State by state summary of cannabis laws, decriminalization and the sales and security of cash and marijuana products.
- Alabama: Marijuana is not legal in any capacity. The Medical Cannabis Study Commission has approved a bill allowing the cultivation and sale of marijuana for medicinal purposes. No date has been given as to when this bill will be introduced to legislative bodies. https://www.alreporter.com/2019/12/23/alabama-medical-cannabis-study-commission-approves-draft-bill/
- Alaska: Passed legislation allowing on site consumption at retail establishments. Certain cities in other states have approved individual businesses through licenses, but this is the first state to allow uniformly. These establishments must still receive approval through the Marijuana Control Board. https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/Home.aspx
- Arizona: Medicinal use is legal. A voter initiative would legalize marijuana for recreational use. Constituents hoping to see issue on ballot in 2020. mjbizdaily.com
- Arkansas: Medicinal use is legal. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission disallowed two license holders to sell businesses and transfer licenses due to lack of action on their part. AMMC claims it raises an issue of fairness to those who participated in full licensing process. mjbizdaily.com
- California: Marijuana is legal and decriminalized. Legal establishments are struggling to battle black market sales amidst high tax rates. The Governor has proposed merging California’s three regulatory departments to one for budgetary and uniformity concerns. mjbizdaily.com
- Colorado: Marijuana is legal and decriminalized. Marijuana establishments are being encouraged to increase security measures by law enforcement. Burglaries and robberies have been on the rise. https://www.denverpost.com/2020/01/20/denver-marijuana-burglaries-increase/
- Connecticut: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. The Governor met with fellow governors from neighboring states in October of 2019; these legislators are attempting to coordinate efforts in the legalization of marijuana. Rules and laws will be easier to enforce if there is a similar uniformity between neighbors. mjbizdaily.com
- Delaware: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. As of January, recreational use is planned for debate within the House. https://delawarebusinessnow.com/2020/01/the-general-assembly-returns/
- Florida: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. A constituent led group, Make it Legal Florida, attempted to acquire enough signatures to place the issue of legalization for recreational use on the ballot. They were unable to meet in the requirements prior to the deadline, and the issue will not receive a spot on the 2020 ballot. The group plans to try again for 2022. mjbizdaily.com
- Georgia: Marijuana is not legal in any capacity. A bill has been introduced to the General Assembly proposing marijuana possession under two ounces be decriminalized and punishable by a fine. https://wfxl.com/news/local/bill-to-end-incarceration-for-marijuana-possession-makes-rounds-through-georgia-general-as
- Hawaii: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. In mid-2019, Hawaii opted to institute an out-of-state program for medicinal patients. This would allow visiting patients holding a card in their home state to access marijuana for medicinal use while in Hawaii. mjbizdaily.com
- Idaho: Marijuana is not legal in any capacity. Senator Grant Burgoyne has introduced a bill proposing to decriminalize possession of marijuana (with exceptions to amounts tantamount to trafficking). It is expected to be met with opposition from fellow lawmakers. Also, recreational sales are 420% higher at Oregon/Idaho border dispensaries. https://www.marijuanamoment.net/idaho-senator-files-bill-to-decriminalize-drug-possession/ & https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/20/us/marijuana-sales-idaho-oregon-420-trnd/index.html
- Illinois: Marijuana use is legal. On January 23rd, a Springfield facility received licensure approving marijuana consumption on site. It is the first in the state to gain approval. https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-biz-legal-weed-lounge-springfield-20200122-tvhe2tvo45hmpant5pqzlsgph4-story.html
- Indiana: Marijuana is not legal. Senators Greg Taylor and Mark Stoops introduced HB 86: decriminalization of Indiana marijuana possession for medicinal purposes. On January 16, the bill was referred to the Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2020/bills/senate/86#digest-heading
- Iowa: Marijuana is not legal. Low level THC (3% or less) cannabis is legal for medicinal use. Legislators are hesitant to increase program even though Iowa shares a border with Illinois. https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/governor-reynolds-on-future-of-medical-marijuana-in-iowa/
- Kansas: Marijuana is not legal. Marijuana possession is considered a misdemeanor at the very least. Governor Laura Kelly vocally supports marijuana for medicinal use. She has stated she would advocate for and sign any legislation implementing a regulatory program. https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Medicaid-marijuana-top-Kansas-governors-2020-priorities-566665261.html
