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Where is Weed Legal In The US? Legalization Guide

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Which states have legal recreational weed laws in place? Which states are lagging behind and have no good weed laws in place? Which U.S states have both medical and recreational legal weed? Let’s find out!

Is Weed Legal in Alabama?

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) is in charge of overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program, which was founded in 2021.

Patients must meet one of the following criteria in order to be eligible for the program: HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe and ongoing nausea, seizures, sickle cell anemia, spasticity, Tourette syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Additionally, a certified physician must certify the patient. Patients can apply for a medicinal cannabis patient registration card after receiving certification.

Dispensaries with a license can sell medical marijuana in Alabama. 

Up to four ounces of cannabis flower, 36 grams of THC-infused goods, and up to four plants for home production are permissible for patients to possess.

Alabama Laws Regarding Recreational Weed

Alabama still lacks recreational cannabis legalization. In Alabama, having any amount of cannabis in your possession is illegal and can result in up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

More on Alabama Cannabis Laws

Even if you possess a medical marijuana card from another state, it is still unlawful to transfer cannabis across state boundaries.

Additionally, it is forbidden to use cannabis in parks, beaches, and walkways as well as forbidden to operate a vehicle when high on cannabis.

Alabama Marijuana News

On June 12, 2023, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issued its first round of licenses; however, a few days later, the commission determined that the licensing procedure needed to be reviewed. November 7, 2023: No final licenses have been granted by the AMCC.

On June 6, 2023, the Alabama State Legislature adjourned without approving any legislation legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis.

Please visit the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission website for additional details about the state’s medical marijuana program.

Is Weed Legal in Alaska?

Yes, marijuana use for medicinal purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in Alaska.

Is Weed Legal in Arizona?

where is weed legal in the us

The Department of Health Services in Arizona is responsible for overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program, which was founded in 2010 (ADHS).

Cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, obstructive sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe and persistent nausea, Tourette syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are among the qualifying medical conditions that patients must have in order to be eligible for the program.

Additionally, a certified physician must certify the patient. Patients can apply for a medicinal cannabis registry identity card after receiving certification.

Dispensaries with a license can sell medical marijuana. At any given moment, patients are permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 5 grams of concentrate.

Arizona Recreational Cannabis Laws

Arizona made recreational cannabis use legal for those over 21 in 2020.
In public, adults are permitted to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower and up to 5 grams of concentrate.

Additionally, adults are permitted to have up to 2.5 pounds of cannabis flower and up to 5 grams of concentrate in their homes.

Retailers with licenses can sell cannabis for recreational use.

It is forbidden to use cannabis in parks, beaches, and sidewalks, among other public areas.

Additionally, it is forbidden to operate a vehicle when high on cannabis.
Additional Vital Information

Regardless matter whether you have a medical cannabis card or not, it is unlawful to cultivate cannabis at home.

Additionally, selling cannabis without a license is prohibited.

Advertisements to minors are prohibited for cannabis businesses.

With sales of recreational cannabis surpassing $1 billion in revenue in its first year, Arizona’s cannabis market has shown to be successful.

Since legalization, the state has also experienced a rise in employment and tourism.
A bill allowing patients to cultivate up to six plants at home for medical purposes was passed by the Arizona State Legislature in 2023.

Please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website for additional details on the state’s cannabis regulations, both for medical and recreational use.

Want an Arizona dispensary job? Looking for an Arizona marijuana college so you can stand out from other dispensary job applicants? Want to become a master grower in Arizona?

Is Weed legal in Arkansas?

Arkansas’s Medical Marijuana Laws

Patients in Arkansas who meet certain medical criteria are able to use medical cannabis.
Patients must be certified by a licensed physician and have a qualifying medical condition in order to be eligible for the program.

Cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizures, extreme pain, and spinal cord injury are among the qualifying medical conditions.

At any given time, patients are permitted to possess up to 12 grams of concentrates and up to 4 ounces of cannabis flower.

Dispensaries with a license can sell medical marijuana.

Recreational Cannabis Laws in Arkansas

In Arkansas, adults 21 years of age and older are allowed to use cannabis recreationally.
In public, adults are permitted to carry up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower and up to 14 grams of concentrates.
Adults are also permitted to have up to 2.5 pounds of cannabis flower and 750 mg of THC in edibles in their home.
Retailers with licenses can sell cannabis for recreational use.

Regardless matter whether you have a medical cannabis card or not, it is unlawful to cultivate cannabis at home.
Additionally, selling cannabis without a license is prohibited.
Advertisements to minors are prohibited for cannabis businesses.

More Arkansas Cannabis Laws

The first batch of licenses for processing and cultivation facilities were granted by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission in 2023.

Applications for cannabis licenses for recreational use are presently being accepted by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Although the cannabis market in Arkansas is still in its infancy, it is expanding quickly. In the upcoming years, cannabis sales are predicted to bring in millions of dollars for the state in tax revenue.

In Arkansas, the cannabis sector is also generating employment. The state has more over 100 authorized dispensaries and cultivation facilities as of November 2023.

Please visit the websites of the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for additional details on the state’s legislation pertaining to cannabis use for medical and recreational purposes.

Is Weed Legal in California?

where is cannabis legal in the US

Yes, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in the state of California.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is in charge of overseeing the state’s 1996 implementation of the medical cannabis program.

