11/17/2015
LATEST CANNIBUS LAWS ACROSS USA
CANNIBUS USE IN USA
Alabama
e felony
(1st-offense, personal use possession is a misdemeanor) felony not clearly stated illegal First-time possession for personal use may be punished as a misdemeanor, but further personal possession, or intent to sell, can result in felony charges.
Alaska
a legal medical and recreational use legal to carry up to 1 oz. (28 grams) legal to grow up to 24 plants for an individual, or commercially with a license Legalized in Measure 2 on November 4, 2014.
Arizona
d medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only In November 2010 Arizona legalized medical ma*****na when the voters passed Proposition 203 with 50.13% of the vote.
Arkansas
misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal Possession of amounts under 3 ounces is a criminal misdemeanor; the cities of Fayetteville and Eureka Springs have labeled cannabis the "lowest law enforcement priority".
The 2012 Arkansas Medical Ma*****na Act failed to pass, as it gained only 48% of the vote.
California
decriminalized (civil infraction) medical use only medical use only medical use only In July 1975, Governor Jerry Brown enacted Senate Bill 95, which reduced the penalty for possession of one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis or less to a citable misdemeanor.
On November 5, 1996, California became the first state in the United States to legalize medical ma*****na when the voters passed Proposition 215 by 56%.
On September 30, 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1449 which further decriminalized the possession of 1 ounce or less to a civil infraction leading to no jail time and punishable by a maximum $100 fine.On July 6, 2015 California Governor Jerry Brown signed the Medical Cannabis Organ Transplant Act into law.Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill targeting illegal ma*****na growers. Governor Jerry Brown also signed a bill to enhance and update California medical cannabis statutes. On October 9, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law even further legislative statutes on medical cannabis.
Colorado
legal medical and recreational use legal to carry up to 1 oz. (28 grams) legal to grow up to six plants for an individual, or commercially with a license[13] Colorado Amendment 64 legalized the sale and possession of ma*****na for non-medical uses on November 6, 2012, including private cultivation of up to six ma*****na plants, with no more than three being mature.[14]
Connecticut
decriminalized (Legal for medical use only) felony (Legal for medical use only) felony (Legal for medical use only) felony Possession of less than one half ounce by persons 21 and over results in graduating scale of fines, and seizure of contraband. Under 21 face addition sanctions, to include temporary loss of license to drive. (ref. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/rpt/2011-R-0489.htm (Connecticut General Assembly))
Delaware
decriminalized (civil infraction) medical use only medical use only medical use only On Friday, February 10, 2012, Gov. Markell announced that he was suspending the medical ma*****na program because his office received a letter from the Obama Justice Department alleging that its implementation would subject those licensed under the law, as well as public servants, to federal criminal prosecution.
On Friday, June 19, 2015, Gov. Markell signed a bill that makes the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis a civil offense punishable by a fine of up to 100 $.
Florida
misdemeanor (if 20 grams or less) felony Misdemeanor or Felony depending on amount found if more than 20 grams it is a Felony felony Conviction causes a driver's license suspension for a period of 1 year (as of July 1, 2014). Law, Fla Stat. Compassionate use of low-THC cannabis) passed on "Charlotte's Web."
Georgia
medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only Any conviction of a ma*****na possession, sale, or cultivation offense results in suspension of driver's license. First-time offenders may be eligible for a conditional discharge under Section 16-13-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), which operates as a dismissal if certain conditions are met, such as the payment of a fine and community service. A measure to allow medical cannabis oil passed the House in February 2015. On April 16, 2015, the non-psychoactive form of Ma*****na oli (CBD Oil, also known as "Charlotte's Web") was legalized for medical use in the state.
Hawaii
medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only On June 15, 2000, Governor Benjamin Cayetano signed a bill legalizing medical ma*****na. On July 14, 2015 the Governor of Hawaii David Ige signed a bill into law allowing medical cannabis dispensaries.
Idaho
misdemeanor (85 grams/3 oz. or less) felony not clearly stated felony Personal use possession of 3 ounces or less of ma*****na is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000 if for. If the quantity possessed is more than 3 ounces but less than 1 pound, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.[22]
Illinois
medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only Illinois passed the Cannabis Control Act in 1978, which technically allows for medical ma*****na. However, in order for it to become an actuality, action is required from two state departments—Human Services and the State Police—neither of which has taken action.
On August 1, 2013, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill legalizing medical ma*****na; the legislation took effect on January 1, 2014.
