce.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Texas :
Discounting THC-free medical cannabis for selective diseases, Texas precludes all other pro-marijuana bills, whether relating to medicinal or recreational use. As little as 2 ounces possession can lead to 6 months jail or a massive fine up to 2000$.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Utah :
Utah progressed into liberal states favoring medical marijuana last year in 2018. The state restricts the recreational use after its preferable stance on cannabidiol and medical marijuana in the last five years.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Vermont :
Vermont advanced as 12th state to legalize medical and recreational marijuana when the senate of the state agreed with the bill in 2018. It legalized medicinal marijuana in 2004. The recent laws permit 2 ounces of possession and controlled cultivation.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Virginia :
The conservative background of Virginia stops it from legalizing all the types of marijuana, which, when violated, may request a call for a month jail-term or heavy fine. Despite 2015 law permitting CBD intake, there are only 251 licensed doctors.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Washington :
Washington shares a joint-tag with Colorado for being the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. The population of the state enjoys legal, medical marijuana since 1998.
Marijuana Lawyers:
West Virginia :
Like Virginia, West Virginia has a negative-stance towards marijuana legalization for either medical or recreational herb. A little possession is uncalled for as consumers may end up in serving six-month jail term and $1000 fine for a minor offense.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Wisconsin :
Wisconsin, like many other states, mimics the marijuana law by declaring medical and recreational marijuana illegal. Despite all the stern rules, the state grants special permission for non-psychoactive CBD for treating seizures.
Marijuana Lawyers:
Wyoming :
Wyoming ends up being one of the rigid states against the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana. A little possession as mere as 3 ounces can land the consumer for 12 months in jail and a hefty fine of 1000$.
Marijuana Lawyers: