4 states and D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana, 19 states have introduced legislation to legalize it, and 3 are actively working to get a vote to legalize marijuana on the 2016 ballot.
Updated March 31, 2015
Updated April 6, 2015
Updated April 9, 2015
Updated April 13, 2015
Updated April 14, 2015 (Wisconsin legislation introduced to legalize recreational and medical)
Marijuana legalization seems to be experiencing the snowball effect, with recreational marijuana now legal and sold (or to soon be sold) under a regulated, government-run market in four states (Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon), and possession and home cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana now legal in Washington, D.C.
Medical marijuana also has been legalized in some form in more than half of the United States. Now, many other states are pushing to get recreational marijuana legalization measures on the ballot for the 2016 elections; 19–yes, 19–already have introduced legislation; and others still are pushing for decriminalization, and/or new or expanded medical marijuana legislation.
Check this comprehensive list to see whether your state is making advances toward reform in medical and/or recreational laws. Links to most pending legislation are included so you can track each bill's progress.
*Note: States noted in green have legalized recreational marijuana. Those in red have legislation introduced/pending to legalize recreational marijuana. And those states in orange are working toward and/or anticipating getting initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana on the 2016 ballot.
- Alabama: The state passed Carly's Law in early 2014 legalizing CBD oil only in the context of a $1 million, four-year University of Alabama-Birmingham study for patients with debilitating epileptic conditions. Rumor of a more expansive medical marijuana bill was circulating, but nothing concrete has materialized yet.
- Alaska: Marijuana is officially legal in Alaska, as of Feb. 24, 2015, following the November 2014 passage (by more than 50 percent of Vermont voters) of Ballot Measure 2. Adults (21 and older) can now possess up to 1 oz. of marijuana, grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes, and possess the yield of those plants in the location where it was grown. Public marijuana consumption remains illegal. Gov. Bill Walker introduced a bill Feb. 23 that proposes the creation of a Marijuana Control Board to regulate the newly legalized marijuana industry in the state and enforce state laws. Alaska legalized medical marijuana in 2007, but permitted home cultivation for qualified patients/caregivers only, with no system for regulated dispensaries.
- Arizona: A statewide ballot initiative was filed April 17 to regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol in Arizona. In the meantime, State Rep. Mark Cardenas introduced House Bill 2007 to legalize the purchase, possession and consumption of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for adults age 21 and older, as reported in USA Today. "It would expand the current medical-marijuana system under the Arizona Department of Health Services, and create a process for dispensaries to serve the general public. It also would allow adults age 21 and older to grow up to five plants for personal consumption." HB 2007 also would levy a $50/oz. tax on marijuana. Cardenas also introduced HB 2006–a decriminalization bill which would remove criminal penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Initiative was passed in November 2010, allowing seriously and terminally ill patients to use marijuana with a doctor’s approval with out fear of prosecution. Currently, Arizona has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country. The penalty for possession of just one ounce of marijuana is a felony.
- Arkansas: The 2016 Arkansas Medical Cannabis Act was certified by the Arkansas Attorney General in 2014 and now advocates (i.e., Arkansans for Compassionate Care) are collecting signatures. The signatures of more than 65,000 valid, registered voters are required to get the Act on the ballot. The act would allow for state physicians to "recommend" medical marijuana, and for patients with a recommendation to then obtain a license from the Arkansas Department of Health (which would oversee the program) to get medical marijuana from one of 38 nonprofit Cannabis Care Centers in the state. The program would be self-funded by medical marijuana sales tax.
- California: California was the first state, in 1996, to implement a statewide legal medical marijuana program (with the passage of Proposition 215), and it is widely considered the most liberal in the country. The California Department of Public Health’s Medical Marijuana Program does not have jurisdiction over medical marijuana cooperatives, collectives or dispensaries. Advocacy groups are now drafting a ballot initiative for the legalization of recreational marijuana use, possession and sale through a regulated market, with plan to get the initiative on the 2016 ballot. The Marijuana Control, Legalization and Revenue Act of 2016 (MCLR) is an "open-source," collaborative initiative that is gaining momentum.
