Marijuana—also known as marihuana or cannabis—is classified as a controlled substance under federal law, and its possession, use, and distribution is illegal. See 21 U.S.C. §812.

But many states have recently passed laws that generally legalize marijuana in some form. For example, Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have enacted laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

The District of Columbia allows all citizens over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, to use and grow marijuana on private property, and to exchange marijuana between persons as long as no money, goods, or services are exchanged.

And some states that do not allow recreational use of marijuana do allow limited use of marijuana to treat symptoms of illness and other conditions—known as medical marijuana. States that allow limited use of medical marijuana include Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia. The medical marijuana laws in some of these states are broader than others, with some states only allowing use of cannabis-infused products such as oils and pills. Federal law prohibits health care practitioners from writing a prescription for medical marijuana, so practitioners in medical marijuana states write a recommendation for medical marijuana.

Other states have not legalized marijuana, but have decriminalized it—meaning possession of small amounts of marijuana is not punishable by jail or prison time, but may be punished with a fine. States that have decriminalized possession of marijuana under limited circumstances include Connecticut, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Marijuana laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, or in the health and safety code.

In Washington state, marijuana has been legalized for both recreational and medical use. Adults aged 21 and over are allowed to possess and use marijuana. The state has established regulations for the production, processing, and sale of marijuana, which are overseen by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Recreational users can purchase marijuana from licensed retail stores, and there are limits on the amount of marijuana that can be purchased and possessed at any one time. Medical marijuana patients, with a valid medical marijuana authorization, have additional rights that allow them to possess larger quantities of marijuana and grow plants for personal use under certain conditions. Despite state legalization, it is important to note that under federal law, specifically 21 U.S.C. §812, marijuana remains classified as a controlled substance, and its possession, use, and distribution are illegal. This creates a conflict between state and federal law, but the federal government has generally taken a hands-off approach to individuals and businesses complying with state marijuana laws.