Overview: Marijuana Laws in the United States (2024)
The legal status of marijuana varies significantly across the United States, with each state and territory establishing its own regulations. This guide provides an in-depth, state-by-state analysis for Massachusetts, South Dakota, Hawaii, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, and New Hampshire, focusing on what is legal, what is not, and how individuals can access medical or recreational cannabis where permitted.
Massachusetts: Comprehensive Legalization for Adults
Massachusetts has been at the forefront of cannabis reform, with both medical and recreational marijuana fully legalized . Adults age 21 and older may purchase, possess, and use marijuana within the state. The law allows for:
- Purchase and possession of up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis outside the home and up to 10 ounces (280 grams) inside the home.
- Home cultivation of up to 6 plants per person, or up to 12 plants per household with two or more adults.
- Use is restricted to private property; public consumption is prohibited .
- Non-residents may also purchase cannabis with a valid government-issued ID.
For medical users, the state’s program enables qualifying patients to obtain medical marijuana with a physician’s certification. Patients and caregivers are protected from prosecution when in compliance with state laws. All transactions must occur at licensed dispensaries, and medical patients can apply for hardship cultivation to grow more for personal needs. [1] [3] [4]
How to Access Cannabis in Massachusetts
Adults and qualifying patients should bring a government-issued photo ID to a licensed dispensary. Payment is usually accepted in cash or by debit card; credit cards are generally not accepted. To find a licensed dispensary, search for “Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Dispensaries” and use the official commission’s resources for up-to-date listings. [4] [5]
South Dakota: Legal Uncertainty and Ongoing Legal Battles
South Dakota’s marijuana laws have been in flux. Medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients with a state-issued card . Recreational cannabis legalization was approved by voters in 2020 but was later overturned by the state Supreme Court. As of 2024, recreational marijuana remains illegal , and only patients with qualifying conditions can legally obtain cannabis through the state’s medical program.
To access medical marijuana, residents must consult with a state-approved physician and apply for a medical marijuana card through the South Dakota Department of Health. It is important to check the most current information by searching “South Dakota Department of Health medical cannabis program” or calling the Department for updates, as regulations are subject to ongoing legal challenges and potential ballot measures.
Hawaii: Medical Use Permitted, Recreational Use Not Legal
Hawaii allows medical marijuana for registered patients with qualifying conditions. However, recreational cannabis remains illegal in 2024. To qualify for medical marijuana, patients must obtain a certification from a licensed physician and apply for a 329 Medical Cannabis Card through the Hawaii Department of Health. With this card, patients can purchase cannabis at licensed dispensaries and are permitted to possess up to four ounces of usable cannabis at any time.
If you are a resident with a qualifying condition, visit the Hawaii Department of Health website and search for “Medical Cannabis Registry Program” for application instructions. Non-residents with medical needs may apply for a temporary out-of-state card, but recreational use is still prohibited in all circumstances.
Missouri: Recent Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
Missouri has legalized both medical and recreational marijuana . Adults aged 21 and over may legally purchase, possess, and use cannabis. The law allows adults to possess up to three ounces of dried marijuana flower. Medical marijuana is available for patients with qualifying conditions, who must register with the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services.
To purchase cannabis for recreational purposes, adults must present a valid government-issued photo ID at a state-licensed dispensary. For medical marijuana, qualifying patients need to apply for a card through the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program; search for “Missouri Department of Health medical marijuana” for official application guidance.

Source: greenhealthdocs.com
Wisconsin: Marijuana Remains Illegal
Wisconsin does not permit recreational marijuana use , and medical marijuana is highly restricted. The state only allows the limited use of non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) products for certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders, and even then, access is difficult and requires physician approval. Possession of any amount of marijuana remains a criminal offense in Wisconsin as of 2024.
If you are interested in alternative therapies, consult your physician about legal options for CBD under state law. For advocacy or updates on possible legislative changes, search for “Wisconsin Department of Health Services marijuana laws” and check for local news updates, as efforts to reform laws are ongoing but not yet successful.
Kentucky: Limited Medical Use, No Recreational Access
Kentucky does not permit recreational marijuana . As of 2024, the state has approved limited medical marijuana use , particularly for individuals with severe medical conditions such as epilepsy. The program is restrictive, and most patients receive only CBD-derived products with low THC content. Full-strength medical marijuana is not available, and possession of cannabis remains illegal outside of narrow medical exceptions.
To explore legal medical use, consult your healthcare provider about qualifying conditions and the steps required to obtain a recommendation. For updates, search “Kentucky medical marijuana program” on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website, as the law may change in the future with new legislative efforts.
Puerto Rico: Medical Marijuana Only
Puerto Rico has legalized medical marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions, but recreational marijuana is not legal . To access medical cannabis, residents must apply for a medical marijuana card through the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Patients may purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries for conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

Source: nacioncannabis.com
If you are a resident seeking medical cannabis, visit the Puerto Rico Department of Health and search for “Programa de Cannabis Medicinal” for step-by-step application instructions. Non-residents and recreational users are not permitted to legally purchase or possess marijuana in Puerto Rico.
New Hampshire: Medical Marijuana Permitted, Recreational Use Illegal
New Hampshire allows medical marijuana for qualifying patients, but recreational cannabis remains illegal in 2024. The state’s medical program enables patients with specific conditions to obtain a registry card and purchase cannabis from licensed Alternative Treatment Centers.
To participate, individuals must obtain a certification from a healthcare provider and apply for a card through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. For the most current information, search for “New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Program” or call the state’s medical cannabis program office for detailed instructions.
Accessing Marijuana Safely and Legally: Step-by-Step Guidance
- Verify Eligibility: Check if your state or territory allows medical or recreational marijuana. Review the qualifying conditions for medical use.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment with a state-approved physician to discuss your symptoms and eligibility, if seeking medical marijuana.
- Apply for a Card (if required): Complete the state’s medical marijuana card application process, which may require documentation, a provider’s certification, and fees.
- Locate Licensed Dispensaries: Use your state’s official cannabis program website or department of health to find a list of certified dispensaries.
- Bring Proper Identification: Always bring a government-issued photo ID to any dispensary, regardless of purpose.
- Follow Local Laws: Consume cannabis only in private spaces where permitted. Comply with possession limits and never use in public or drive under the influence.
Challenges and Alternatives
Many states and territories impose strict limitations on marijuana access. In states where cannabis remains illegal, individuals may consider advocating for reform through local organizations, consulting with healthcare professionals for legal alternatives (such as CBD), or monitoring legislative developments for future opportunities. It is important to stay informed, as laws are subject to change and enforcement practices may vary by jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts and Missouri allow both medical and recreational use, with established dispensary systems.
- South Dakota, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and New Hampshire allow medical use only, with varying restrictions.
- Wisconsin and Kentucky do not permit recreational marijuana and have only limited or highly restricted medical access.
- Always consult official state or territorial health agencies for the most current information and application instructions.