- Colorado: Colorado and Washington were the first states in the nation to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. Amendment 64 made it legal for adults 21 or older to legally possess one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or THC. Non-residents also can legally purchase certain amounts of marijuana, but cannot transport it outside of the state. Cultivation and retail sale of marijuana is also legal, regulated and taxed under the government program. Other regulations exist, such as laws against public consumption and consumption on federal lands, and municipalities within the state can ban marijuana businesses. The initiative is overseen by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division, which awards marijuana business licenses and establishes regulations surrounding the legalized market.
- Connecticut: In February 2015, a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana for adults (House Bill 6703) was introduced in the Connecticut legislature. House Bill 6473, which was filed in January, proposes that the state "decriminalize the use and possession of marijuana and to regulate and tax the sale of marijuana," with the purpose "to better allocate resources and to increase tax revenues"; however, no additional information currently is available.
- Delaware: Decriminalization legislation was introduced in late January 2015 by Rep. Helene Keeley, (D-Wilmington). She said state residents should not have trouble getting a job, or finding financial aid for college, simply because they were busted with a small amount of pot. House Bill 39 would make possession of the drug, and private use, a civil offense, punishable by a fine. Marijuana sales or intent to sell would remain criminal offenses.
- Florida: Florida's medical marijuana bill–Amendment 2–suffered what was, for many, a heart-breaking defeat in November 2014, despite 57.2% voting in favor of it. (60% is needed for a constitutional amendment.) The bill will be reintroduced for the 2016 ballot, but with a couple of conservative modifications. It has been submitted to the Florida Secretary of State’s office by People United for Medical Marijuana.
- Georgia: Georgia residents have been plagued by a battle over CBD oil legalization. (CBD is the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that’s been shown to reduce seizures, and it's in high-demand especially among parents of children with debilitating and often fatal seizure disorders.) The end result? Perplexing legislation providing legal “immunity” for Georgia residents who bring CBD oils in from other states (although it remains a Federal crime to cross state lines with a controlled substance). The legislation was approved by the House in February 2015 and sent on to the Senate, where it was approved in late March. The bill is expected to be signed into law by the Governor.
- Guam: Guam is in the process of getting its medical marijuana program, approved by voters in November 2014, up and running. Reports indicate that Guam officials are making progress and are modeling much of the program after Arizona's program, where medical marijuana has been legal since 2010. The U.S. territory has 8 more months to get regulations and other program details finalized.
- Hawaii: Medical marijuana has been legal in Hawaii since 2000, but it has failed "to provide a legal mechanism for purchasing needs-the obvious first step in a growing operation." A task force made recommendations in early 2015 for remedying the situation and getting the program implemented, after 14-plus long years. In late March 2015, a senate panel heard a proposal to develop a system of medical marijuana dispensaries.
- Idaho: The Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee approved in February 2015 the introduction of a bill, SB 1106, to allow for the use of some cannabis oils in the treatment of illnesses like epilepsy. The bill will likely be scheduled for a hearing next.
- Illinois: Two bills were introduced in 2015, one, HB 218, pushing for decriminalization (possession penalties in the form of a fine vs. jail time) and the other, SB 753, pushing for legalization of possession and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana for adults (21 and older). Illinois also has legalized medical marijuana, though its implementation faced some obstacles as former Governor Quinn left office before awarding licenses to marijuana dispensaries and cultivators, as scheduled. Governor Rauner has begun to move the program forward quickly and award dozens of licenses.
- Louisiana: The state's legislature legalized medical marijuana in 1991, but "the current law does not allow for the legal dispensing of the drug. Doctors can legally prescribe it, patients can legally use it, but there is no way to acquire it," reported The Times Picayune. In February 2015, however, a new bill–HB6–was pre-filed by Rep. Dalton Honore for consideration during this spring legislative session. The bill would allow for the prescribing, use, dispensing and production of marijuana for medical purposes. Rep. Honore also proposed HB 117, "would provide for an election to be held concurrently with the presidential election in 2016 to allow voters to decide whether or not to legalize and tax marijuana."