Patients must have one of the following qualifying medical conditions in order to be eligible for the program:

AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Alzheimer’s condition
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Nervosa anorexia
Airway Asthma
Autism Spectrum
Anemia
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Crohn’s illness
Depressive States
additional seizure diseases or epilepsy
Myalgia fibrosa
Insomnia
AIDS/HIV
Alzheimer’s disease
inflammation of the intestines
headaches
Several sclerosis
Skeletal dystrophy
Elodysplasia
Neuropathy
Parkinson’s
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, extreme nausea linked to cancer treatment with chemotherapy
Spasticity linked to paraplegia or multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord damage
State of the superior vena cava
Tymoteo syndrome

Additionally, a certified physician must certify the patient. Patients can apply for a medical marijuana identity card (MMIC) after receiving certification.

Dispensaries with a license can sell medical marijuana in California. Up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis flower, 28 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 72 ounces of edible cannabis products are permissible for patients to own at any given time.

California’s Recreational Cannabis Laws

2016 saw California legalize marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 years of age and up.

At any given moment, adults are allowed to have up to 72 ounces of edible cannabis products, 8 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 28.5 grams of dried cannabis flower.

Retailers with licenses can sell cannabis for recreational use.

Is Weed Legal in Colorado?

Indeed, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in Colorado, where the law was passed.

Is Weed Legal in Connecticut?

The use of marijuana in Connecticut, for either medical or recreational purposes, is now permitted under the state’s law.

Is Weed Legal in Delaware?

Yes, weed is legal in Delaware!

The Delaware Division of Public Health oversees the state’s medical marijuana program, which was started in 2011.

Patients must have one of the following medical problems to be eligible for the program: seizures, severe and persistent nausea, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophy, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A certified physician must also certify the patient. Patients can apply for a medicinal marijuana registration card once they’ve been approved.

Medical marijuana is available for purchase from authorized dispensaries. Up to three ounces of usable marijuana each 14 days, or a total of six ounces per month, are permitted for patients to possess.

Delaware Cannabis Recreation Laws

Delaware made recreational cannabis use legal for those over 21 in April 2023.

Adults are permitted to carry up to 12 grams of concentrates and one ounce of cannabis flower in public areas.

Additionally, adults are permitted to have up to 6 ounces of cannabis flower and 750 mg of THC in edibles in their home.

Licensed stores are the source for recreational cannabis purchases.

In public areas such as parks, beaches, and walkways, it is forbidden to use cannabis.

Driving when high on cannabis is also prohibited.

Is Weed Legal In Florida?

is weed legal in flroida 1

Yes, marijuana is permitted for medical use in Florida. Nonetheless, using marijuana for recreational purposes is still against the law.

Is Weed Legal In Georgia?

No, the usage of marijuana in Georgia for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in this state. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

In accordance with Georgia’s medical marijuana law, individuals who meet certain criteria are permitted to carry low-THC oil, but it is illegal to be in possession of the drug in any other form or for recreational use. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana can result in a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars.

However, several municipalities in Georgia have passed legislation that remove the possibility of jail time and replace it with fines for marijuana possession offenders caught with less than one ounce of the drug. For instance, violators in the city of Savannah are subject to a fine of $150, whilst those in the city of Athens face a fine of $35.

Some local governments have eliminated jail sentences for marijuana possession offenses and replaced them with fines ranging from $75 to $500 instead. These local governments include:

-Atlanta

-Macon-Bibb

-Statesboro

-The Island of Tybee

-Clarkston

-Chamblee

-Forest Park

-Kingsland

-The South Fulton Area

Is the use of cannabis for medical purposes permitted in Georgia?

Yet, there are some severe restrictions to consider. The law governing the use of medical marijuana in Georgia permits certain qualifying individuals to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of oil obtained from marijuana plants that contains a low level of THC.

The law also makes it illegal for doctors to recommend marijuana to patients for medical purposes.

Is Weed legal In Hawaii

Hawaii does allow the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes.

Hawaiian Medical Marijuana Laws

Establishing the program in 2000, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) oversees the state’s medical cannabis laws.

Patients must meet one of the following medical requirements in order to be eligible for the program:

Cancer
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Multiple sclerosis
Nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy
Persistent muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis or cancer
Seizures
Severe and persistent pain
Severe and persistent nausea or vomiting associated with an incurable or debilitating medical condition
Terminal illness
Patients must also be certified by a licensed physician. Once certified, patients can apply for a medical cannabis registry identification card online.

Authorized dispensaries sell medical marijuana. At any given moment, patients are permitted to possess up to 8 grams of potent cannabis and up to 4 ounces of dried flower.

In Hawaii, what is the process for becoming a patient of medical marijuana?

You have to see a qualified physician who is certified in medical cannabis use before you may receive medical marijuana in Hawaii. A certification for medicinal cannabis will be provided to you by your doctor if they think you meet program requirements.

Applying online for a medicinal cannabis registry identity card is possible once you have your certification for medical cannabis. It costs $35 to apply.

You will get an email verifying that your application is being reviewed as soon as you submit it. In 10–14 business days, you should obtain your identity card from the medical cannabis registry.

Is it legal in Hawaii to use cannabis recreationally?

In Hawaii, adults 21 years of age and older are permitted to use cannabis recreationally.