Indiana
e misdemeanor (Up to 6 months, $1000 Fine) misdemeanor/felony not clearly stated illegal
Main article: Cannabis in Indiana
Iowa
e misdemeanor felony not clearly stated felony
Main article: Cannabis in Iowa
Kansas
e misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal
Main article: Cannabis in Kansas
Kentucky
e misdemeanor (less than 8 oz (230 g)) misdemeanor (less than 8 oz (230 g); first offense not clearly stated misdemeanor (less than 5 plants) Written a ticket with a court date and then released for misdemeanor possession.[citation needed]
Louisiana
medical use only medical use only medical use only illegal
Main article: Cannabis in Louisiana
Maine
decriminalized (civil infraction) (legal in the cities of Portland and South Portland) medical use only medical use only medical use only On November 2, 1999, Maine legalized medical ma*****na when 62% of the populace voted yes on Question 2.
On May 1, 2009, Maine further decriminalized cannabis when Governor John Baldacci signed legislation (LD 250) which made possession of 2.5 ounces or less a civil infraction.
On November 5, 2013, voters in Portland, Maine passed Question 1 by 67% which legalized the possession of 2.5 ounces within the city's limits.[29][30]
Maryland
decriminalized (10g or less) medical use only medical use only medical use only *By statute, defendants who can prove medical necessity at trial face a maximum penalty of $100. Defendants in possession of an ounce or less of ma*****na are permitted to raise an affirmative defense to the possession charge if they can prove they suffer from a specific debilitating medical condition.
On April 14, 2014, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed two pieces of cannabis reform legislation. SB 364 decriminalizes possession of 10 grams or less to a civil infraction punishable by a $100 fine for the first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine plus possible drug treatment for a third offense. HB 881 legalizes the possession, sale, and production of medical cannabis, and it authorizes the creation of a commission to license dispensaries, doctors, and patients to manage distribution. These two laws do not go into effect until October 1, 2014, prior to the effective date, possession of any amount of ma*****na could still be charged and prosecuted.
Massachusetts
decriminalized (civil infraction) medical use only medical use only medical use only On November 4, 2008, Massachusetts decriminalized cannabis when 63% of the populace voted yes on Question 2. The legislation defines possession of 1 ounce or less to be a civil infraction punishable by a $100 fine.
On November 6, 2012, the state legalized medical ma*****na when voters passed Question 3 by 60%.
Michigan
medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only *Under zero tolerance, users cannot operate a motor vehicle in possession (a) Enclosed in a case that is carried in the trunk of the vehicle.
(b) Enclosed in a case that is not readily accessible from the interior of the vehicle, if the vehicle in which the person is traveling does not have a trunk.)or under the influence of a Schedule 1 narcotic. Ma*****na is listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic.
The City of Keego Harbor voted to legalize ma*****na for people 21 and older, with up to one ounce, and only in non-public places (such as a house).
Minnesota
b decriminalized medical use only medical use only illegal Possession of 42.5 grams or less is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for personal use. The distribution of 42.5 grams or less without remuneration is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $200. Smoking plant material is still illegal. Only legal to v***r, oil, and pill form for medical purposes. In 2013, the Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed the Minnesota Medical Ma*****na Act into law. This law creates a patient registry under the Department of Health relating to the therapeutic use of medical cannabis. It authorizes the use of medical cannabis in limited forms for certain qualifying medical conditions and regulates the distribution and manufacture of medical cannabis. It also creates a task force to conduct an impact assessment on medical cannabis therapeutic research and provides for certain criminal and civil protections for parties involved in the registry program. This passed the House 89-40 and the Senate 46-16.
Mississippi
c decriminalized (first offense; 30 grams or less) illegal not clearly stated illegal As a first offense, possession of 30 grams or less carries up to a $250 fine. If valid proof of identity and a signed written pledge to appear in court is provided by the offender, an arrest is not performed and civil summons is issued instead. The University of Mississippi reportedly also has a small-scale, federally-approved medicinal cannabis cultivation program, though cannabis is not legal for such purposes in the state itself.
Missouri
e misdemeanor felony not clearly stated illegal Possession of less than 35 grams is a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Possession of 35 grams- 30 kilograms is a Class C felony which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000. Possession of 30-100 kilograms is considered trafficking and is a Class B felony punishable by a sentence of 5–15 years and a fine of $5,000-$20,000. Possession of more than 100 kilograms is considered trafficking and is a Class A felony punishable by 10 years-life imprisonment and fine of $5,000-$20,000.[41]
Montana
d medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only Personal use possession of 60 grams or less of ma*****na is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and a fine of $100 – $500. A second offense is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000. Possession of more than 60 grams is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $50,000. Possession of any amount of ma*****na with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $50,000.
Nebraska
c decriminalized (first offense only) illegal not clearly stated illegal Possession of up to one ounce of cannabis is treated as a civil infraction for the first offense, and as a misdemeanor for the second and third offenses. A fine of up to $300 may be issued for the first offense, along with potential court-mandated drug education courses. A second offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to five days' jail time, and a third offense carries up to a $500 fine and a maximum of one week in jail.