- Kentucky: Marijuana is not legal. Several bills are being introduced in 2020 that could legalize marijuana for medicinal use. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/ky-general-assembly/2020/01/17/marijuana-legalization-kentucky-looks-recreational-medical-use/4498901002/
- Louisiana: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. It is only available in tincture form, and on recommendation from a physician. It is not covered by health insurance, and patients must pay out of pocket. Physicians are fearful to write prescriptions due to federal consequences and marijuana’s current classification as a Schedule I narcotic by the FDA. Dispensaries are few and far between. Constituents are hoping for reform, and decreased barriers to access. https://www.postsouth.com/news/20200110/louisiana-medical-marijuana-program-shows-accessibility-pricing-issues
- Maine: Marijuana use is legal. Only one lab has been licensed as a testing facility in the entire state. This presents a problem and a backup in the product chain; all product must be tested before available for sale to the public. Also, the Office of Marijuana Policy is in negotiations to switch companies from BioTrackTHC to Metrc for seed-to-sale tracking software. https://www.klsecurity.com/blog/shortage-of-marijuana-testing-facilities-in-maine/ & mjbizdaily.com
- Maryland: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Many facility applicants are filing lawsuits if denied licensure claiming the process is bias and sometimes corrupt. Also, the state received over $10 million dollars in tax revenue in 2019. https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-licensing-decisions-challenged-by-marijuana-firms/ & https://marylandreporter.com/2020/01/10/medical-marijuana-brought-more-than-10-million-in-tax-revenue-to-md-in-fy-2019/
- Massachusetts: Marijuana use is legal. Massachusetts requires cannabis business that are compliant with laws and security requirements to acquire a Host Community Agreement with municipalities within which they operate. These agreements require a fee of 3% of sales to be received from the business to the community. A bill has been drafted to give the Cannabis Control Commission authority to review and regulate these agreements. This would ensure municipalities are refraining from demanding more than 3%, and decrease barriers to entry for lower capital entrepreneurs. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/27/marijuana/committee-bill-gives-ccc-express-authority-over-host-community-agreements/
- Michigan: Marijuana use is legal. Municipalities have the authority to opt-out of the recreational program. Detroit has placed a temporary ban until March 31st on recreational sales; the area is seeing a surge in the illicit market, and is still establishing a fair social-equity program for licensees. Upon maturation, the Michigan marijuana market is expected to exceed $1 billion dollars annually. https://mjbizdaily.com/detroit-bans-adult-use-cannabis-sales-through-march-31/
- Minnesota: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. The Department of Health is in charge or regulating and licensing for the medical marijuana program. A recent audit concluded the DoH was not keeping adequate records, not tracking product loss accurately, and failed to ensure product was tested before being made available for sale. https://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/fad/2020/fad20-02.htm
- Mississippi: Marijuana use is not legal. Mississippians will vote on Medical Marijuana in November 2020. https://www.klsecurity.com/blog/is-medical-marijuana-coming-to-mississippi/
- Missouri: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Missouri is in the process of establishing a system to regulate the sale of marijuana for medicinal use. The state is offering an initial 348 licenses for marijuana businesses. These licenses include: cultivation, dispensaries, manufacturing, testing labs, and transporters. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services received over 2,000 applications. The state is hoping for marijuana sales to begin mid-2020. https://www.klsecurity.com/blog/marijuana-licensing-in-missouri-an-abundance-of-applicants/
- Montana: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Two ballots are being prepared and signatures are being acquired in hopes of making a June deadline. These ballots would allow constituents to vote on the establishment of an adult use market. https://www.mtpr.org/post/second-marijuana-legalization-ballot-measure-filed-montana
- Nebraska: Marijuana use is not legal. A petition is being created to allow constituents to vote on the introduction of a medical marijuana program. If successful, Nebraskans will vote on the topic in November 2020. https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/medical-cannabis-is-legal-in-iowa-what-s-going-on/article_cd6de5c4-4809-5de6-afd5-51f02e8203ac.html
- Nevada: Marijuana use is legal. Nevada is monitoring the practices of testing facilities very closely after an investigation (September 2019) proved facilities were not adhering to acceptable practices. A health advisory was issued after several products (being sold to customers) were found to have high levels of mold and yeast. https://mjbizdaily.com/nevada-regulators-investigate-marijuana-lab-testing-facilities/
