Reports & Media

Status: Medical only History: 2013: Medical cannabis legalised 2014: Possession of under 10g (0.3oz) of cannabis for recreational use was decriminalised to a fine 2017: Medical cannabis program became operational and sales finally began Policy Framework: Patients must have one of five qualifying conditions; Patients may possess no more than a 30 day supply of medical cannabis as prescribed by their doctor; Patients may not cultivate their own cannabis at home; Dispensaries are operational; There are an estimated 97,830 registered medical cannabis patients in Maryland; Possession of fewer than 10g (0.3oz) is decriminalised to a civil offence (like a parking ticket) punishable by a $US100 fine; Possession of more than 10g of cannabis for recreational use is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $US10,000; Possession of more than 50lbs (800oz) is a felony punishable by a minimum of five years in prison and fines of up to $US50,000; Possession with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $US1,000,000; There are 82 dispensaries in Maryland and 18 licensed growers. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 increased from 1.4% to 1.9%. Read more

Status: Medical Use History: 2015: Municipal reforms begin (decriminalisation in some cities and regions) 2016: Medical cannabis legalised Policy Framework: Patients must have a qualifying condition (there are 23 listed); Patients must be certified by a doctor and register to the programme to obtain medical cannabis legally; 30-day supply as prescribed by a doctor; No allowance made for patients to cultivate their own cannabis at home; Pennsylvania can have up to 25 licensed medical cannabis growers and up to 50 dispensaries; Medical cannabis can only be obtained from a dispensary; There are an estimated 116,000 registered medical cannabis patients in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health; Possession of less than 30g (1oz) of cannabis for recreational use is a misdemeanour punishable by up to 30 days in prison and a fine of up to $US500; Possession of over 30g of recreational cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and fines of up to $US5000; Sale or distribution of less than 30g of cannabis without remuneration is a misdemeanour punishable by up to 30 days in prison and fines of up to $US500; Sale or distribution of more than 30g of cannabis is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $US15,000; Cultivation of any number of plants is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $US15,000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.5% to 1.4%. Read more

Status: Legal History: 2008: Medical cannabis was legalised 2014: Possession of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use decriminalised 2018: Cannabis legalised for recreational purposes (sales aren’t projected to begin until mid-2020) Policy Framework: Expungement: Manual Must be over the age of 21 to consume, purchase or possess cannabis; Driving under the influence is prohibited; Consuming cannabis in a public space is prohibited; Possession in excess of 2.5oz (70g) is prohibited unless the excess is concealed in a container equipped with locks; Recreational cannabis will be subject to a 15% excise tax on top of the standard sales tax; Distribution of less than 5oz (141g) but more than 2.5oz (without remuneration) is a civil infraction punishable by a fine; People may cultivate their own cannabis at home as long as it remains under the home plant possession limit of 12 plants; Distribution of more than 5oz with remuneration is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $US10,000,000. Outcomes: Too early to determine outcomes of recreational cannabis legalisation; In 2018, sales of medical marijuana reached $US633 million; Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 2.0% to 1.6%. Read more

Status: Medical only History: 2014: Medical cannabis legalised 2015: Medical cannabis sales begin Policy Framework: Patients must have a qualifying condition; Patients must register for the programme; Medical cannabis only available in liquid, pill or vaporised form - dried cannabis flowers and leaves are not legally obtainable even for registered patients; Dispensary system; Patients must re-enrol in the programme annually; Patients must pay an annual registration fee in order to continue obtaining cannabis legally; Patients may not possess more than a 30 day supply, as prescribed by their doctor; There are an estimated 18,000 registered medical cannabis patients in Minnesota according to the Minnesota department of health. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, Cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 2.0% to 1.1%; In 2018, sales of medical marijuana reached $US9.6 million. Read more

Status: Prohibited History: 2014: Legalisation of CBD (cannabidiol) Policy Framework: Possession of under 30g (1oz) for the first offence is decriminalised to a $US250 fine; Possession of 30g or less (following offences) is a misdemeanour punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $US1000; Possession of more than 30g is a felony punishable by up to up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $US1,000,000; Sale of any amount is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $US20,000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.4% to 1.3%. Read more