Adults may possess up to 5 grams of concentrated cannabis and 1 ounce of dried cannabis flower in a public setting. Adults may also have up to 15 grams of concentrated cannabis and up to 3 ounces of dried cannabis flower in their personal dwelling.

Please visit the website of the Hawaii Department of Health for additional details regarding the state’s cannabis laws, both recreational and medical.

Is Weed Legal In Idaho?

Weed is illegal for medical or recreational use. The Gem State is one of the few still enforcing outdated weed policies. Even possession of small amounts could land you a misdemeanor.

Is Weed Legal in Illinois?

Indeed, the use of marijuana for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in Illinois.

Is Weed Legal in Indiana?

No, the use of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in the state of Indiana. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

In January 2023, bills that would decriminalize cannabis use were proposed in both the House of Representatives and Senate: House Bill 1039: Medical and Adult Use Cannabis and Senate Bill 237: Medical Cannabis. We are all awaiting the results.

Is Weed Legal In Iowa?

Yes, but only for medicinal use. Iowa has one of the most dated weed laws on the books. Under the law, only CBD with a trace amount of THC is legal for patients. While weed is legal on paper, the state’s rules have throttled patient count and overall sales.

Is Weed Legal In Kansas?

Marijuana usage, whether for medical or recreational purposes, is not permitted in Kansas and is therefore prohibited. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

The Kansas House of Representatives voted in favor of the legalization of medical marijuana in 2021; however, Senate Bill 560, which would have authorized the cultivation, distribution, processing, dispensing, and purchase of marijuana and paraphernalia, did not make it out of committee before the end of the legislative session. Let’s hope this passes soon!

Is Weed Legal In Kentucky?

No, the usage of marijuana in Kentucky for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in this state. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation. Although a recent bill to legalize cannabis medically in Kentucky is making its way to the Senate.

The Senate Licensing & Occupations Committee passed the legislation from Sen. Stephen West (R) and 12 other senators in a 8-3 vote. It now heads to the Senate floor for final approval.

Is Weed Legal In Louisiana?

Yes, marijuana is permitted for medical purposes in Louisiana. Adult-use remains illegal with no end in sight.

Lawmakers have softened their severe penalties over the years. The state is still a long way away from getting adult-use weed. It has reformed its program to provide more access for its patients.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Louisiana

  • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cachexia or wasting disorder
  • Seizures disorders (including but not limited to epilepsy)
  • Spasticity
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Severe muscle spasms
  • Glaucoma
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Intractable pain
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Concussion
  • Chronic pain associated with either fibromyalgia or sickle cell disease
  • Conditions resulting in the patient receiving hospice or palliative care
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Any condition the physician “considers debilitating to an individual patient”

Is Weed Legal in Maine?

Yes, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in the state of Maine.

Is Weed Legal In Maryland?

Yes, the use of marijuana for medical purposes is, in fact, permitted in the state of Maryland.

Is recreational weed legal in Maryland?

Yes, according to new law, beginning on July 1, 2023, adults 21 or older can possess and consume up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total amount of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC. This amount is known as the “personal use amount.”

Is Weed Legal In Massachusetts?

Yes, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in the state of Massachusetts.

According to the law, adults who are at least 21 years old are permitted to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public and up to 10 ounces in their own homes.

Regarding the cultivation of cannabis, citizens of the state of Massachusetts are permitted to cultivate up to six plants for personal use per individual, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.

Yet, in order to obtain a license from the Cannabis Control Commission, one must engage in cannabis cultivation for commercial purposes (CCC). The Cannabis Control Commission is responsible for regulating the whole cannabis business, from licensing and inspections to compliance and enforcement.

Is Weed Legal In Michigan?

where marijuana is legal in the US 1

Yes, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in the state of Michigan.

Is Weed Legal In Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Health oversees the state’s 2014-established medical cannabis program.

Cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, obstructive sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe and persistent nausea, Tourette syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are among the qualifying medical conditions that patients must have in order to be eligible for the program.

In 2023, Minnesota legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults 21 and older.
In public, adults are permitted to carry up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 8 grams of concentrates.

Is Weed Legal In Mississippi?

Yes, marijuana is authorized for medical purposes in Mississippi.

Mississippi does not yet have a recreational cannabis program in place, but it does have one for medical use.

The Mississippi State Department of Health is in charge of overseeing the state’s medicinal cannabis program, which was founded in 2020 (MSDH).

Patients must have one of the following qualifying medical conditions in order to be eligible for the program:

Cancer
Crohn’s illness
Seizures
Insomnia
AIDS/HIV
Inflammation of the intestines
Several sclerosis
Skeletal dystrophy
Parkinson’s disease i
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder
Severe and ongoing nausea
Epilepsy
Cystic cellular anemia
Variability
Tourette Syndrome
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Additionally, a certified physician must certify the patient. Patients can apply online for a medicinal cannabis registry identity card once they have been certified.

Dispensaries with a license can sell medical marijuana. At any given moment, patients are permitted to possess up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis and up to 2.5 ounces of dried cannabis flower.

Is Weed Legal in Missouri?

