Whether you permanently live in one of the 50 states, or are constantly moving from state to state due to work or a restless soul, it’s important to know the current legislature. If you’re thinking of growing your own cannabis in the U.S.A., legislation is constantly changing to the point where it’s hard to keep track of what’s legal and illegal in your own state. It’s no surprise that many Americans ask us the question “Where can I grow?”

 

The states allowing home cultivation only for medical purposes are marked orange. States in which it’s currently illegal to grow at home for any purpose have been marked red. If your state has been marked red, though, don’t feel discouraged! Legislation for your state may be considering the legalization of cannabis and/or growing as we speak.

 

Alabama (AL) 

Only hemp derived  CBD products with a THC content below 0.3% are legalized in the state of Alabama. Cultivating cannabis at home is also illegal in this state. 

 

Alaska (AK)

Cannabis has been legal for recreational and medicinal purposes since 2014. Individuals may possess up to an ounce of cannabis for recreational use. Individuals are also allowed to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants, with a maximum of 3 being mature at one time. One household is allowed to have up to 12 cannabis plants with a maximum of 6 being in flower at a single time, regardless of how many adults over 21 reside there. Individuals are also permitted to give away up to 6 cannabis plants and transfer up to one ounce of cannabis to another legal adult. 

 

American Samoa 

Both recreational use and medical use is illegal in this U.S. territory. American Samoa has some of the harshest views on cannabis use. The government advises a mandatory minimum imprisonment of 5 years and a $5000 dollar fine for any amount of cannabis possessed.

 

Arizona (AZ)

Cannabis is now legal in Arizona for both recreational and medicinal purposes for all adults over the age of 21. However, only individuals with qualifying medical reasons may purchase cannabis from a dispensary. Legal adults will not be able to purchase cannabis from a dispensary until at least March 2021. Home cultivation is allowed and individuals may grow up to 6 plants or 12 for a household that has two adults of legal age. Adults may possess up to one ounce of cannabis. 

 

Arkansas (AR)

Cannabis is only permitted to be consumed by individuals who have a doctor’s approval to use it medicinally. In 2020, the Arkansas Recreational Marijuana Initiative failed to collect enough signatures, so recreational cannabis remains illegal. This may be up for dispute again in 2022. No cultivation of cannabis is allowed. 

 

California (CA)

The state of California is the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis back in 1996. Currently, individuals living in California can grow up to 6 plants as long as they are over the age of 21. Individuals are also allowed to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for recreational purposes, or eight ounces for medicinal purposes. 

 

Colorado (CO) 

Along with Washington, Colorado is one of the first states to fully legalize cannabis back in 2012. Nowadays residents and tourists of the state may purchase up to one ounce of cannabis for recreational use. Individuals of legal age can grow up to 6 plants at a time, with a max of 3 flowering at the same time. Only licensed growers are allowed to sell cannabis to others. Additionally, certain cities in Colorado have stricter laws. 

 

Connecticut (CT)

Recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Connecticut, however those with qualifying medical conditions may use medicinal cannabis as of 2012. Registered patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces per month. As of 2011 non- patients caught possessing under half an ounce (14 grams) is decriminalized and individuals may have to pay a civil fine.  At this time home cultivation is strictly prohibited. 

 

Delaware (DE)

Only individuals with severe medical conditions are allowed to consume cannabis. At this time recreational use is still illegal, but possessing under one ounce is decriminalized. Registered patients are allowed to possess up to 6 ounces. Cultivation is still illegal in this state. 

 

Florida (Fl)

Individuals with qualifying medical conditions are allowed to consume medicinal cannabis. Recreational cannabis and home cultivation remains illegal. 

 

Georgia (GA)

In Georgia, only those with qualifying medical conditions may consume medicinal cannabis in the form of extracts that are high in CBD and low in THC. Recreational use and home cultivation remain illegal. However, several cities have decriminalized small possession charges. 

 

Guam

Recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is legal in this U.S. territory. Individuals may possess up to an ounce of cannabis and may cultivate up to 6 plants at home. However, home cultivation must occur in a locked room.

 

Hawaii (HI) 

Medicinal cannabis is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. Recreational cannabis is still illegal, however, it is decriminalized to possess up to 3 grams. Registered patients may cultivate up to 10 cannabis plants as long as they have registered where they will grow the plants, and their reasoning for cultivating. 

 

Idaho (ID)

Idaho is very behind when it comes to cannabis regulations and legalization. Only CBD with 0% THC is legal in the state of Idaho. Home cultivation is also illegal in this state.

 

Illinois (IL)

As of 2019, cannabis is fully legal for residents of legal age in the state of Illanois. Fun fact, Illinois is the first state to legalize cannabis through legislation compared to a ballot vote. Medical patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces, and recreational users may have 30 grams at a single time. Home cultivation is only permitted for medicinal users, and has several restrictions.  