Status: Medical only History: 2014: Criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis were reduced, although remained criminal 2014: CBD (Cannabidiol) oil legalised 2018: Medical cannabis legalised Policy Framework: Patients with qualifying conditions (certified by a physician) can obtain cannabis legally; Limit of six plants per household; 192 medical cannabis dispensaries state-wide; Patients must be at least 18-years-old in order to obtain medical cannabis from a doctor; Medical cannabis cannot be obtained from pharmacies and are only sold at licensed dispensaries; Patients must register to the Missouri medical cannabis program to obtain a medical cannabis card which they must use to purchase medical cannabis; Possession of up to 10g (0.3oz) of cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by a $US500 fine for the first offence and a year and a fine of up to $US2000 for subsequent offences; Possession of more than 35g (1.2oz) is a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $US10,000; Sale or trafficking is a felony punishable by up to life in prison and fines of up to $US10,000 or 2x profit; There are an estimated 30,200 registered medical cannabis patients in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.8% to 1.2%. Read more

Status: Medical Cannabis Only History: 2004: Medical cannabis legalised 2016: Medical cannabis laws took effect, “effectively kicking 93% of the state’s medical cannabis patients off the state programme and into the illicit market,” taxes doubled to pay for enforcement 2017: Added compulsory testing and sales tracking for medical cannabis suppliers Policy Framework: Patients must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition; Medical cannabis can only be obtained from a state-licenced dispensary; Patients must have a Montana medical cannabis card and register to a dispensary to purchase medical cannabis; Patients may possess up to 1oz (30g) of cannabis flower or its equivalent; Providers must obtain three separate licenses in order to be able to open a dispensary in Montana. Licences to sell cannabis differ in price according to how many medical cannabis card-holders have registered an individual as their main provider; Patients may cultivate their own medical cannabis at home; There are an estimated 32,240 registered medical cannabis patients in Montana, according to the Montana Department of Health & Human Services. Read more

Status: Prohibited History: 1979: Possession of small amounts of cannabis for first-time offenders was decriminalised 2015: Failed attempt to legalise medical cannabis Policy Framework: Possession of less than 1oz (30g) of cannabis for a first-time offence is a civil infraction punishable by $US300; Possession of less than 1oz for a second or third offence is a misdemeanour punishable by up to seven days in prison and a fine of up to $US300; Possession of more than 1oz but less than 1lb is a misdemeanour punishable by three months in prison and a fine of $US500; Possession of more than 1lb of cannabis is a felony punishable by five years in prison and a fine of $US10,000; Sale or cultivation is a felony punishable by up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $US25,000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.5% to 1.2%. Read more

Status: Legal for recreational use Policy history: 2001: Medical cannabis legalised 2001: Possession of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use was no longer a felony 2013: Medical cannabis sales began 2016: Recreational legalised 2017: Recreational cannabis laws come into force Policy Framework Consumers: Must be 21-years-or-older to purchase consume or possess cannabis; Can possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis at one time and up to 0.8oz (22g) of cannabis concentrate; Cannot consume cannabis in a public place; Cannot drive (or be a passenger) under the influence of cannabis; Can purchase up to 2.4oz (68g) over a two week period; Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal unless the cultivator lives 25 miles (40km) away from a licensed dispensary - they may grow no more than six plants per person and a household may contain no more than 12 plants; Unlicensed distribution or possession with intent to sell is still a felony punishable by up to life in prison and fines of up to $US200,000; Cultivation of 12 plants or more is a felony punishable by up to life in prison and fines of up to $US200,000. Expungement: Manual record-sealing as of June 2019 Suppliers must be licensed; 15% excise tax on wholesale sales (paid by the cultivator); 10% excise tax on retail sale; Employees of cannabis businesses must be over the age of 21. Read more

Status: Prohibited History: 2014: Legalisation of CBD (cannabidiol) oil - children with severe epilepsy can be treated with CBD oil if recommended by a doctor Policy Framework: Possession of less than 1oz (30g) of cannabis for a first-time offender is a misdemeanour punishable by 30 days in prison and a fine of $US200; Possession of less than 1oz of cannabis for a subsequent offence is a misdemeanour punishable by a year in prison and a fine of up to $US2000; Sale or trafficking is a felony punishable by sometimes more than 25 years in prison and fines of up to $US200,000; Cultivation of cannabis is a felony punishable by more than 25 years in prison and fines of up to $US200,000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.7% to 1.4%. Read more