- Kentucky: Medical marijuana looks promising in Kentucky due to the support of House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonburg) and his sponsorship of bill, HB3, which would make medical marijuana legal for Kentucky patients certified by a physician. The bill would not allow patients to own plants.
- Kansas: In late January, state officials testified before the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee supporting a bill, HB 2049, that would make first- and second-time marijuana possession civil offenses, not felony offenses. Currently, a second marijuana conviction could result in 10 to 42 months of jail time, according to Seattle PI. And, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, "Two long-time advocates for compassionate medical marijuana laws have again sponsored bills which would create a workable system to provide access to medical marijuana for patients. Sen. David Haley sponsored SB 9, and Rep. Gail Finney introduced HB 2011 for the 2015 session. Each bill would allow patients to safely access and use medical cannabis."
- Iowa: In 2014, Iowa legalized medical marijuana (CBD oil) only for patients with severe epilepsy. The law did not legalize a way for patients to access the medicine (such as in-state cultivation). In early 2015, legislators announced that legislation will be introduced during the current session to allow for the production and distribution of medical marijuana.
- Indiana: This year, SB284 will be introduced by Sen. Karen Tallian, after failing previously. The bill would allow patients access to medical marijuana. Indiana has serious penalties for possession, as possession of a joint can lead to a year in jail and a fine of $5,000. Plans are reportedly in the works for a bill regarding hemp planning and production.
- Maine: Lawmakers are considering multiple medical marijuana bills, and Maine is consistently listed among the states next up to legalize recreational marijuana. Two Maine cities (South Portland and Portland) already have legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Advocacy group Legalize Maine has submitted a citizens initiative to the Secretary of State to initiative the process for getting a marijuana legalization measure on the November 2016 ballot. A second, similar citizens initiative was introduced by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. And a third effort to get marijuana legalization on Maine’s ballot is in progress. "Democratic state Rep. Mark Dion of Portland says he is talking to other legislators about co-sponsoring his bill. The bill proposes to ask residents about creation, regulation and taxation of a structure for recreational use of marijuana. It includes a proposed 10 percent tax rate for recreational marijuana," reports WCSH6 in Maine.
- Maryland: A bill to regulate (recreational) marijuana like alcohol has been introduced in the Maryland legislature. HB 911, the Marijuana Control and Revenue Act of 2015, sponsored by Del. Curt Anderson (D-Baltimore City), along with companion bill SB 531, would allow adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in their homes. The bill requires the Maryland Comptroller to establish rules and regulations for the operation of cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, retailers and safety compliance labs. It also creates an oversight commission to monitor marijuana businesses and advise the comptroller on regulatory issues. In April 2015, the state passed SB0364, decriminalizing marijuana paraphernalia use or possession, and reclassifies possession of paraphernalia involving less than 10 grams of marijuana as a civil offense. A new criminal misdemeanor charge was created for smoking in public remains. SB923 and HB881 medical marijuana bills were signed into law on 4/2014.
- Massachusetts: State lawmakers introduced a bill in mid March 2015 to legalize possession and cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana for adults and establish a system to regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol. H 1561, sponsored by Rep. David Rogers (D-Belmont), Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), and a bipartisan group of 13 co-sponsors, would establish a regulated system of licensed marijuana retail stores, cultivation facilities, processing facilities, and testing facilities. Medical marijuana is legal in Massachusetts for qualified registered patients with electronic certification from registered physicians, and obtainable through registered dispensaries.
- Michigan: A statewide ballot initiative is planned for 2016 that would legalize marijuana for personal, recreational use, as well as allow residents to cultivate their own plants. The new medical marijuana rules that took effect on 1/15/15 establishes a $60 application fee for qualifying patients and requires that caregivers pay a $25 processing fee for required criminal background checks.
- Minnesota: The Minnesota Department of Health announced in December 2014 that it has selected two entities to operate as medical cannabis manufacturers under the provisions of the medical cannabis law enacted in May 2014. The timeline set by the legislation aims to have distribution sites open and dispensing of medical cannabis products to registered patients and their caregivers begun by July 1, 2015.
