Status of State Cannabis Legalization: November 2023

This brief provides an update to the status of state cannabis laws in the United States, following the November 2023 election. Although cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, 38 states and the District of Columbia have now legalized medical cannabis use, with 25 of those jurisdictions also legalizing non-medical (i.e., recreational) cannabis use. Overall, almost 74% of U.S. residents now live in a state with legalized medical or non-medical cannabis use.

Map of State Cannabis Legalization: November 2023

Map: Status of State Marijuana Legalization - November 2023

Legalization by State and Population: November 2023

Table - States and Population with Legalized Use - November 2023