As the unofficial marijuana holiday, 4/20, approaches, many Americans are wondering where they can legally purchase and consume the psychoactive drug. The answer is more than 20 states, where recreational marijuana is now legal.
Marijuana has a long and complex history in the United States. It was first used by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries as a medicine for various ailments. However, by the early 20th century, many states had banned the drug, and in 1970, it was classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government.
But in recent years, attitudes towards marijuana have shifted, and more states have begun to legalize it. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and in 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
Today, recreational marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, 47 states have legalized medical marijuana, with only Idaho, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Wyoming prohibiting it entirely.
Here is a breakdown of where marijuana is legal in the United States:
* Recreational and medical marijuana: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
* Medical marijuana only: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia
* Fully illegal: Idaho, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Wyoming
It’s worth noting that while marijuana is legal in many states, it is still illegal under federal law. This has created a complex legal landscape, with some states allowing the sale and use of marijuana while others have stricter laws in place.