- Mississippi: Advocates, supported by Team Legalize and the Mississippi Alliance for Cannabis, have begun collecting signatures in the hopes of getting marijuana legalization on the ballot for 2016 (under Ballot Initiative 48). One-hundred thousand signatures are needed by Oct. 2 in order to make this happen. Currently, the state has legalized CBD oil for (intractable) epileptic patients, but provides no means for obtaining CBD oil.
- Missouri: In late February 2015, Missouri Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) introduced legislation that would legalize the medical and recreational use of marijuana. Also proposed was HJR 15, in late 2014, by Representative Brandon Ellington; the proposition for a Constitutional amendment to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana similar to alcohol was read in the House in early 2015, but is currently not scheduled for additional hearings. Missouri legalized in 2014 the cultivation of marijuana for CBD oil to be used to treat patients with intractable epilepsy. Two licenses were issued to growers in 2015, and patients can anticipate access to CBD oil by September. According to the Marijuana Policy Project, however, another bill, HB 490, was introduced by Rep. Keith English, to allow patients to use and safely access medical cannabis. HB 490 has been referred to the Emerging Issues Committee, but no hearings are currently scheduled.
- Montana: Montana overwhelmingly passed a medical marijuana law in 2004, but has still failed to implement a workable regulatory system. One of the law’s authors, Republican Majority Leader Sen. Jeff Essman says that he hopes this session will be successful. Currently in Montana, possession of a joint can put you in jail for six months, and two ounces can result in a punishment of up to five years.
- Nebraska: Two bills dealing with medical marijuana have been introduced and were scheduled for hearings on March 6, 2015. LB 390 would create a pilot project allowing the University of Nebraska Medical Center to research medical marijuana for seizure and intractable epilepsy patients. LB 643–Adopt the Cannabis Compassion and Care Act–calls for the legalization of medical marijuana use across Nebraska.
- Nevada: Nevada’s Initiative to Tax and Regulate Marijuana gathered enough signatures and qualify the petition to make the 2016 ballot. Nevada currently has a legalized medical marijuana program in place for registered patients, and cultivation facilities and dispensaries.
- New Hampshire: In March 2015, the NH House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee approved a bill, HB 618, that would remove criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. The measure was approved by the House, and now faces a Senate vote. The New Hampshire House and Senate reached a final compromise on New Hampshire’s medical marijuana bill, HB 573, on June 18, 2013. Gov. Hassan signed it into law July 23, 2013, enabling the state health department to begin its rule-making process. Patients are expected to be able to access medical cannabis under the law sometime in mid-to-late 2015.
- New Jersey: Advocacy organizations–including the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey and the New Jersey State Municipal Prosecutors’ Association–have announced the official launch of their campaign to regulate marijuana like alcohol in the Garden State. They will be working on amendments to Senate Bill 1896–which would legalize recreational marijuana, and regulate it like alcohol, and was introduced in March 2014 by Democratic Senator Nicholas Scutari. According to Roseanne Scotti, state director of the NJ DPA, they will be building on SB1896’s foundation, but working to create a better bill that will have more detail. Advocates face an uphill battle while Governor Chris Christie remains in office, as he has said he would veto any legalization bills. New Jersey has a medical marijuana program in place, however, after more than four years since its legalization, just three dispensaries have been allowed to open.
- New Mexico: In February, a state legislative committee voted in favor of taxing and regulating marijuana. On a vote of 5-4, New Mexico State Senator Ortiz y Pino’s (D-12-Bernalillo) Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2) passed the Senate Rules Committee. SJR2 would make legal the possession and personal use of marijuana by adults age 21 and older, as well as allow for the regulation of the production, sale and taxation of marijuana in New Mexico. The vote "sets in motion the process to put the issue on a 2016 statewide ballot for voters,” said Emily Kaltenbach, New Mexico state director with the Drug Policy Alliance. New Mexico's medical marijuana program makes it legal for patients with any of 16 qualifying conditions to use and access medical marijuana.