 

Indiana (IN)

Recreational and medicinal use are illegal in Indiana. The only exception is hemp- derived CBD with a THC content below 0.3%. Possessing more than 30 grams of cannabis is considered a felony in this state. Home cultivation is also illegal. 

 

Iowa (IA)

Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is illegal in Iowa. Registered patients may purchase CBD products from a licensed dispensary. Cultivation remains illegal. 

 

Kansas (KS)

Recreational and medicinal cannabis are illegal in the state of Kansas. Only hemp derived CBD with 0% THC is permitted. At this time home cultivation is also prohibited. 

 

Kentucky  (KY)

Cannabis and the cultivation of cannabis is illegal for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Only hemp derived CBD products with THC lower than 0.3% are legally allowed. 

 

Louisiana (LA)

Medicinal cannabis is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. Recreational use of cannabis and home cultivation of cannabis remains illegal in this state. However, cannabis is hard to access as the entire state only permits 9 pharmacists to dispense cannabis. 

 

Maine (ME)

Recreational and medicinal cannabis is legal in the state of Maine for those over the age of 21. Individuals may possess up to 2.5 ounces regardless of whether it’s for medical or recreational use. Registered patients may grow up to 6 mature plants, 12 immature plants, and unlimited cannabis seedlings. Recreational users may grow up to 3 mature plants, 12 immature plants, and unlimited cannabis seedlings as well. 

 

Maryland (MD)

In Maryland, only medicinal cannabis use is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. Recreational use and home cultivation remains prohibited. 

 

Massachusetts (MA)

Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is legal in Massachusetts. Individuals may possess up to 10 ounces inside their home, and under one ounce in public spaces. Home cultivation is also permitted, individuals of legal age may grow up to 6 plants individually or a maximum of 12 as a household. Further, cannabis produced from home cultivation is not taken into account as part of the maximum 10 ounces one may possess. 

 

Michigan (MI)

Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is permitted in Michigan. Individuals of legal age may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. Home cultivation of up to 12 cannabis plants is also permitted in Michigan. Residents of the state may harvest and possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis. 

 

Minnesota (MN)

Only medical cannabis in certain forms is permitted in Minnesota. Recreational use and home cultivation remain illegal. 

 

Mississippi (MS)

Medicinal cannabis will become legal in 2021. Currently only CBD oil with a THC concentration of below 0.5% is permitted for those with severe epilepsy. Recreational cannabis and home cultivation remain prohibited.  

 

Missouri (MO)

Recreational use is illegal in the state of Missouri. Medicinal use is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. Registered patients may cultivate cannabis as long as they provide the location of where they will be growing, their patient ID number, consent for the DHSS to inspect their garden, and pay the required fees. Cultivation also must be in an enclosed locked space. 

 

Montana (MT)

As of January 1st, 2021, residents of legal age may consume recreational cannabis and possess up to one ounce. Medicinal cannabis was already legal in this state. Additionally, as of January 1st, 2020, residents may cultivate up to 8 cannabis plants per household. Congrats Montata! 

 

Nebraska (NE)

Both recreational and medicinal cannabis have been illegal in the state of Nebraska since 1927. Home cultivation is also prohibited. 

 

New Hampshire (NH)

Only medicinal cannabis is permitted in New Hampshire. Recreational use remains decriminalized in small amounts. Home cultivation is only permitted for those with qualifying medical conditions. 

 

New Jersey (NJ)

Recreational use of cannabis just became legal as of January 1st, 2021 for those of legal age. Medicinal cannabis is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. At this time home cultivation is still considered a felony in this state.

 

New Mexico (NM)

On March 31, 2021 the legislature was passed to make  recreational cannabis legal in this state. Residents will be able to purchase cannabis from a dispensary by April 2022, and residents may start cultivating cannabis at home by June 29th, 2021. Individuals will be allowed to grow 6 plants, or 12 as a household. 

 

Navada (NV)

Recreational and medicinal cannabis use is legal in the state of Nevada for those who are older than 21. Recreational users may possess up to one ounce of cannabis, and may cultivate 6 cannabis plants, or 12 plants per household. Medicinal patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, and may grow up to 12 plants.  However, to be allowed to cultivate residents must live more than 25 miles from a licenced dispensary. 

 

New York (NY)

As of March 31, 2021 New York became the 15th state to legalize recreational cannabis use. Growing cannabis will also be legal, but not quite yet. The government is waiting to have the dispensaries set up with licences. You will be allowed to grow 3 mature plants and 3 seedlings, or up to 12 plants if you live with another adult. Certified patients will have to wait 6 months to start growing, and recreational users will need to wait 18 months until they can begin growing. 

  

North Carolina (NC)

Both medicinal and recreational cannabis is illegal in North Carolina. The only exception is CBD products with under 0.9% THC concentrations and a minimum of 5% CBD for those with severe epilepsy. Home cultivation is illegal. 