Nevada
b decriminalized for adults 21 years and over; misdemeanor for persons under age 21 medical use only medical use only medical use only On November 7, 2000, Nevada legalized medical ma*****na when 65% of the populace voted yes on Question 9.
New Hampshire
d medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only On July 23, 2013, New Hampshire legalized medical ma*****na when Governor Maggie Hassan signed HB 573. On July 11, 2015 Governor Maggie Hassan signs a law that expands the medical ma*****na law.
New Jersey
d medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only On January 18, 2010, New Jersey legalized medical ma*****na when Governor Jon Corzine signed the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Ma*****na Act.[49][50]
New Mexico
d medical use only medical use only medical use only medical use only In April 2007, New Mexico legalized medical ma*****na when Governor Bill Richardson signed Senate Bill 523.
New York
b decriminalized (unless open to public view[53]) misdemeanor (25 g or less) not clearly stated misdemeanor On July 14, 2014, New York legalized medical ma*****na when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act into law. The legislation only allows patients to ingest cannabis using edibles, oils, pills, or v***rization, and does not allow smoking of the plant material.
North Carolina
c Decriminalized (.5 oz or less) Felony Illegal and subject to Possession/Sale punishments. Felony. Only the state is "legally" allowed to grow cannabis. Specific strains of low THC (less than 1%) and high CBD (10%) are being researched and developed and processed into an oil by the state for distribution to medical facilities, universities and colleges. Specific strains such as Charlotte's Web are being researched. Bills introduced to decriminalize and allow expungement of 0.5 oz (14 g) and below, currently remains a Misdemeanor with no jail time and a max of a $200 fine. 0.5 oz (14 g) to 1.5 oz (43 g) is a misdemeanor with 1–45 days of jail and a max of $1000 fine. 1.5 oz (43 g) to 10 lb (4.5 kg) is a felony with 3–8 months of jail and a max of $1000 fine. 10 lb (4.5 kg) and up is generally considered intent to sell which holds greater jail time and fines maxing at 14.5–18 years jail time and $100,000 in fines. Intent to sell also holds stricter consequences than possession and is a felony no matter the weight (weight determines punishment severity). A Medical Ma*****na bill was introduced in May, 2014, but was killed by the House Committee in March, 2015. Additionally, the House Committee issued an "unfavorable report", which blocks the House from considering bills with Medical Ma*****na components for the next 2 years.[57] In July 2015, the Governor of North Carolina Pat McCrory signed a bill into law that allows the use of a ma*****na extract for treating children with severe epilepsy.
North Dakota
e misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal
Main article: Cannabis in North Dakota
Ohio
c decriminalized illegal not clearly stated illegal Petitions have been submitted and approved by the state ballot committee to allow Ohio voters to legalize cannabis for medical purposes if the patient is 18 years old or older, but would only be able to be prescribed by a medical provider.
Oklahoma
e illegal illegal not clearly stated illegal DUI penalties pursuant to H.B. 1441, effective October 1, 2013, a person will be jailed for no less than 30 days or more than 1 year if: A person as any amount of a Schedule I chemical or controlled substance, as defined in Section 2-204 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Oregon ONE OF ITS METABOLITES OR ANALOGS in the person's blood, saliva, urine or any other bodily fluid at the time of a test of such person's blood, saliva, urine or any other bodily fluid administered within two (2) hours after the arrest of such person. A second offense will have longer sentencing as well as require an ignition interlock device that can only detect alcohol even if person is not a user of alcohol.
New penalties for possession or making of hashish, a grinder, or brownies may include life imprisonment were enacted in 2011. On April 30, 2015 governor Mary Fallin signed a bill legalizing cannabis oils for children with epilepsy.
Oregon
a legal medical use only; by January 1, 2016: regulations governing legal sale to be issued medical use only; by July 1, 2015: legal transport of up to 1 oz.; by January 1, 2016: legal transport of larger amounts by ma*****na cultivators medical use only; by July 1, 2015: legal cultivation by adults 21+ of up to 4 plants per household Oregon voters approved Measure 91 on November 4, 2014, providing for regulated legal possession and sale of set amounts of cannabis. Further cannabis reforms were signed into law on July 1, 2015 by Oregon Democrat Governor Kate Brown.[65][66] More medical cannabis reforms were signed into law on July 28, 2015 by Oregon Democrat Governor Kate Brown. To become effective from October 1, 2015. On top of all the cannabis law reforms in Oregon, Governor Kate Brown also signed a bill that sets a cannabis sales tax at 25 percent.
Pennsylvania
e misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal Possession of 30g or less is a misdemeanor resulting in up to 30 days incarceration and a fine of up to $500. Possession of more than 30g is a misdemeanor netting up to a year in jail and a $5000 fine.