- New York: The Empire State legalized medical marijuana in the summer 2014, though it was criticized by some advocacy groups for limitations that were implemented before the bill's passage. Regarding recreational marijuana legalization, State Sen. Liz Krueger (D)–along with Martin Dilan (D-18), Brad Hoylman (D-27), Velmanette Montgomery (D-25) and Gustavo Rivera (D-33)–reintroduced the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, and it was submitted to the state's Committee on Finance Jan. 14, 2015, where it will need to pass before it can move to a full vote. (A similar bill was introduced in 2013, but died in committee.) SO 1747 would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana, and places the power to grant licenses for marijuana production, transport and retail sale in the hands of the State Liquor Authority. More details on the Act can be found here. Krueger held the first public forum to discuss the Act in December 2014. Gov. Cuomo has spoken out against legalizing the sale of recreational marijuana.
- North Carolina: The 2015-2016 North Carolina legislature has been presented with legislation that would give the seriously ill access to marijuana. The North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act HB577 would give North Carolinians using marijuana and related products for medical purposes protection against arrest and prosecution. North Carolina also has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana.
- North Dakota: North Dakota’s House rejected (with a vote of 67-26) in February 2015 a measure to legalize medical marijuana, citing concerns about public safety and the burden on law enforcement. It would have legalized "up to 2 ounces of pot or cannabis-related products for medical use." It was amended from an earlier version that would legalized marijuana (including smoking) for medical uses, as well as the ability for home cultivation of up to six medical marijuana plants.
- Ohio: Five efforts are underway, including petitions to secure a place on the upcoming ballot and proposed legislation, to legalize marijuana in The Buckeye State. Ohio.com has a good report on those efforts here.
- Oklahoma: Bills for medical marijuana and recreational legalization have both failed in recent years: SB2116 proposed a legalization and taxation law for marijuana, and SB902 was a compassionate use bill for the seriously ill.
- Oregon: Oregon voters legalized recreational marijuana in the November 2014 elections, approving Measure 91, which legalizes the sale of marijuana for recreational use (among adults, ages 21 and older) and establishes a statewide system of regulation to oversee the now legalized marijuana market. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is tasked with overseeing the initiative.
- Pennsylvania: A bill to legalize medical marijuana (SB 1182) in Pennsylvania failed to make it out of the House, despite overwhelming support in a Senate vote. Support for a Pennsylvania medical marijuana initiative got a boost, however, with the election of Governor Tom Wolf in November 2014, and in early 2015, Senator Mike Folmer reintroduced a medical marijuana bill, through SB 3, the Medical Cannabis Act, which would legalize the cultivation, sale and use of medical marijuana to registered patients (at the recommendation of a registered health care practitioner) with "Qualified medical condition," defined as "any of the following, including treatment: cancer, epilepsy and seizures, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Cachexia/wasting syndrome, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury and postconsussion syndrome, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Spinocerebellara Ataxia (SCA), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and severe Fibromyalgia. Regarding recreational marijuana legalization, in late February 2015, The Regulate Marijuana Act, Senate Bill 528, was introduced by Senators Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) and Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) to allow adults 21 or older to grow up to six cannabis plants (3 flowering) and possess any amount of marijuana. The bill also would legalize the transfer of marijuana between adults, provided no money is exchanged.
- Rhode Island: The state's medical marijuana program permits the use and cultivation of marijuana under certain circumstances and for the treatment of certain medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, and a number of other debilitating diseases or conditions. The program is administered by the state's Department of Health. In 2014, H 7610 allowed for and placed restrictions on home cultivation by individuals or cooperative cultivation. Re: recreational marijuana, in 2014, the state Legislature adjourned the 2014 session "without taking a vote on legislation that would have legalized, regulated, and taxed marijuana similarly to alcohol," according to the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). In March 2015, state legislators launched another effort. State Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston)–2015-S 0510–and State Rep. Scott Slater (D-Providence)–2015-H 5777–introduced bills to create a regulated system of licensed (recreational) marijuana retail stores, cultivation facilities, and testing facilities and direct the Department of Business Regulation to create rules regulating security, labeling, and health and safety requirements. The bills have been referred to the respective (Senate and House) Committees on Judiciary.
