How Much Money States Made From Legal Weed Sales in 2020

In 2014, 53% of voters approved the Alaska Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which went into effect the next year. Adults aged 21 and older can purchase and consume up to 1 ounce of cannabis, 7 grams of cannabis concentrate, or total cannabis with fewer than 5.6 grams of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the active, high-producing ingredient of cannabis). However, they can only consume cannabis on private property or in an establishment with a valid onsite consumption endorsement awarded by the local county government. Public use of cannabis is prohibited.

Arizona voters approved the Smart and Safe Act, or Proposition 207 in November 2020. It allows adults 21 and older to possess 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis with no more than 5 grams of cannabis concentrates. Residents can also grow up to six marijuana plants at their homes. In January, the state kicked off retail sales, which marked the fastest ramp up between approval and sales in the U.S.

Proposition 64, or the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, was approved by voters in November 2016. Adults age 21 or older can buy and possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis or up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrate. Californians can also participate in the state’s home cultivation program.

Adult recreational use of cannabis got the seal of approval from Coloradorans in 2012. Up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or cannabis-infused products are permitted as well as 8 grams of concentrates. In 2019, the state passed a law creating new commercial licenses for marijuana lounges, tasting rooms, and other cannabis-related hospitality businesses where residents can light up cannabis products purchased elsewhere.

Connecticut became the 19th state to legalize adult recreational marijuana use. Adults age 21 and older will be permitted to possess up to 1.5 ounces (42.5 grams) of marijuana once retail outlets are up and running. But that may not happen for another year.

Unlike most states, Illinois legalized adult recreational marijuana use via legislation rather than a public referendum. The law was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on June 25, 2019. Under the law, Illinois residents can possess a maximum of 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and up to 500 milligrams of THC in a cannabis-infused product. Out-of-state residents can possess about half those amounts.

Although voters approved Maine’s legalization of recreational cannabis use in 2016, a series of legislative wranglings delayed retail sales until 2020. People 21 and older can now possess 2.5 ounces or less of cannabis, but they are not allowed to have more than 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. Residents can grow up to three mature cannabis plants at their homes or another adult’s property with the owner’s permission.

Voters approved the Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which permitted adult cannabis use, in November 2016. However, retail sales didn’t start until 2018. Adults can purchase 1 ounce of cannabis or 5 grams of concentrate from a licensed retailer.

When Michigan voters approved the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act in November 2018, the state became the first Midwestern state to permit both medical and recreational cannabis use. The spelling of Marihuana is not a typo. The outdated spelling refers back to the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, a federal law. Under the state’s law, adults can possess 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of cannabis with no more than 15 grams of that in concentrate form. Residents can grow up to 12 marijuana plants and harvest up to 10 ounces (284 grams) in their homes.

In November 2020, Montana voters green-lighted the Marijuana Legalization and Tax Initiative, which legalized the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana with no more than 8 grams in concentrate form. Users must be 21 or older. The law imposed a 20% sales tax on cannabis.

Voters approved a ballot initiative on recreational marijuana use in November 2016, and the law went into effect the next year. Adults can possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) or cannabis edibles, flower or topicals, in addition to 3.5 grams of cannabis concentrates. Residents can cultivate up to 12 plants per household, but only if they live more than 25 miles from a state-licensed dispensary.

On Nov. 3, 2020, New Jerseyans approved a ballot question on adult recreational cannabis use. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law in February of this year. Adults 21 and older can buy and possess up to 6 ounces (170 grams) of cannabis or 17 grams of hash. Finding a dispensary may be a problem for state residents. According to the USA Today Network, 71% of New Jersey towns – about 400 – have passed local ordinances banning adult-use marijuana businesses.

On April 12, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law the Cannabis Regulation Act, making New Mexico the fifth state to legalize cannabis through legislative action. Adults 21 and older can purchase, possess, consume, and give away to other adults up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of flower, 16 grams of concentrate, and 800 milligrams of edibles. Growing up to 12 mature plants per household is also legal.

New York state nearly legalized marijuana in 2019, but it wasn’t until March of this year that the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act was approved after some issues regarding social equity and impaired driving were resolved. The law legalized the purchase, possession, and transport of up to 3 ounces (85 ounces) of weed and up to 24 grams of concentrate.

Oregon voters approved recreational cannabis use in 2014. Adults 21 and older can buy: 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower; 16 ounces (454 grams) of a cannabis product in solid form; 72 ounces (2 liters) in liquid form; 5 grams intended for smoking or vaping; 5 grams of concentrates; and 4 immature plants.

As of July 1, medical and adult recreational use of marijuana are both technically legal in South Dakota. However, state legislators are currently debating changes to the medical marijuana law, which would allow patients to possess 3 ounces of medical cannabis. Meanwhile, Gov. Kristi Noem opposes the recreational use amendment approved by voters, and its constitutionality is now being considered by the State Supreme Court.

Vermont legalized adult recreational marijuana use last year, with licensed outlets scheduled to open in 2022. When those businesses open, adults over 21 can purchase cannabis flower with no more than 30% THC and concentrates with no more than 60% THC. Edibles can have up to 50 milligrams of THC.

In 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana use. However, until retail outlets open in 2024, residents can’t obtain marijuana unless they have a medical marijuana card or are gifted 1 ounce from someone else. Advocates are reportedly trying to get lawmakers to speed up the licensing process.

Washington state voters passed the Washington Legalization and Regulation Initiative by a margin of 55% in 2012. It gave adults 21 and older the right to purchase in one day: 1 ounce, or 28.35 grams, of usable marijuana; 16 ounces, or 454 grams, of cannabis-infused edibles in solid form; 72 fluid ounces, or 2.13 liters, of cannabis in liquid form; and 7 grams, or a quarter-ounce (0.25 oz), of cannabis concentrates.