Rhode Island
b decriminalized (civil violation) medical use only medical use only medical use only Possession of an ounce or less is a civil violation with a $150 fine, three violations within 18 months is a misdemeanor with larger fines and/or prison.
South Carolina
e illegal illegal not clearly stated illegal First-time possession offenders can complete one year of probation instead of following conventional criminal procedure.
South Dakota
e misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal Personal use possession of 2 oz or less is a Class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,000.
Tennessee
e misdemeanor* (less than 1/2 ounce; first or second offense only); except for cannabis oil for the purposes of treating seizures or epilepsy authorized by the physician felony not clearly stated misdemeanor: 9 plants or less; felony: 10+ plants First-time possession offenders can complete one year of supervised probation instead of criminal penalty of one year incarceration; *Possession of 1/2 ounce or more is automatic felony charge: possession for resale. Cannabis oil possession, as of Monday, May 4, 2015, is allowed, due to newly signed legislation, if a person is suffering seizures or epilepsy and has the recommendation of their doctor.
Texas
e decriminalized in Houston and Dallas felony not clearly stated illegal "Both the current leadership and candidates for prominent political offices are increasingly calling for ma*****na policy reform in the Lone Star State--In Texas, a conviction for possession of up to two ounces of ma*****na can result in a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $2,000."
On June 1, 2015 governor Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing cannabis oil.
Utah
e misdemeanor felony not clearly stated illegal House bill 105 was introduced by Representative Gage Froerer (R) and has been passed and signed by the governor. This bill would excuse anyone who was in possession of h**p extract. H**p extract means an extract from a cannabis plant, or a mixture or preparation containing cannabis plant material, that is composed of less than .3% of THC by weight.
Possession of less than an ounce can result in a 6-month incarceration and a maximum fine of $1,000. Any amount over 10 ounces can result in a $10,000 fine. Selling of any amount is a felony and will result with 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Vermont
b decriminalized (civil infraction) medical use only medical use only medical use only On May 19, 2004, Vermont legalized medical ma*****na when Governor James Douglas announced he would allow Senate Bill 76 to pass without his signature. The law was further expanded in June 2007 when Senate Bill 7 passed without Governor Douglas' signature once again.
On June 6, 2013, Governor Peter Shumlin signed legislation (HB200) which decriminalized the possession of 1 ounce or less to a civil infraction.In early 2015, a bill is currently being proposed to end prohibition of cannabis and legalize recreational cannabis in the state.
Virginia
e misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal A first offense is an "Unclassified Misdemeanor", meaning the maximum penalty is 30 days in jail and a $500 fine (or both), and loss of driving privileges. A subsequent offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of 12 months in confinement and a $2,500 fine (or both), plus loss of driving privileges. A first-offense will qualify for a deferred disposition resulting in dismissal. This option requires a drug assessment, classes, community service, and loss of driving privileges for six months. The first-offender program is controversial according to some Virginia criminal defense attorneys and advocates for young men and women in the Commonwealth, primarily because it does not allow the defendant to qualify for expungement, and as a result, remains on the individual's record for life.
Washington
a legal medical and recreational use legal legal with restrictions and licensing Ma*****na was legalized by Washington Initiative 502 in 2012. The law requires state licenses from all sellers, distributors and producers of Ma*****na, and permits anyone over 21 to carry one ounce. The state allows licensed growers to cultivate ma*****na, but does not permit personal growing in one's home except for medical use.[84]
West Virginia
e misdemeanor felony not clearly stated illegal "Creates the "Compassionate Use Act for Medical Cannabis; providing for protections for the medical use of cannabis...""
Wisconsin
e illegal illegal "An Assembly bill allows qualifying patients to possess 12 ma*****na plants and three ounces of ma*****na leaves or flowers."
Wyoming
e misdemeanor illegal not clearly stated illegal "Being under the influence of ma*****na is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 90 days imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100.
Possession of three ounces or less is a misdemeanor that is punishable by a maximum of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1000."
By Federal district
District of Columbia
b legal medical use only; no provision for commercial sale legal to carry up to 2 oz. (57 grams) legal to grow up to six plants (only three mature at a time) for recreational purposes; no provision for commercial recreational cultivation In 1998, Initiative 59 was voted in to allow medical ma*****na, but its effecting was blocked by Congress until 2009.
In 2014, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray signed a bill that decriminalized possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of ma*****na in the U.S. capital for persons 18 years of age or older. The law made possession a civil violation with a penalty of $25, lower than most city parking tickets.
On 4 November 2014, D.C. voted by ballot Initiative 71 to legalize ma*****na possession and cultivation for personal recreational use (commercial production and sale not permitted); the law went into effect 26 February 2015 following 30 days of Congressional review.[88]