- South Carolina: South Carolina hopes to move forward with both a medical marijuana and decriminalization (a fine rather than an arrest for possession). The Put Patients First Act would allow seriously ill patients to possess and cultivate a limited amount of marijuana. It would also provide safe and reliable access. Republican Rep Mike Pitts has introduced H3117 to replace criminal penalties for simple possession with a civil fine instead.
- South Dakota: South Dakota has no current legal amendments in place for medical marijuana or decriminalization. Punishments for possession range from a misdemeanor for less than two ounces to felony possession for more, often resulting in a fine and jail time.
- Tennessee: Tennessee legislators have introduced a pair of “partner bills” (SB1211and HB0873) that would legalize possession and the “casual,” non-monetary exchange of a half ounce of marijuana (for recreational purposes). Regarding medical marijuana, SB0060, "Medical Cannabis Access Act," was introduced Feb. 11, 2015, to legalize medical marijuana use by qualifying, registered patients through a regulated system of cultivators (regulated by the Department of Agriculture) and dispensaries. A similar bill, HB 561, was introduced in February in the House. Update April 9, 2015: The bills have been delayed by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House Committee until next year to allow more time for review.Update April 14, 2015: Cannabis Business Times reports, following last week's news regarding the postponement of more comprehensive medical marijuana legislation proposals, "The Tennessee Legislature on Monday unanimously approved legislation (HB-197), introduced by Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-District 11), allowing for the use of cannabis oil by patients suffering from seizures, according to a report on ABC-WATE."
- Texas: HB 325 was the first of an influx of bills filed in the Lone Star State aiming to reduce penalties for marijuana possession. Filed in November 2014, HB 325 would establish a Class C misdemeanor for marijuana possession up to .35 ounces, resulting in a citation vs. jail time. In December 2014, H.B. 507 was filed, seeking to make possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a civil offense, and to decrease other possession charges to remove jail time and lower the maximum fine to $100. HB 414, also filed in December, and also aims to make low-level marijuana possession a misdemeanor. In February 2015, HB 1115 was filed to change the procedures surrounding marijuana possession charges. Then in March 2015, HB 2165 was introduced in the House to repeal marijuana prohibition. Update April 9, 2015: A hearing was held April 8 to review the bills.Regarding medical marijuana: Legislation, S.B. 1839, was introduced in the Senate in mid March 2015 to allow patients with cancer, seizure disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other debilitating conditions to access medical marijuana with a doctor's prescription. HB 3785, introduced by Reps. Marisa Márquez (D-El Paso) and Mary González (D-Clint) in the House, and a companion bill, also would establish, under the Department of State Health Services, a regulated system of licensed marijuana cultivators, processors and dispensaries for medical purposes. Another bill, authored by State Rep. Eliot Naishtat (D-Austin), and considered a less-preferred option (because patients could still be arrested), "would make having a medical condition an affirmative defense for marijuana possession," reports WOAI.
- Utah: Utah has legalized the use of CBD oil by patients with intractable epilepsy, however, the law does not provide a means for obtaining the medicine. But a new medical marijuana bill, SB 259, was introduced by Republican Sen. Mark Madsen, and approved by the Senate Committee in March. The bill would legalize edible marijuana products only–as well as marijuana cultivation and sale of edible marijuana products–for patients with qualifying conditions, such as cancer, ALS, PTSD, Alzheimer's, severe pain or nausea and quite a few others. "The bill passed the Senate committee vote 3-2. Madsen is confident his bill will pass the GOP-controlled Senate, where it heads for debate. If passed, the bill then goes before the GOP-controlled House," reports RT.com. Currently the only hope for recreational marijuana sales and regulation falls with the eight federally recognized Native American tribes in Utah, since the U.S. Justice Department announced that it would generally not enforce federal marijuana laws on federally recognized tribes that choose to legalize marijuana, as long as those tribes meet federal guidelines, including that the drug not be sold to minors and it not be transported to areas where it's prohibited.