Yes, marijuana is allowed in Missouri for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Established in 2018, Missouri’s medical cannabis program is overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Patients must have one of the following qualifying medical conditions in order to be eligible for the program:

Cancer
Persistent Ache
Crohn’s illness
Seizures
Insomnia
AIDS/HIV
inflammation of the intestines
Several sclerosis
Skeletal Dystrophy
Parkinson’s
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder
Extreme and ongoing nausea
Epilepsy
Cystic cellular anemia
Variability
Tourette Syndrome
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Additionally, a certified physician must certify the patient.

Patients can apply online or by mail for a medicinal cannabis patient card once they have been certified.

Dispensaries with a license can sell medical marijuana. At any given moment, patients are permitted to possess up to 8 grams of concentrates and 6 ounces of cannabis flower.

Adults 21 and older are allowed to use marijuana recreationally in Missouri.

In public, adults are permitted to carry up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 8 grams of concentrates. Adults are also permitted to have up to 6 ounces of cannabis flower and 750 mg of THC in edibles in their home.

Is Weed Legal In Montana?

Only medical weed is legal in the state. Adult-use has been illegal since 1929. Possession and sale carry harsh minimum sentences and big fines. However, the state is very close to legalizing adult-use pot. Learn more about the state’s weed and hemp laws below.

Is Weed Legal In Nebraska?

No, the usage of marijuana in Nebraska for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in Nebraska. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

But, there are bills in place that might change this.

Legislation is pending to legalize adult use marijuana in Nebraska.

Is Weed Legal in Nevada?

In Nevada, the use of marijuana for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted.

Is Weed Legal in New Hampshire?

Weed is only legal for medicinal purposes in New Hampshire. Recreational use is illegal, but possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce of cannabis is decriminalized.

Is Weed Legal In New Jersey?

Yes, the use of marijuana for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in the state of New Jersey. Cannabis delivery in New Jersey is also available.

Is Weed Legal In New Mexico?

Absolutely, the usage of marijuana in New Mexico for both medicinal purposes and for recreational purposes is now legal.

Is Weed Legal In New York?

is weed legal in new york

Yes, it is legal to consume cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes in New York.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is responsible for regulating the medicinal cannabis program in New York, which was founded in 2014.

Patients must have one of the following qualifying medical conditions in order to be eligible for the program:

Cancer
Chronic pain
Crohn’s illness
seizures
Insomnia
AIDS/HIV
inflammation of the intestines
Several sclerosis
skeletal dystrophy
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
Parkinson’s
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder
Extreme and ongoing nausea
Spinal cord damage
Tourette Syndrome
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

In order to obtain a medical cannabis card in New York, it is necessary to first schedule an appointment with a registered medical cannabis physician. 

You can then apply online for a medicinal cannabis registry identification card with your medical cannabis certification. There is a $50 application fee.

You will receive an email message confirming that your application is being reviewed as soon as it is submitted. Your medical cannabis registry identification card should arrive in 10–14 business days.

For those 21 years of age and older, cannabis is legal in New York for recreational use.

In public, adults are permitted to carry up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis and up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower. Adults are also permitted to have up to 6 ounces of cannabis flower and 750 mg of THC in edibles in their home.

Retailers with licenses can sell cannabis for recreational use.

Is Weed Legal in North Carolina?

No, the use of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in North Carolina. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

North Carolina is one of the worst US states for cannabis laws and needs an overhaul in who is in office.

Is Weed Legal in North Dakota?

Yes, weed is legal medically in North Dakota, but recreational use is not.

North Dakota’s medical cannabis program was established in 2016 and is regulated by the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).

To qualify for the program, patients must have one of the following qualifying medical conditions:

  • Cancer
  • Severe and persistent nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Seizures
  • Severe and persistent muscle spasms
  • Glaucoma
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Intractable pain
  • Medical documentation of a condition that is comparable to the following conditions in terms of the intensity and duration of pain, debilitation, or refractory nature of the condition: cancer, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, seizures

Patients must also be certified by a licensed physician. Once certified, patients can apply for a medical marijuana registry identification card online.

Medical cannabis can be purchased from licensed dispensaries. Patients are allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of dried cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis at any given time.

Is Weed Legal In Ohio?

Yes, the use of marijuana for medical purposes is permitted in the state of Ohio, and recreational cannabis passed in Ohio as well! Recreational cannabis sales started on August 6th, 2024.

Is Weed legal In Oklahoma?

Yes, marijuana is permitted for medical purposes in Oklahoma. Recreational cannabis is still illegal in Oklahoma.

Is Weed Legal In Oregon?

In Oregon, the use of marijuana for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted.

Is Weed Legal In Pennsylvania?

Yes, marijuana is legal for medical use in Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, using marijuana for recreational purposes is still against the law.

Is Weed Legal in Rhode Island?

Yes, the use of marijuana for both medicinal purposes and for recreational purposes is permitted in Rhode Island.

On May 25, 2022, Rhode Island became the 19th state to legalize adult-use cannabis after Governor Daniel McKee signed the “Rhode Island Cannabis Act” into law. Just one day earlier, the state’s General Assembly passed the bill. 

Is Weed Legal in South Carolina?

No, the use of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in South Carolina. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

Is Weed Legal in South Dakota?

Yes, the use of marijuana for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is legal in South Dakota.

Is Weed Legal in Tennessee?

No, the use of marijuana in Tennessee for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in this state. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

Open a legal cannabis business in Tennessee with online cannabis training from the Tennessee cannabis college today!

Is Weed Legal in Texas?