 

North Dakota (ND)

Medical use of cannabis is legal for certified patients, however recreational use is illegal. Small possession charges (under half an ounce) have been decriminalized though. Home cultivation is illegal in this state. For a short period of time medicinal users were permitted to grow at home, however that law was altered back in 2017. 

 

Northern Mariana Islands

As of 2018, both medicinal and recreational use is legal. Residents are also permitted to home cultivate no more than 6 mature plants and 12 immature plants. The growing location also cannot be seen by the public.

 

Ohio (OH)

Recreational use of cannabis is illegal in this state, however small possession charges (under 3.5 ounces) are decriminalized. Medical use of cannabis is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. Home cultivation is illegal. 

 

Oklahoma (OK)

As of 2018, medicinal cannabis has been legal for those who have qualifying medical conditions. Recreational use remains illegal. Home cultivation is allowed for certified patients. Individuals may cultivate up to 6 mature plants and 6 seedlings at one time. Additionally, the plants cannot be visible to the public. 

 

Oregon (OR)

Recreational cannabis has been legal in the state since 2014 for those of legal age. Medicinal cannabis has been legal since 1998. Recreational users are permitted to possess a maximum of one ounce of cannabis. Home cultivation is legal for both recreational use and medical use.  Individuals may only grow 4 plants at one time, they must be out of public view and the grow site must be registered. 

 

Pennsylvania (PA)

At this time, only medical use of cannabis is legal. Recreational use and home cultivation remain illegal in this state. 

 

Puerto Rico 

Currently only medicinal use of cannabis is permitted in this U.S. territory. Recreational use and home cultivation are illegal.

 

Rhode Island (RI)

Medicinal use is legal for registered patients, and recreational use of cannabis is decriminalized for small possessions. Home cultivation is legal for certified patients as long as the patient follows the rules associated with cultivating at home. Individuals may cultivate a maximum of 12 mature plants and 12 seedlings. Further, these plants must have a medical marijuna plant tag, they are sold in sets of two for $25. Lastly, the patient must share with the DOH the location where they intend on growing cannabis. 

 

South Carolina (SC)

Only hemp derived CBD products are legal in South Carolina at this time. Medicinal use and recreational use is illegal.  Home cultivation is also illegal at this time) 

 

South Dakota (SD)

As of July 1st, 2021, cannabis will be legal for both recreational and medicinal use. South Dakota is the first state to legalize both recreational and medicinal cannabis at the same time. Home cultivation will also become legal, and individuals will be allowed to grow a maximum of 3 cannabis plants. 

 

Tennessee (TN)

The only cannabis derived product legal in this state is CBD products with under 0.9% THC concentration for those with severe seizures. Recreational cannabis use and home cultivation is illegal. 

 

Texas (TX)

Currently recreational use of cannabis is illegal. Medical cannabis use is very restricted, with only low THC high CBD cannabis being available for those with qualifying medical conditions. Home cultivation is also illegal. 

 

U.S. Virgin Islands

At this time only medicinal cannabis is legal in this U.S. territory. Currently small possessions (under one ounce) are decriminalized. Home cultivation is permitted for those with qualifying medical conditions. Registered patients may grow up to 12 plants, mature or immature. Plants must also be kept in an enclosed, locked space.

 

Utah (UT)

Only medicinal use of cannabis is legal for those with qualifying medical conditions as of 2018. Recreational cannabis and home cultivation is illegal. 

 

Vermont (VT)

Recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is legal in the state of Vermont, however recreational purchases are not available yet. The plan is to have recreational dispensaries up and running by 2022. Currently recreational users may cultivate two mature and four immature cannabis plants. Registered patients may cultivate two mature and seven immature plants.

 

Virginia (VA)

At this time, only medical cannabis is legal in Virginia, however, small possessions have been decriminalized for those who are not a certified patient. Home cultivation is illegal. 

 

Washington (WA)

Recreational use and medical use of cannabis is legal in this state for those of legal age. Those who are registered patients may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants, but home cultivation is illegal for recreational users. 

 

West Virginia (WV)

In West Virginia medicinal cannabis is legal, but recreational use is illegal. Home cultivation is also illegal. 

 

Wisconsin (WI)

Only CBD products are legal for those with qualifying medical conditions. Recreational cannabis and home cultivation is illegal. 

 

Wyoming (WY)

Both medicinal and recreational cannabis are illegal in the state of Wyoming. The only exception is CBD products with a THC content below 0.3% is permissible. Home cultivation is also illegal. 

 

Washington D.C. 

In the U.S.A. capital city, residents who are 21 or older can legally grow 6 cannabis plants at home (as long as only 3 of them are mature and flowering at a time).

We hope that our list was useful to you. Also, as we mentioned, laws are always changing, and there are numerous legislative sessions in progress right now! So, it’s important to keep an eye on the laws for your state and any updates being made.  

If you are able to grow at home in your region, congrats! There are so many benefits to being able to grow your own cannabis at home.