- Vermont: In February 2015, Senator David Zuckerman filed legislation to legalize the possession, use and sale of marijuana (for recreational purposes), among adults, in the state. Senate Bill 95 would establish a Marijuana Control Board to oversee the marketplace. One week later, State Rep. Chris Pearson (P-Burlington) introduced a House bill, which mirrors SB 95, that would regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol in Vermont. H.277 and SB 95 would allow adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to 1 oz. of marijuana; grow up to two flowering marijuana plants and seven non-flowering plants in a secure indoor location; and possess the marijuana yielded from those plants at the same location. It would remain illegal to consume marijuana in public or drive while impaired by marijuana.The Department of Public Safety would be directed to license and regulate marijuana retail stores, lounges, cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, and testing laboratories. Localities would have the ability to regulate or prohibit marijuana businesses within their borders. The bill would also establish an adjustable excise tax on wholesale transfers (such as those from a cultivation facility to a retail store) of flowers ($40 per ounce), trim ($15 per ounce), and plants ($25 per seedling). According to Politico, "Several experts working in Vermont suggested that the legislature will move slowly on the marijuana legalization bill and likely won’t pass it until next year." Regarding medical marijuana: in 2004, the Vermont General Assembly passed S. 76, An Act Relating to Marijuana Use by Persons with Severe Illness, under the direction of the Vermont Department of Public Safety, which allowed for the use of medical marijuana for qualifying conditions, when prescribed by a physician.
- Virginia: In early 2015, the State General Assembly passed legislation, introduced by House sponsor Del. Dave Albo, to allow possession and use of two derivatives of the marijuana plant–cannabidiol oil or THC-A oil–for medical use with written certification by a doctor that it is needed for treatment of intractable epilepsy. The Governor signed this into law Feb. 26, 2015. Legislation also has been introduced–Senate Bill 686 (SB686)–to eliminate any criminal prosecution and the possibility of jail time for possessing a small amount of marijuana, and reduces the fine from $500 to $100.
- Washington, D.C.: In one of the most attention-grabbing debates around marijuana legalization, D.C. continues to battle for the right to implement the law that voters passed (Initiative 71) in November 2014, by a nearly 70-percent margin, legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults, home cultivation and the sale of related paraphernalia. While the debate continues, marijuana possession and cultivation became legal, via passage of Initiative 71, Feb. 26. The D.C. Council also has met to discuss the possibility of regulating and taxing marijuana like alcohol, as Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon have done.
- Washington: Through I-502, voters legalized recreational marijuana in the state in 2012, making Washington and Colorado the first two states in the nation to legalize recreational pot for adults (over age 21), and establishing a regulated, taxable marijuana marketplace. I-502 is overseen by the Washington State Liquor Control Board, which awards licenses to marijuana cultivation facilities and retail dispensaries, as well as establishes regulations surrounding the legalized marijuana market. Washington shares many restrictions with Colorado, such as banning public consumption of marijuana and sales to minors, and municipalities may ban marijuana businesses in both states.
- West Virginia: West Virginia Sen. Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael (R-Ripley) introduced a bill in early February that would allow state residents with debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS, to grow and use medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it. The bill, SB 546, would establish a state-regulated system of medical marijuana cultivation facilities and dispensaries to provide medical marijuana to licensed patients. A similar bill, HB 2909, was introduced in February in the House.
- Wisconsin: Marijuana remains illegal in Wisconsin, first-offense possession classified as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment. Subsequent-offens possession is a class I felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for 3 to 5 years. The state has no laws allowing for medical marijuana use. In mid-April 2015, legislation (LRB-0188) was introduced to legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical use.
- Wyoming: Wyoming decriminalization and medical marijuana advocates got shot down in late January, as state lawmakers rejected a bill that would decriminalize up to an ounce of marijuana and another bill that would have legalized a low-potency medical marijuana program.
Amy Shafer contributed to this report.
Editor's Note: Legislation is being introduced and votes are taking place in Congress at a very rapid rate. CBT editors update this list frequently, but if you notice something missing, please email the editor at [email protected].
Publisher's Note: This is intended as a guide only. Consult your state legislative body or law enforcement organization to confirm specifics on your state's laws. CBT is not responsible for an actions taken as a result of reading this information.
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