Marijuana laws in the United States have been evolving rapidly in recent years. While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, many states have taken steps to legalize its use for medical and recreational purposes.
Ohio recently became the 24th state to approve legal recreational marijuana through a voter referendum in November 2023. Meanwhile, Florida voters are set to decide on recreational use in the upcoming November elections.
A total of 38 states and Washington, DC, have implemented comprehensive medical marijuana programs either through voter initiatives or legislative action. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed a law in late March legalizing medical marijuana in the state, with the program scheduled to go into effect in 2025.
Additionally, 24 states and Washington DC have passed laws allowing for legal adult recreational marijuana use. However, the implementation and regulation of these policies vary widely between states, leading to a legal gray area.
For instance, in Washington D.C., while possession of marijuana is allowed, legal sales have been halted by Congress. Some states without comprehensive medical programs still permit limited medicinal use under strict conditions.
The push for marijuana legalization gained momentum following California's landmark decision to legalize medical cannabis in 1996. Subsequently, Washington and Colorado became the first states to approve legal recreational marijuana in 2012.
Public support for legalizing cannabis has been steadily increasing, prompting more state legislatures to address the issue. In a significant move in 2022, President Joe Biden pardoned individuals convicted of simple possession under federal law and initiated a review of marijuana's classification as a Schedule I drug, which currently denotes substances with no recognized medical benefits.
