Cannabis law in the U.S. is a patchwork: what's legal in one state can be a crime in the next. Before you buy, carry or travel, check these five things.
1. Is it legal here, and for whom?
States fall into three groups: adult use (21+), medical only (patients with a state card), and no legal program. Some allow only low-THC or CBD products. See Browse by state for each state's program type and its official agency.
2. Where can you use it?
Even where it's legal, public use is usually banned. Many cities, landlords, hotels and parks have their own bans.
3. Crossing state lines
Taking marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between two legal states, and that includes airports and national parks.
4. Driving and work
Driving impaired is illegal everywhere. Employers may still test for cannabis and set their own rules.
5. Hemp products aren't legal everywhere either
States regulate hemp-derived THC products differently, and federal hemp rules changed in 2026.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change often and differ by state, county and city. Always check the current law where you are, and the official sources linked here.