No, the usage of marijuana in Texas for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in Texas. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation in Texas.

Is Weed Legal in Utah?

Yes, marijuana is permitted for medical purposes in Utah. Nonetheless, using marijuana for recreational purposes is still against the law.

Utah’s medical cannabis program allows qualifying patients to use medical marijuana.

Is Weed Legal in Vermont?

Yes, marijuana use for medicinal purposes as well as for recreational purposes is permitted in Vermont.

Is Weed Legal in Virginia?

Yes, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is legal in the state of Virginia. Nonetheless, laws for the use of cannabis for recreational purposes are still in the process of being drafted.

Is Weed Legal in Washington?

Yes, marijuana use for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes is legal in the state of Washington. Nonetheless, there are restrictions on the locations where marijuana can be consumed as well as the amounts that can be held.

Is Weed Legal in Washington D.C?

where is cannabis legal in the united states

Yes, cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical use. Despite being legal, weed isn’t so easy to come by in the country’s capital.

Washington D.C. voters approved Initiative 71 in 2014 to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. After passing with a 64.87 percent approval rate, the bill went into effect on February 26, 2015. The law states that adults over 21 years of age can have up to two ounces of cannabis. That means that police officers can’t arrest you for cannabis possession.

Adults can grow up to three mature and three immature plants at home. Adults can transfer up to one ounce of pot to another person. That’s how much of the adult-use market works in the district.

Despite voter approval, Congress opposed Initiative 71’s efforts to legalize weed. Due to the federal law’s prohibition of the drug, Congress declared commercial sales against the law. In December 2014, Congress passed a spending bill that included a provision targeting D.C.’s Initiative 71.

The amendment included language that barred using funds to support laws dealing with cannabis or a controlled substance. For this reason, you can’t buy cannabis in D.C. through traditional means.

Washington D.C. is a district, not a state and the federal government owns much of its land area. In fact, the federal government controls 29 percent of its total land area.

Smoking in public is against the law in many states with legal weed including Washington D.C. In D.C., however, you are able to walk around with a couple of ounces of pot in most areas. However, you are breaking the law if you’re carrying on federally-owned land. Federal land includes national parks, military sites, and other lands.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in DC

Qualifying patients are able to buy and use cannabis for medical purposes. A doctor can provide you with a written recommendation if you have a qualifying condition. The first step toward getting a card is booking an appointment with a licensed physician. If approved, you’ll receive a doctor’s recommendation number to register online or by mail.

A medical cannabis card can last one year from the date of issue. You can renew your card every year before the expiration date. To register with the Department of Health, you’ll need to submit the following items:

  • Social security number
  • Two recent passport photos
  • Photocopy of a U.S., state, or district government-issued ID
  • Application fee ($100)
  • Low-income application fee ($25) with proof
  • Two forms of proof of residency
  • Doctor’s recommendation

You can submit your application online or by mail. For paper application submissions, send them to this address:

DC HEALTH-Medical Marijuana Program

899 North Capitol Street NE 2nd Floor

Washington D.C., 20002

Qualifying Conditions and Treatments For Cannabis in D.C

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Glaucoma
  • Conditions marked by severe and persistent muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis
  • Cancer
  • Any chronic or debilitating condition that can’t be treated by conventional measures
  • Chemotherapy
  • Use of azidothymidine or protease inhibitors
  • Radiotherapy
  • Any treatment whose side effects would benefit from medical cannabis use

Is Weed Legal in West Virginia?

The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is permitted in West Virginia. Nonetheless, using marijuana for recreational purposes is still against the law.

Is Weed Legal in Wisconsin?

No, the usage of marijuana in Wisconsin for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in Wisconsin. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.

Is Weed Legal in Wyoming?

No, the usage of marijuana in Wyoming for either medical or recreational purposes is against the law in Wyoming. Marijuana possession, regardless of quantity, is considered a criminal violation.


Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred’s expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred’s wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.



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ballot measures

Nebraska legalized medical weed: Here’s what’s next

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The 2024 general election has one high point for cannabis law reformers.

Nebraska has voted to legalize medical marijuana via two related measures—IM 437 and IM 438. The former essentially legalizes medical marijuana possession, and a health care professional’s ability to prescribe medical marijuana. The latter clears the path for a new state commission to write rules and regulations for a medical program. IM 437 passed with roughly 71% of the vote, and IM 438 passed with 70%.

In 2020, anti-marijuana state officials succeeded in knocking a medical marijuana legalization measure off that year’s ballot on the grounds that it violated a ‘single subject’ rule. A separate measure in 2022 failed to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot.

Even though this year’s measures passed, proponents aren’t out of the woods yet. This September, Nebraska prohibitionists filed a lawsuit accusing signature gatherers for the campaign of “cheating” and gathering invalid signatures. The argument lacks much evidence, however; the case is currently before a District judge.

Here’s what happens next, if the measures move forward:

No. IM 438—aka the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act—stipulates the creation of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which must begin considering business applications by October 1, 2025. 

Don’t forget: Implementation of the program hinges on the district court allowing the measure to move forward.

How much marijuana will Nebraska patients be able to legally possess?

IM 437 legalizes the possession of up to 5 ounces of marijuana.

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Nebraska marijuana laws

When can I legally buy marijuana?

The measures do not set a specific date that sales will start. 