Status: Medical Use History: 2006: Medical cannabis was legalised 2009: Dispensary system for medical cannabis implemented and sales begin Policy Framework: Patients must have a qualifying condition, of which there are 14 listed; Patients may possess no more than 2.5oz (70g); Patients can cultivate up to 12 plants and 12 seedlings in their homes; No more than nine state-licensed dispensaries are allowed to operate in Rhode Island at a time; There are an estimated 18,728 registered medical cannabis patients in Rhode Island, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health; Possession of less than 1oz (30g) of cannabis for personal recreational use is decriminalised to a civil infraction (like a speeding ticket) punishable by a $US150 fine; Possession of less than a kg of cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by a year in prison and fines of up to $US500; Possession with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by up to life in prison and fines of up to $US500,000; Cultivation or sale is a felony punishable by up to life in prison and fines of up to $US500,000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 2.6% to 2.5%; In 2018, sales of medical marijuana reached $US60.2 million. Read more

Status: Medical only History: 2010: Medical cannabis legalised 2017: Liberalised medical cannabis laws by adding more conditions that qualify for medical cannabis treatment 2017 and 2019: Failed attempts at legalising cannabis for recreational use Policy Framework: Patients must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition to obtain medical cannabis; Medical cannabis can only be obtained from a state-licenced “alternate treatment" centres; Caregivers for patients are permitted to collect medical cannabis for card-holding patients but must undergo criminal background checks; Patients may possess up to 3oz (85g) per month; Patients are not permitted to cultivate their own cannabis at home; Possession of cannabis for recreational use is a crime punishable by up to 1.5 years in prison and fines of up to $US25,000; Distribution of any amount of cannabis is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $US300,000; Cultivation of cannabis is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $US300,000; There are an estimated 51,000 registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.4% to 1.0%; In 2018, sales of medical marijuana reached $US37 million. Read more

Status: Medical Use History: 1997: Decriminalised the possession of small amounts of cannabis to a civil infraction with a $US100 fine 2014: Legalised cannabis for medical use 2019: Expanded the decriminalisation of possession of cannabis, liberalising the law further, but did not legalise it Policy Framework: Four dispensaries are operational in the state of New York for medical cannabis; Patients must have a qualifying condition (there are 14 presently) to obtain medical cannabis; Only non-smokable forms of medical cannabis are permitted; Home cultivation is not permitted; 98,101 estimated registered medical cannabis patients; Possession of fewer than 2oz (56g) is decriminalised to a “violation” punishable by a fine of up to $US200; Possession of up to 8oz (226g) of cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $US1000; Possession of more than 8oz of cannabis is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $US15,000; Distribution/sale of less than 2g (0.07oz) of cannabis or a cannabis cigarette without profit is a misdemeanour punishable by up to three months in prison and fines of up to $US500; Distribution or sale of more than 25g (0.8g) of cannabis is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $US15,000; Cultivation of any amount of cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $US1000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 2.0% to 1.7%; In 2018, sales of medical marijuana reached $US40.9 million. Read more

Status: Medical Use History: 2007: Medical cannabis legalised 2019: Possession of small amounts of cannabis decriminalised to a petty misdemeanour Policy Framework: To qualify for medical cannabis, it must be recommended to patients by a physician for treatment of certain qualifying conditions; An allowance is made for patients to cultivate medical cannabis in their own homes. Up to 16 plants are allowed per household with 12 being immature and four being mature; Patients must be registered to access the medical cannabis programme; Medical cannabis can only be obtained from a state-licensed dispensary; Estimated number of registered patients 80,000; Possession of less than 0.5oz (15g) of cannabis for recreational use is decriminalised with a maximum penalty of a $US50 fine; Possession of up to 8oz (226g) of cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and fines of up to $US1000; Possession of more than 8oz is a felony punishable by up to 1.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $US5000; Distribution of any amount of cannabis is a felony punishable by up to 18 years in prison and fines of up to $US15,000; Cultivation of any amount of cannabis (if an individual is not a registered medical cannabis patient) is a felony punishable by up to 18 years in prison and fines of up to $US15,000. Read more

Status: Prohibited History: 2014: Failed attempt to legalise medical cannabis 2015: CBD (cannabidiol) oil was legalised for patients with intractable epilepsy 2017: legalisation of hemp Policy Framework Possession of less than 0.5oz (14g) is a misdemeanour punishable by a fine of $US200; Possession of under 1.5oz (42g) is a misdemeanour punishable by up to 45 days in prison and a fine of $US1000; Possession of more than 1.5oz is a felony punishable by up to 222 months in prison and a fine of up to $US200,000; Sale or delivery is a felony punishable by up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $US200,000; Cultivation of cannabis is a felony punishable by up to 18 years in prison and a fine of up to $US200,000. Outcomes: Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 decreased from 1.9% to 1.4%. Read more