Cannabis is still illegal on the federal level, so it's important for cannabis business owners to understand and keep up with the legalization status in each state. Is it recreationally legal? Medically? What about other hemp products?
Here is everything you need to know regarding marijuana legalization by state. This information is crucial for cannabis businesses looking to expand operations into a new state.
Marijuana Legalization by State
Cannabis businesses operating in more than one state, otherwise known as Cannabis Multi-State Operators (MSOs), may find themselves looking to expand their business. But in order to grow your organization in a new state, you need to understand what your options are, including what the legalization status of cannabis is in that state, what types of cannabis-related businesses operate in that state, and more.
Here is a breakdown, state by state, of cannabis legalization:
Is Cannabis Legal in Alabama?
Alabama has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2021. Cannabis businesses in Alabama include licensed dispensaries providing medical cannabis to registered patients.
Cultivation and processing of industrial hemp are also allowed under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Alabama
Businesses must obtain licensing through the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission for medical marijuana operations. Hemp growers and processors must register with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
Is Cannabis Legal in Alaska?
Alaska has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2015. Cannabis businesses in Alaska include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturing, and testing laboratories.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are also legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Alaska
Cannabis businesses must obtain licenses from the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office. Hemp growers must register through the Alaska Division of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Arizona?
Arizona has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2021. Cannabis businesses in Arizona include licensed dispensaries, cultivation sites, product manufacturers, and testing facilities.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Arizona
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Hemp growers must apply through the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2016. Cannabis businesses in Arkansas include state-licensed dispensaries and cultivation facilities that provide medical cannabis to qualified patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Arkansas
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission oversees cannabis licensing. Hemp businesses must register with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in California?
California has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2018. Cannabis businesses in California include dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing laboratories.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted; however, recent tax proposals may impact the industry.
Starting a Cannabis Business in California
Cannabis businesses must obtain licenses from the Department of Cannabis Control. Hemp businesses must register with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Colorado?
Colorado was the first state to have both legalized medical and recreational cannabis, with recreational sales beginning in 2014. Cannabis businesses in Colorado include dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Colorado
Cannabis businesses must apply for licensing through the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division. Hemp businesses are regulated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Connecticut?
Connecticut has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2021. Cannabis businesses in Connecticut include licensed dispensaries, cultivators, product manufacturers, and testing laboratories.
Legislation has been approved to allow hemp farmers to cultivate cannabis, expanding business opportunities.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Connecticut
Cannabis businesses are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Hemp growers must register with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Delaware?
Delaware has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2023. Cannabis businesses in Delaware include state-licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Delaware
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services oversees cannabis business licensing. Hemp businesses register through the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Florida?
Florida has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2016. Cannabis businesses in Florida include licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs), which handle cultivation, processing, and dispensing.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Florida
MMTCs are regulated by the Florida Department of Health. Hemp growers must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Is Cannabis Legal in Georgia?
Georgia has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2016, but only for limited to low-THC oil (under 5% THC) products. Cannabis businesses in Georgia can obtain licenses for production and dispensing.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Georgia
Cannabis licensing is handled by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Hemp businesses must apply through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Hawaii?
Hawaii has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2000. Cannabis businesses in Hawaii include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Hawaii
Cannabis businesses are licensed by the Hawaii Department of Health. Hemp businesses register with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Idaho?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of Idaho. However, industrial hemp cultivation is permitted under strict state regulations.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in Idaho
Hemp businesses must obtain permits from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Illinois?
Illinois has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2020. Cannabis businesses in Illinois include licensed dispensaries, cultivation centers, craft growers, infusers, transporters, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Illinois
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Hemp businesses register with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Indiana?
Indiana has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2018, but specifically low-THC, high-CBD cannabis. Cannabis businesses in Indiana include licensed dispensaries that provide limited forms of medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Indiana
Hemp businesses must apply through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. The Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) oversees the licensing, cultivation, and regulation of hemp / cannabis in Indiana.
Is Cannabis Legal in Iowa?
Iowa has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2018. Cannabis businesses in Iowa include licensed dispensaries that provide limited forms of medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Iowa
Cannabis licensing is handled by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Hemp businesses register with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Is Cannabis Legal in Kansas?
Kansas has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2023, for limited to low-THC CBD products. As of now, dispensaries are still not authorized to conduct business in the state.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Kansas
Hemp businesses must obtain licenses from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Kentucky?
Kentucky has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2025. Cannabis businesses in Kentucky include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Kentucky
Hemp businesses must apply for licenses through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Louisiana?
Louisiana has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2015. Cannabis businesses in Louisiana include licensed pharmacies that dispense medical cannabis, while cultivation is limited to state-sanctioned entities.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Louisiana
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Hemp businesses must register with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Is Cannabis Legal in Maine?
Maine has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2020. Cannabis businesses in Maine include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Maine
Cannabis businesses are licensed by the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy. Hemp businesses must register with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
Is Cannabis Legal in Maryland?
Maryland has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2023. Cannabis businesses in Maryland include licensed dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and testing laboratories.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Maryland
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Maryland Cannabis Administration. Hemp businesses must apply through the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2018. Cannabis businesses in Massachusetts include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Massachusetts
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission. Hemp businesses must register with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Is Cannabis Legal in Michigan?
Michigan has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2019. Cannabis businesses in Michigan include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, processors, secure transporters, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Michigan
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency. Hemp businesses must register with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Is Cannabis Legal in Minnesota?