Can medical patients smoke a joint in public?

Neither measure addresses public consumption. But odds are low that patients will be able to legally consume in public. 

Can I grow cannabis at home in Nebraska?

Neither measure addresses homegrow. 

If the measures go into effect, the to-be-created Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will establish rules and rules for the program.

Related

Leafly’s guide to marijuana legalization

What kind of products will be available?

IM 438 gives a green-light to marijuana flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals and ointments.

Any equity or small-business licenses?

Neither measure addresses this question.

Will marijuana be taxed?

Neither measure addresses questions of taxation.


Stay tuned for more from Nebraska’s march toward medical cannabis.



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Jersey City’s Lawsuit Over Off-Duty Weed Use Is A ‘Waste Of Taxpayer Dollars’

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The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police is lashing out against a newly filed lawsuit by Jersey City officials that seeks to undo a state policy that generally allows police officers to use marijuana while off duty, calling the legal challenge “an unfortunate waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Jersey City and its public safety director, James Shea, sued the state in federal court on Monday, arguing that the policy, released by the state attorney general’s office in February, is preempted by federal law.

The lawsuit, the fraternal organization said in a press release, risks undermining what’s otherwise clear guidance from state officials.

“The law of the State of New Jersey and the guidance from the Office of the Attorney General clearly provides that police officers may use cannabis while off duty but are prohibited from being under the influence of cannabis while engaged in the performance of their duties,” it says. “The members of the New Jersey State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police abide by the law and will continue to do so. Jersey City’s attempt to muddy these clear directives through frivolous litigation is an unfortunate waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Jersey City’s lawsuit cites a federal statute that prevents people who use marijuana from acquiring firearms or ammunition. It argues city officials would be forced to violate federal law under the state policy, “because they would be required, at minimum, to provide ammunition to officers who they know are users of cannabis.”

The suit also says that police who use cannabis are themselves committing felonies because they “must possess and receive a firearm and ammunition in order to be a police officers [sic].”

A plain reading of the federal firearms policy, however, suggests a different standard applies when firearms are distributed by government agencies.

Here’s the federal policy for people seeking to purchase or possess firearms with respect to marijuana: 

“It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person…is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance…”

“It shall be unlawful for any person…who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance…to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.”

And here’s the relevant exception that could apply to local law enforcement officers: 

“The provisions of this chapter, except for sections 922(d)(9) and 922(g)(9) and provisions relating to firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p), shall not apply with respect to the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of any firearm or ammunition imported for, sold or shipped to, or issued for the use of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.”

The Jersey City Police Department has terminated several officers over positive THC metabolite tests and has stood firm against the state’s policy permitting off-duty cannabis use. But two administrative law judges, most recently in August, have ruled against the city and ordered the reinstatement of two fired police officers, with backpay.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

As Jersey City officials emphasized at a press conference Tuesday, no test is available to reliably show whether an officer is impaired by cannabis during work. Allowing law enforcement officers to use marijuana at all, officials said, puts public safety at risk and exposes the city to legal liability.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop (D), who is running for governor, said on social media that there’s “no way to confirm whether cannabis was used an hour, a day, or week before a shift.”

He added that the city’s lawsuit cites “the same federal law that Hunter Biden was indicted under with regards to firearms,” referring to President Joe Biden’s son, who is facing federal charges related to allegedly possessing a gun while also being a consumer of cocaine.

The question of gun ownership and marijuana use is one that’s worked its way through federal courts in recent years, although rulings have reached different conclusions.

Earlier this month, a federal appeals court panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit heard oral arguments in a case around gun ownership by medical marijuana patients. In that matter, plaintiffs are appealing a lower court judge’s ruling that upheld the federal ban.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, however, ruled in August that the federal ban on firearms by cannabis users is unconstitutional. A disagreement between the two circuit courts could lead the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue.

The Department of Justice has advised the Eleventh Circuit that it feels the Fifth Circuit ruling was “incorrectly decided,” and at oral argument asserted that “there are some reasons to be uncertain about the foundations” of that decision.

Some district courts have also ruled against the federal prohibition.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma ruled in February that the ban prohibiting people who use marijuana from possessing firearms is unconstitutional, with the judge stating that the federal government’s justification for upholding the law is “concerning.”

In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, a judge ruled in April that banning people who use marijuana from possessing firearms is unconstitutional—and it said that the same legal principle also applies to the sale and transfer of guns, too.

Shortly before the Eleventh Circuit hearing, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reportedly sent a letter to Arkansas officials saying that the state’s recently enacted law permitting medical cannabis patients to obtain concealed carry gun licenses “creates an unacceptable risk,” and could jeopardize the state’s federally approved alternative firearm licensing policy.

After Minnesota’s governor signed a legalization bill into law in May, the agency issued a reminder emphasizing that people who use cannabis are barred from possessing and purchasing guns and ammunition “until” federal prohibition ends.

In 2020, ATF issued an advisory specifically targeting Michigan that requires gun sellers to conduct federal background checks on all unlicensed gun buyers because it said the state’s cannabis laws had enabled “habitual marijuana users” and other disqualified individuals to obtain firearms illegally.

Meanwhile, attorneys for Hunter Biden—who has been indicted on a charge of buying a gun in 2018 at a time when he disclosed that he was an active user of crack cocaine—have previously cited the court ruling on the unconstitutionality of the federal ban, arguing that it applies to their client’s case as well.

