As we’re seeing in many aspects of modern life, things once considered illegal are becoming legal such as cannabis and THC. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis that gives you the feeling of being “high”. Under federal law, cannabis is still illegal, but many states have varying laws regarding the substance. There are other components in cannabis, like CBD, that can be extracted from the plant and are more loosely regulated. Here is a breakdown on each state’s current stance.
There are only six states that still follow the federal law where THC and cannabis, otherwise known as marijuana, are fully illegal: Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wyoming. In North Carolina and Nebraska, it is also considered fully illegal but decriminalized. This means that the state has reduced the criminal classification of the drug, differentiating it from the federal law.
Let’s get into the states where it is fully legal for you to purchase and use marijuana. The 16 states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont and Washington. Though it is not a state, the District of Columbia also allows the use of marijuana.
Haven’t seen your state yet? That means you live in 1 of the 26 states that have mixed legal status for cannabis. The mixed legal status fits under two categories: medicinal and CBD oil only.
Medicinal marijuana contains the THC compound and is used to treat certain conditions. To be able to purchase it, you must have a medical marijuana ID card. If you want to obtain a medicinal marijauna ID card, your doctor must diagnose you with a qualifying medical condition.
Medicinal marijuana is available to purchase from a licensed retailer in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah and West Virginia.
The other category for mixed legal status is CBD oil only. CBD oil only refers to the specific compound found in the cannabis plant that is legal to use. CBD makes up 40 percent of the plant’s extract and differs from THC by not having the ability to create a state of euphoria.
Studies have shown it can be beneficial to use for anxiety, cognition, movement disorders and pain. It is also federally legal to purchase if it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
The states that allow you to purchase and use CBD oil only are Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Out of these states only Virginia has decriminalized cannabis as a whole, so if you live in these areas be careful what you are buying exactly. The THC compound in cannabis is not legal in these places.
The different laws can be confusing so make sure to check out the map of marijuana legality by state if you are still unsure whether you can use THC and cannabis.
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