Altered States

Medical Cannabis Laws Across the U.S.

Medical defenses to criminal penalties for certain cannabis crimes like possession and cultivation now exist in 18 states (welcome, Massachusetts!) and Washington D.C. Though laws vary widely from state to state, generally a doctor must recommend cannabis, and the most common conditions for which it is recommended are: cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, wasting, severe pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures, muscle spasms and multiple sclerosis; though many more exist. State ID cards are often mandatory, but not always. Below, CULTURE outlines the law in all existing MMJ states, from the liberal to the very strict.

In the following states, qualified patients and caregivers . . .

California

Can possess and grow as much cannabis as is medically necessary (though SB 420 guidelines are set at six mature and 12 immature plants, and eight ounces of plant material). No mandatory registration with the state required. Hundreds of private dispensaries are subject to local laws restricting location and operation.

Colorado

May possess two ounces and grow six plants. State-regulated dispensaries/access points number in the hundreds; mandatory state registration; over-the-counter (adult-use, or recreational) sales to any adult over 21 begins next year.

Washington

Can possess up to 24 ounces and 15 plants. Dispensaries/access points are largely illegal, though some operate under the “collective garden” concept which allows a co-op to serve 10 patients. Possession of under an ounce of cannabis for by adults 21 and older was legalized last year. Retail (adult-use) sales are slated for 2014.

Oregon

Can possess up to 24 ounces and homegrow up to six mature plants. No dispensaries/access points allowed.

Arizona

Can homegrow 12 plants if 25 miles from a dispensary. Dispensaries are to be state-regulated and have not opened . . . yet.

Michigan

May possess 2.5 ounces and grow up to 12 mature plants. A recent state Supreme Court ruling essentially determine that dispensaries/access points were illegal (though a bill has been filed that would allow sales).

Hawaii

Can possess up to three ounces and four immature plants. No dispensaries/access points allowed.

Alaska

May grow six plants and lawfully possess one ounce. No dispensaries/access points allowed. A full-scale legalization bill has been filed in the legislature.

Nevada

Can homegrow and possess up to one ounce, and three mature plants. Caregivers can have 24 ounces, six mature plants. No dispensaries/access points allowed.

Montana

Can possess one ounce and homegrow four mature plants. Dispensaries/access points and advertising are not allowed.

Maine

May possess 2.5 ounces and six mature plants. The state operates a handful of dispensaries and grows.

Vermont

Can possess up to two ounces and grow two mature plants. Four state-run dispensaries/access points are open.

Rhode Island

May possess up to 2.5 ounces and 12 plants; a handful of state-run dispensaries/access points are also open.

New Mexico

Can possess up to six ounces, and homegrow four plants with state approval. A few state-run dispensaries/access points vastly under-serve New Mexico’s patients, critics report.

Delaware

May possess up to six ounces; no cultivation allowed. State-run dispensaries/access points are on hold.

Connecticut

Can possess up to 2.5 ounces; no homegrowing. State-regulated dispensaries/access points are currently delayed.

Massachusetts

May possess a “60-day supply” and can only homegrow if they prove hardship. State-run dispensaries/access points are set to open in 2014.

New Jersey

Can possess two ounces; no homegrowing, State-run dispensaries/access points report delays opening and severe medicine shortages.

Washington D.C.

May possess two ounces; no homegrowing. The opening of dispensaries/access points has been delayed.