Republican congressional lawmakers have filed two bills so far this session that focus on gun and marijuana policy.

Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, filed legislation in May to protect the Second Amendment rights of people who use marijuana in legal states, allowing them to purchase and possess firearms that they’re currently prohibited from having under federal law.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has committed to attaching that legislation to a bipartisan marijuana banking bill that advanced out of committee last month and is pending floor action.

Meanwhile, Mast is also cosponsoring a separate bill from Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) this session that would more narrowly allow medical cannabis patients to purchase and possess firearms.

This article originally appeared on Marijuana Moment.





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7 trends coming to your cannabis from Spannabis

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Listen up, Leafly Nation—you 147 million people around the globe smoking on the good-good.

Get ready for more fresh Zkittlez crosses, more killer ‘Cali weed,’ more US-made seeds, and more live rosin in the coming weeks and months hitting your local smoke scene.

Leafly just got back with the details from Europe’s top cannabis festival, Spannabis, which just wrapped up in Barcelona, Spain.

The three-day expo demolished records for the 19-year-old event, with more than 25,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors from over 50 countries. The massive smokeout anchored two weeks of pot contests like the Ego Clash Barcelona and parties like Fidel’s Hash Holes and Donuts. Global stoners packed more than 100 private Barcelona cannabis clubs in what amounted to the US cannabis industry’s mix of South by Southwest and Spring Break.

Here are seven trends coming to your cannabis from Spannabis.

More Zkittlez strains in more corners of the globe

Z from Basque Country: Bask Family Farms’ winning Zkittlez cross—Zortzi. Zkittlez dominated Spannabis and left critics of the strain fuming. (David Downs/Leafly)

Let’s start at the beginning—with the weed. The 8-year-old hybrid Zkittlez had a banner year at the Spannabis Champions Cup, placing first and second in the expo’s official contest. Furthermore, the Zkittlez project Zortzi from Bask Triangle Farms placed first in the 2023 Barcelona Ego Clash contest for flower. Zortzi is made of Z x Ortzadar (the Basque word for rainbow). Ortzadar itself is a Bask Triangle Farms cross of Z x Cookies and Cream

Beyond the undeniable trophies, the lines spoke for themselves. The 3rd Gen Family Farm booth pretty much sold out of its Z-focused seed packs at €350 (euros) per seed pack, or two packs for €500. 3rd Gen’s Z work powered seven wins in the Spannabis Champions Cup, said 3rd Gen Fam owner Brandon. Another leading Z seed seller, Terphogz, also served throngs of customers at Spannabis.

What makes Z so dominant? It’s the terpenes, dummy. Z emits a kaleidoscopically-juicy rainbow of tropical fruit flavor. Z’s heavy yet happy high has made fans the world over.

‘Cali weed’ is calling the shots

‘Cali Packs’ fetch $100 per eighth ounce at Barcelona clubs like Dank of England. (David Downs/Leafly)

Walk into the private Barcelona Strain Hunters Club, and look at the menu: California flavors rule. California strains Baby Yoda and Red Velvet sit right at the top of the menu at €30 per gram.

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Many clubs, including Dank of England, have an entire top shelf named “Cali Weed.” It featured three Los Angeles heavyweights: Seed Junky Genetics’ Permanent Marker strain, as well as Super Dope brand eighths, Backpack Boyz’s Lemon Cherry Gelato, and Cookies’ Cereal A La Mode. Eighth ounces ran the equivalent of $100.

Growers from Barcelona and Morocco showed off California genetics like La Bomba (Jet Fuel Gelato x Wedding Cake). We saw local Apples & Bananas x Red Pop. Or Cookies’ Gary Payton strain crossed to Leafly Strain of the Year 2022 Jealousy, or Gary Payton x Jokerz (both by Hidden Group Genetics). Node Labs, a tissue culture company in Santa Rosa, CA said White Runtz now grows in Colombia.

Many California industry players bought one-way tickets to Barcelona. They planned to keep traveling to prospective business deals in Israel, Portugal, Switzerland, and beyond. 

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DNA Genetics sold out of their #23 ‘Michael Jordan’ variety of Holy Grail Kush x Kosher Kush.

Lior Pisso, co-owner of a greenhouse mega-grow in Israel, said the company had switched from Canadian seeds to Compound Genetics in San Francisco.

“California genetics are amazing,” she said. 

Israeli medical cannabis patients need maximum-potency Cali flower, due to a 50-gram-per-month cap, she said. “We need every puff to be a killer.”

The US seed scene has eclipsed Europe’s

Barcelona based Hidden Group Genetics’ Boom Voyage is a cross of two US strains—Jokerz x Gary Payton. (David Downs/Leafly)

Since the ’70s, European hemp laws gave cover to a robust weed seed industry that decided what US growers planted. The US is the captain, now. 

Michigan cultivation director, Erin Najebi, at Tang Farms said, “The European seed free-for-all is now the US seed free for all.” 

What changed? Congress legalized hemp in 2018. In 2022, the US Drug Enforcement Administration ruled seeds were hemp, not marijuana, and so legal to possess, sell, and distribute. 

DNA Genetics CEO Rezwan Khan said, “for ten years, Spannabis was seeds, seeds, seeds. The seed revolution is in the US now and it’s totally wild.”