- New Hampshire: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. As of January, several bills are to be introduced to the Senate proposing legalizing marijuana for recreational use. https://apnews.com/43cf2b6fe33748d2f8f897ad62dd3e03
- New Jersey: A measure to place marijuana on the 2020 ballot was passed Monday, December 16, 2019. This ballot will give New Jersey constituents the choice in whether they want to allow marijuana available for adult legal purchase without a prescription. https://www.klsecurity.com/blog/new-jersey-voters-to-decide-on-legal-cannabis-in-2020/
- New Mexico: Medicinal use is legal. Proposed bill would legalize marijuana for recreational use. This bill would also make New Mexico the first state to demand that retailers sell to both medicinal and recreational customer. https://mjbizdaily.com/new-mexico-adult-use-cannabis-bill-moves-forward/
- New York: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing for the creation of a legal adult use market. With New Jersey voting on the same topic in November, this increases the likelihood of New York passing similar legislation. https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-firms-cautiously-optimistic-new-york-could-legalize-adult-use-sales-this-year/
- North Carolina: Marijuana is not legal. North Carolina is not making any moves to legalize marijuana. In fact, they have instituted a ban on smokable hemp to begin in December 2020. Officials claim it resembles marijuana, and is too difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between the two. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article233012142.html
- North Dakota: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. In mid-2019, North Dakota became the first state to offer a digital marijuana registry card to patients, caregivers, and dispensary & manufacturing agents. The digital version is available through a mobile app in conjunction with BioTrackTHC. https://www.health.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Files/MM/2019-12-10_NDDoH_Announces_Dickinson_Dispensary_Opening_Date.pdf
- Ohio: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. In the first year of medicinal marijuana sales, Ohio dispensaries sold $60 million in product. The program is still in its infancy, and there are only 46 dispensaries for the entire state. Several lawmakers are in vocal support of the development of a recreational program. https://www.medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov/documents/ProgramUpdate/Historical%20Sales%20Data.pdf & https://local12.com/news/local/ohio-governor-says-legalizing-marijuana-would-be-a-mistake-cincinnati
- Oklahoma: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Due to the state’s ease of accessibility for patients to product, the market is valued as one of the most robust in the country. A petition has been filed to legalize marijuana for recreational use. https://mjbizdaily.com/new-filing-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-oklahoma/
- Oregon: Marijuana use is legal. Sales are 420% higher in Oregonian dispensaries bordering Idaho. Marijuana is illegal in Idaho, and residents are crossing state lines to purchase product. https://apnews.com/d33f05f80b40aa5e4d9de692f1a3d6f0
- Pennsylvania: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Dispensaries are operated by the state, and legislation has proposed the implementation of a recreational market operated similarly. Constituents want marijuana legalized for adult-use, but do not want the state to run these facilities also. Voters are wanting the entrepreneurial opportunities that come with the cannabis retail market. Legislators are fearful that multi-state operators will consume the market and the revenue gained will not be used in the local economy. https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/majority-of-pennsylvania-voters-want-legal-cannabis-poll-shows-just-not-in-state-stores/
- Rhode Island: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Governor Gina Raimondo is attempting to initiate an adult use market. Rhode Island’s neighbors have recreational programs in place, and she wants to ensure the state is not losing money to these states. https://mjbizdaily.com/rhode-island-recreational-marijuana-pitched-by-gov-romando/
- South Carolina: Marijuana is not legal. Constituents are begging legislators for access to medicinal marijuana, but are being met with staunch opposition. Law enforcement agencies are vehemently against legalizing marijuana in any capacity, and fearful of an increase in crime. https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/patients-plead-with-sc-legislators-to-legalize-marijuana-but-efforts/article_2312b93e-3e58-11ea-802d-932e0057e7b6.html
- South Dakota: Marijuana is not legal. In November of 2020, South Dakota constituents will have the option of expressing their wishes on the status of medical marijuana in their state. The secretary of state validated signatures and will allow the issue on a ballot for this year’s election. https://www.klsecurity.com/blog/south-dakota-to-vote-on-medical-marijuana-cannabis-dispensaries/
- Tennessee: Marijuana is not legal. There are at least two bills being introduced this year in steps toward legalization. One piece calls for medicinal access, and another is proposing legalizing recreational use for adults over 21. This is unorthodox, typically states institute a medical program first before opening sales to all residents. https://hightimes.com/news/tennessee-senator-files-bill-to-allow-sale-and-taxation-of-marijuana/