Minnesota has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2023. Cannabis businesses in Minnesota include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal under state regulations. The state allows businesses to grow and process hemp for various uses, including CBD production and fiber processing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Minnesota
Cannabis licensing is handled by the Minnesota Department of Health. Hemp businesses must apply through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Mississippi?
Mississippi has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2025. Cannabis businesses in Mississippi include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Mississippi
Medical cannabis licensing is managed by the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Program. Hemp businesses must register with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
Is Cannabis Legal in Missouri?
Missouri has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2023. Cannabis businesses in Missouri include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Missouri
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Hemp businesses must register with the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Montana?
Montana has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2022. Cannabis businesses in Montana include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Montana
Cannabis businesses must obtain licenses from the Montana Department of Revenue. Hemp businesses must apply with the Montana Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Nebraska?
Nebraska has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2025. Cannabis businesses in Nebraska include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Nebraska
Hemp businesses must apply through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Nevada?
Nevada has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2017. Cannabis businesses in Nevada include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Nevada
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Hemp businesses must register with the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in New Hampshire?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of New Hampshire. However, the New Hampshire House of Representatives last week approved legislation to legalize certain cannabis possession. The bill must still pass the state senate. The bill would not legalize commercial cannabis production and sales. The public consumption of cannabis would also remain against the law.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in New Hampshire
Hemp businesses must register with the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food.
Is Cannabis Legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2022. Cannabis businesses in New Jersey include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in New Jersey
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Hemp businesses must register with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in New Mexico?
New Mexico has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2022. Cannabis businesses in New Mexico include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in New Mexico
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division. Hemp businesses must apply through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in New York?
New York has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2022. Cannabis businesses in New York include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in New York
Cannabis business licenses are regulated by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. Hemp businesses must register with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Is Cannabis Legal in North Carolina?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of North Carolina.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in North Carolina
Hemp businesses must register with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Is Cannabis Legal in North Dakota?
North Dakota has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2017. Cannabis businesses in North Dakota include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in North Dakota
Cannabis business licenses are managed by the North Dakota Department of Health. Hemp businesses must register with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Ohio?
Ohio has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2024. Cannabis businesses in Ohio include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Ohio
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Hemp businesses must apply through the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2018. Cannabis businesses in Oklahoma include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, processors, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Oklahoma
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Hemp businesses must register with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.
Is Cannabis Legal in Oregon?
Oregon has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2014. Cannabis businesses in Oregon include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Oregon
Cannabis businesses are licensed by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Hemp businesses must register with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2018. Cannabis businesses in Pennsylvania include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Pennsylvania
Cannabis businesses are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Hemp businesses must apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2022. Cannabis businesses in Rhode Island include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Rhode Island
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission. Hemp businesses must register with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Is Cannabis Legal in South Carolina?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of South Carolina.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in South Carolina
Hemp businesses must apply for registration with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in South Dakota?
South Dakota has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2021. Cannabis businesses in South Dakota include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in South Dakota
Cannabis business licenses are issued by the South Dakota Department of Health. Hemp businesses must register with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Tennessee?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of Tennessee.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in Tennessee
Hemp businesses must apply through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Texas?
Texas has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2015 and expanded in 2021, for limited to low-THC products. Cannabis businesses in Texas include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Texas
Cannabis businesses must apply for licensing with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Hemp businesses must register with the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Utah?
Utah has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2018. Cannabis businesses in Utah include licensed dispensaries, referred to in the state as pharmacies, that provide medical cannabis to registered patients.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state regulations.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Utah
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Utah Department of Health. Hemp businesses must register with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Is Cannabis Legal in Vermont?
Vermont has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2022. Cannabis businesses in Vermont include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with appropriate licensing.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Vermont
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board. Hemp businesses must register with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets.
Is Cannabis Legal in Virginia?
Virginia has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, but only for personal possession and cultivation. Commercial sales are not yet operational / legal.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are permitted under state law.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in Virginia
Cannabis businesses must apply for licensing with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Hemp businesses must register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Is Cannabis Legal in Washington?
Washington has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis in the state, with recreational sales beginning in 2014. Cannabis businesses in Washington include licensed dispensaries, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing labs.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal under state regulations. Businesses can grow, process, and sell hemp-derived products, including CBD.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Washington
Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Hemp businesses must register with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in West Virginia?
West Virginia has legalized medical cannabis in the state, passed in 2017. Cannabis businesses in West Virginia include licensed dispensaries that provide medical cannabis to registered patients, cultivation, and processing facilities.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal with proper licensing under the state's hemp program. Businesses can produce hemp-derived products, including CBD.
Starting a Cannabis Business in West Virginia
Cannabis business licenses are regulated by the West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis. Hemp businesses must register with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Is Cannabis Legal in Wisconsin?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of Wisconsin.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal under Wisconsin's hemp program. Businesses can grow, process, and sell hemp-derived products, including CBD.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in Wisconsin
Hemp businesses must apply through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Is Cannabis Legal in Wyoming?
Under no circumstance is cannabis legal in the state of Wyoming.
Industrial hemp cultivation and processing are legal under Wyoming’s hemp program. Licensed businesses can grow and process hemp for various uses, including CBD production.
Starting a Hemp-Related Business in Wyoming
Hemp businesses must obtain licenses from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.
Grow Your Cannabis Business
Looking to grow your cannabis business? Looking to expand your business into a new state?
As a Cannabis Multi-State Operator, growing your business only starts with the above information and the selection of a new state to expand into. After that, you still have all the typical tasks of expanding your business, such as registering in your new state.
Evolve HCM specializes in working with multi-state operators and cannabis businesses focused on growth. We can help streamline payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance, while helping you expand operations.
Contact us today to learn more.