“All that American shit hits hard.”

‘Gil’ a local Barcelona grower

DNA Genetics co-founder, Don Morris, added that “we’re creating the rocket and then riding it.”

One UK grower, Adrian (not his real name) said full legalization allows US breeders to innovate further and faster “than anything Europe can do under prohibition.”

One Barcelona greenhouse grower, “Gil” said he ran Artificial Red (GMO x Red Pop) and Swamp Boys Seeds’s hashy Lemon Tree strain Romie this year. Why? 

“All that American shit hits hard,” he said.

Rosin and live rosin is sweeping the globe

DNA Genetics Challah Bread live rosin. (David Downs/Leafly)

A solventless revolution sweeps around the globe, ya’ll. We’re talking about bubble hash, heat-pressed and filtered into pure, potent, and tasty dabs. Bobby West, founder of the contest Uncle Stoner’s Squash Off, told Leafly, “the world is going solventless. I think it’s the future—from edibles to everything. The cleaner it is, the better it is.”

Mauricio Santa Cruz from the Colombia Exotics hash brand in Colombia said, “Oh yeah, it’s sweeping the globe.” 

Colombia gained live rosin technology around two years ago, he said. This year, growers across Latin America are buying seeds for plants that produce great hash, as well as rosin presses to make the product.

DNA Genetics’ Khan said Europe has a longtime specialty in trichome extraction with bubble hash. Europe’s now skipping over the butane hash oil wave and going straight to rosin. Rosin and live rosin accurately reproduce flower’s taste and high, experts said.

More wild legal dichotomies

Medical cannabis law reform, as well as decriminalization, have given weed ‘semi-legalization’ status in more places than ever. That makes for some wild legal dichotomies.

In Barcelona, private clubs sell 2023 Cali weed, but walk out onto the streets and police can stop and search you for the smell alone like it’s the ‘90s. They may seize your stash, or worse: a night in jail and fines of several hundred euros.

Barcelona grows better weed and nurtures a more robust scene than Amsterdam, but pot remains illegal in Spain. We heard of several tourists stopped, and some held overnight.

Amsterdam-based Raavi Spaarenberg—head of Sensi Seeds—said, “Laws go back and forward. Barcelona is going left and right. People are still going to jail.”

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Lance Lambert, chief marketing officer for Grove Bags, compared Barcelona to the medical state of Oklahoma, mixed with California’s Proposition 215 days. “It’s insane.”

From India to Australia, pockets of cannabis culture thrive in countries without weed freedom. These are places where society tolerates private smoking, while growers and sellers face fines and prison.

A new level of collaboration begins

Humboldt Seed Co and Sensi Seeds team up to announce Breeding Grounds. (David Downs/Leafly)

More dope collaborations are coming to your weed than ever. 

At the top of the list, two titans of European and American seeds unite in ‘Breeding Grounds’—the new deal between Humboldt Seed Co and Amsterdam’s 35-year-old Sensi Seeds brand. 

The pair have four new strains—two new automatic cultivars and two new feminized strains—that unite the best of the Old World and the New. “We are growing together and playing off each other’s styles,” said Sensi’s Spaarenberg, whose dad is Sensi Seed’s famous Ben Dronkers.

Celebrity cultivation author Ed Rosenthal helped put the deal together, saying “it’s a match of legacies. They have an unbeatable combination.”

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Europe has a lot of Hazes and Cheeses to work with, said Spaarenberg. Humboldt Seed Co plans to hunt through 2,000 authentic Skunk phenotypes from decades past, and bring back the true Skunk.

Spaarenberg said weed brands once did everything by themselves. But the explosion in international cannabis requires collaboration.

Other winning collabs included: Spanish brand Black Tuna x Colombia Exotics and their strain Milk Runtz—which won the Dabadoo contest. 3rd Gen Fam also showed off two Emerald Triangle collabs—the Zunkist line and the Ill Eagle line of OZ Kush male crosses for just €50. Terphogz Fields x DNA Genetics’ collab on Z x Strawberry BananaZtrawberriez.

And a hyper-charged international cannabis culture

Attendees from over 50 countries swamped Europe’s biggest annual weed expo. (Courtesy Spannabis)

Cheap flights, Instagram, and global weed law reform have combined to make cannabis culture more international than it’s ever been. 

By 2026, 7.5 billion people will have smartphones. The cannabis community has never been more connected.

“You can find it in real-time, all over the world. Any US trend, within 30 days, is global now,” said Khan at DNA Genetics.

Remote spots like The Canary Islands now host pot contests. Germany has gone medical, with Switzerland is next. The Czech Republic is opening up, and Thailand is smokin’ with over 1,000 dispensaries open in Bangkok.

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Thailand’s first Cookies cannabis dispensary opens to huge crowds [Photo gallery]

The Israeli mega-greenhouse owner Lior Pisso said “it’s insane to see the globalization going on. Just look around at Spannabis and all the colorful, amazing, beautiful people here.”

Raavi at Sensi said, “It’s going off. The industry is changing everywhere. It’s a global thing now.” 


And that’s seven trends, so we’ll save what’s going on with cultivation and the living soil wave, or accessories like the Puffco Proxy for another day.

Go get your passport renewed, book a flight, and get out there, Leafly Nation. A whole weed world awaits.





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