Marijuana Laws in the United States
Marijuana laws vary state-to-state, and it is important to know the unique situation within your state. On the whole, support for the legalization of marijuana has increased throughout the country, with 70% of Americans supporting marijuana legalization in 2023, as opposed to 12% in 1969. However, laws still look different in each state.
There are five main categories of legality in regards to marijuana: fully legal, medicinal and decriminalized, decriminalized only (no medical), medical only (no decriminalization) and fully illegal. More than 50% of Americans live in a state that has legalized recreational marijuana.
Of the states that have legalized marijuana, Colorado, Alaska, Washington, California and Oregon are the most lenient states. On the other side of the spectrum, Idaho, South Carolina, Kansas and Wyoming have the strictest laws.
Marijuana policies can impact the workplace, as nearly half of the users in legalized states report using marijuana before or at work. 73% of individuals say that marijuana improves their work performance, and many companies do not test for marijuana.
The laws surrounding marijuana have already changed dramatically in the last several decades, and will continue to do so in the coming years. Staying up to date on your state’s policies is important, as new laws regarding testing, workplace use or general legalization may pass.
Source: US Drug Test Centers