- Texas: Marijuana is not legal. The majority of constituents (80%) are in favor of a medical marijuana program, but lawmakers have not taken the steps towards implementation. Legislation was introduced last year to decriminalize possession, but it did not pass the Senate. https://www.texastribune.org/2020/01/28/texas-marijuana-laws-2020-what-you-need-know/
- Utah: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. The medicinal program is slated to begin sales on March 1st and the state is confident they will meet this deadline. https://apnews.com/d834297ead4b31a37b7d799bd0a6f428
- Vermont Cannabis and Marijuana : Marijuana use is legal. Recreational use is legal within the state, but there is no legislation creating a legal market. To obtain product, consumers must grow themselves or purchase illegally. Last year, the Senate passed a bill to rectify the current situation, and create/regulate an adult-use market. The bill is waiting review/approval from the House. https://apnews.com/fa2579dadcc15b60c5118e6f5b26f23a
- Virginia: Marijuana is not legal. A bill has been introduced to decriminalize simple possession charges, and allows for expungement. As of January, the bill passed a Senate judiciary committee. https://wtvr.com/2020/01/29/virginias-marijuana-decriminalization-bill-is-one-step-closer-to-becoming-law/
- Washington: Marijuana use is legal. The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, the regulatory department for marijuana, is considered revising their standard procedures. An independent study was performed, and after reviewing the results, the LCB found room for improvement. The LCB wants to focus more on compliance & education, and restructing enforcement. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WALCB/bulletins/2755fd3
- West Virginia: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Office of Medical Cannabis is now accepting permit applications for medical cannabis growers, processors, dispensaries, and laboratories. The application period will end on February 18, 2020. Also, several lawmakers are submitting pieces of legislation calling for the decriminalization of marijuana as well as a regulated program allowing sale to adults over 21. https://dhhr.wv.gov/bph/Pages/Medical-Cannabis-Program.aspx & https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/new-cannabis-bill-to-be-introduced-during-2020-west-virginia-legislative-session/
- Wisconsin: Marijuana use is not legal. Currently unclear as to the future of cannabis in Wisconsin. Several lawmakers support a medicinal program while others want to observe other states before enacting any policies. https://www.wuwm.com/post/legalizing-marijuana-where-wisconsin-lawmakers-stand#stream/0
- Wyoming: Marijuana use is not legal. A Native American tribe in Wyoming is considering attempting to legalize marijuana for medicinal use. Federal Government gives tribes the authority to act similar to states in the creation of their own rules. However, it is anticipated that the state of Wyoming would intervene in the matter and prevent fruition. https://www.kunr.org/post/wyoming-tribe-consider-legalizing-medical-marijuana-hemp#stream/0
- District of Columbia: Marijuana use is legal. Residents are able to possess marijuana, but do not have a way to purchase legally. Legislation is being introduced to address this conundrum and create regulatory departments. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-unveils-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-sales/2019/05/01/108ac2fa-6c19-11e9-a66d-a82d3f3d96d5_story.html
- American Samoa: Marijuana is not legal.
- Virgin Islands: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. sees a need for the development of an adult use program, and is urging lawmakers to cooperate to see this accomplished. https://www.marijuanamoment.net/u-s-virgin-islands-governor-pushes-for-marijuana-legalization-in-annual-speech/
- Puerto Rico: Marijuana is legal for medicinal use. Given the state of the territory after suffering catastrophic damage from hurricanes and earthquakes, there’s not any chatter about expanding the medicinal program into adult use. It is safe to assume the country is focused on rebuilding at the moment.
- Guam: Marijuana use is legal. Residents are able to legally grow and cultivate their own product as well as purchase from a licensed dispensary. https://www.mpp.org/policy/us-territories/
- Northern Mariana Islands: Marijuana use is legal. The Commonwealth Cannabis Commission is currently creating rules and regulations for the adult use market. The hopes are the newly created adult use market will boost tourism once up and running. https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/senator-hopes-cannabis-hemp-will-ignite-economy/
At KL Security, we have a proven track record for compliance with state laws and security requirements. Utilizing the Total Harvest Coverage methodology for cannabis facility security design and planning as well as cannabis business operation improvements, we have successful projects in facilities in multiple states, helping leaders in the cannabis industry drive revenue and stay compliant with state laws and the security requirements for cannabis facilities and dispensaries.
Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.