Since the 1970s, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands have recognized the medical value of at least some cannabis preparations. These laws are intended to protect patients who need this medicine to treat their conditions (such as seizures or chronic pain) and improve their quality of life. However, there is a vast difference in the scope and effectiveness of the laws. Some are well-constructed and allow those diagnosed with approved conditions access to the medication they need without imposing onerous hurdles, while others are far more restrictive and drive patients to more dangerous medicines, such as opiates. Some are rendered ineffective due to their failure to account for federal drug laws. These laws can be placed into four categories:
Currently, 38 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories, have enacted workable medical cannabis laws that provide, or will provide, meaningful access to medical cannabis for qualifying patients. In order for a state to have a workable medical cannabis law, it must meet the following criteria:
Doctors or other practitioners typically must either certify that the patient has a qualifying condition, recommend medical cannabis, or both.
Within this category, there is a great deal of variation as to how comprehensive and effective the laws are, including if they allow home cultivation; if they provide for adequate, statewide access via dispensaries and delivery; how broad the list of qualifying conditions is; and what forms of cannabis are allowed.
Low-THC medical cannabis laws allow certain preparations of cannabis to be administered to certain patients. They generally require a physician’s certification. These laws generally include a maximum THC content and a minimum CBD (cannabidiol) content, and they are often limited to extracts (not whole-plant flower). Unlike effective medical cannabis laws, these laws leave behind patients who need more than a modest amount of THC.
In a sense, the entire country could be considered to have a low-THC law. Nationwide, the 2018 FARM bill opened the door for the sale of very low THC preparations (0.3% THC), without requiring a doctor’s certification. The three states MPP categorizes as having low-THC Medical Cannabis Laws With In-State Access all license intrastate businesses to sell qualifying patients cannabis preparations in excess of what is allowed by the FARM Act. All are limited to extracts (not whole plant, botanical cannabis).
Most low-THC, high CBD laws fall under this category. These states failed to create systems for lab-tested, regulated access. Many of these laws also only provide an affirmative defense for those permitted to possess CBD oil — which can be raised at a trial to prevent a conviction — rather than protection from arrest. Others rely on risk-averse institutions such as universities or pharmacies being willing to break federal law by growing and dispensing cannabis, or they require federal permission for the program to become operational.
While many of these laws themselves do not provide access, the 2018 FARM Act opened the door to a nationwide market of low-THC, high-CBD products, which do not require a doctor’s authorization. Also, many states now allow for the cultivation and production of hemp, which can be a source of CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC. However, most of those laws do not provide for testing to ensure the consistency or safety of the products.
These are laws that do not limit THC quantity, but they lack realistic provisions for access and are therefore rendered symbolic or otherwise ineffective. For example, they may use the word “prescribe” instead of “recommend” or limit access to clinical trials — which are rare, extremely expensive, almost exclusively short-term, and require federal approval. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia enacted laws of this nature between 1978 and 1996. There is no column currently listed for this category because each state with a flawed medical cannabis law also has another type of law — either a CBD law or a workable medical cannabis law.
| State | Effective Medical Cannabis Law | Low- THC Law With Access | CBD Law Without Access | Description |
| Alabama | X | Alabama patients with a qualifying condition — such as autism, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, or a condition causing intractable or chronic pain “in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or has proved ineffective” — may register for a medical cannabis card if they have a certification from a physician who has taken a training course, registered, and paid a fee. Raw plant, smoking, and vaporization are not allowed. Pills, gelatin cubes, lozenges, oils, suppositories, nebulizers, and patches are permitted. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will license medical cannabis businesses, including dispensaries. Home cultivation is not allowed. The law passed in 2021. | ||
| Alaska | X | The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services issues medical cannabis cards to anyone diagnosed with cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, and any additional conditions at its discretion. The state does not allow medical cannabis dispensaries, but does permit home cultivation, and patients may possess one ounce of cannabis and up to six plants. After the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2014, anyone over 21 may possess the same quantities of cannabis as permitted under medical cannabis regulations. In addition, regulated stores opened in 2016 for adults who are 21 or older. | ||
| Arizona | X | Arizona patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, severe and chronic pain, cachexia, severe nausea, seizures, or persistent muscle spasms can be issued a medical cannabis card from the Department of Health Services with a recommendation from a physician. As of March 2023, 131 dispensaries were open in Arizona; one is allowed for every 10 pharmacies. Patients can possess up to two-and-a-half ounces of cannabis, and home cultivation is restricted to 12 plants kept in a locked facility for those who live further than 25 miles away from the nearest dispensary. In 2020, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Arkansas | X | Arkansas patients with cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Tourette’s, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, PTSD, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, cachexia, peripheral neuropathy, intractable pain, severe nausea, seizures, and severe or persistent muscle spasms qualify for a medical cannabis card with a physician’s recommendation. The state has licensed eight cultivation facilities and 38 dispensaries, the first of which opened in May 2019. Patients may possess up to two-and-a-half ounces of cannabis. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| California | X | Patients with any ailment qualify for medical cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation. Health Department-issued ID cards are voluntary. Home cultivation is allowed, and medical cannabis patients are allowed to possess at least eight ounces of cannabis and six mature or 12 immature plants. Since early 2018, the state has regulated and licensed a variety of types of medical cannabis businesses. In 2016, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Colorado | X | Medical cannabis cards are issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for qualified patients diagnosed with cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, severe pain, cachexia, severe nausea, seizures, and persistent muscle spasms. There are more than 350 licensed medical cannabis centers in the state, each regulated by the Department of Revenue and local governments. Growers and infused-product manufacturers are also licensed. Patients may possess up to two ounces of cannabis and six plants for home cultivation. Also, in 2012, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Conn. | X | To qualify, adult patients must have one of about 30 conditions, including cancer, chronic pain (narrowly defined), PTSD, cerebral palsy, or any other condition added by the Department of Consumer Protection. Fewer conditions qualify for minors. The department issues medical cannabis cards and licenses producers and dispensaries. As of June 2023, there were 18 dispensaries and four growers licensed. Patients are limited to a “one-month supply” determined by the department (currently five ounces). In 2021, lawmakers and the governor approved legalization for adults 21 and older. | ||
| Delaware | X | The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services issues medical cannabis cards to adult patients diagnosed with cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, decompensated cirrhosis, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, debilitating pain that has either not responded to or produced serious side effects with traditional medication, terminal illness, glaucoma, autism with aggressive behavior, intractable nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, daily persistent headache, and any condition added by the department of health. Fewer conditions qualify for minors. Twelve compassion centers were open as of June 2023. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| Florida | X | Florida patients with cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS), PTSD, ALS, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic nonmalignant pain, “or other debilitating medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those enumerated,” can be issued a medical cannabis card from the Department of Health with a recommendation from a physician. The department licenses medical cannabis treatment centers, which may have both a cultivation location and multiple dispensing locations. As of July 2023, there are 295 dispensing locations. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| Georgia | X | Georgia allows patients diagnosed with seizure disorders, cancer, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, intractable pain, PTSD (for adults only), mitochondrial disease, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, or sickle cell disease to qualify for low-THC medical cannabis. Cannabis extracts are restricted to 5% THC and must contain at least as much CBD. Flower and edibles are not available. In 2019, the legislature added provisions for in-state production and distribution of low-THC medical cannabis oils. The first sales began in April 2023. | ||
| Hawaii | X | The Hawaii Department of Public Health issues medical cannabis cards to qualifying patients diagnosed with severe pain, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe nausea, seizures, severe and persistent muscle spasms, HIV/AIDS, ALS, glaucoma, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or any additional conditions approved by the department. A patient and caregiver can collectively possess 10 tagged plants and four ounces of usable cannabis. In 2016, the state licensed eight dispensaries, which are allowed up to two production and three retail locations each. | ||
| Idaho | Idaho is the only state with no laws recognizing medical cannabis or cannabinoids. In 2015, the governor vetoed a bill that would have provided an affirmative defense for the possession of cannabidiol oil for patients suffering from cancer, ALS, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, mitochondrial disease, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, or sickle cell disease. | |||
| Illinois | X | The Illinois Department of Public Health issues medical cannabis cards to qualified patients with any of around 40 medical conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, HIV/AIDS, autism, cancer, spinal cord injury or disease, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, seizures, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and any other condition added by the Department of Public Health. In addition, medical cannabis is allowed for any patient who is or could be prescribed opiates. Sixty dispensaries and 22 cultivation facilities are allowed. In 2019, the state legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Home cultivation is allowed for registered patients. | ||
| Indiana | X | Any person may buy, sell, and possess CBD oil, as long as it meets certain labeling requirements and contains no more than 0.3 percent THC. | ||
| Iowa | X | Patients diagnosed with chronic pain, terminal illness, multiple sclerosis, seizures, AIDS or HIV, Crohn’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cancer (in some cases), PTSD, or autism with self-harm may possess and use medical cannabis extracts with their medical practitioners’ approval. They are limited to 4.5 grams of cannabis every 90 days, unless their practitioner affirms they need a different amount. The Department of Public Health has approved two manufacturing facilities and five dispensaries as of June 2021. | ||
| Kansas | X | Kansas’ law provides an affirmative defense for possession of CBD oil with up to five percent THC. | ||
| Kentucky | X | Pursuant to a 2023 law, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services will issue medical cannabis cards to qualifying patients diagnosed with cancer; chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain; epilepsy/seizure disorder; multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms; chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting; PTSD; and any other condition the Kentucky Center for Cannabis approves. Default 10- and 30-day supplies will be set by regulators, who will also license dispensaries and other cannabis businesses. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| Louisiana | X | Doctors may recommend cannabis to patients for any condition that is debilitating for that patient. Patients also qualify if they have a listed condition, which include chemotherapy-related symptoms, spastic quadriplegia, cachexia, seizures, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, severe spasms, intractable pain, PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, ALS, chronic pain related to fibromyalgia or sickle cell anemia, or, in some cases, autism. The Board of Pharmacy licensed 10 pharmacies (without DEA licenses) to dispense cannabis, and the Department of Agriculture licensed two cultivators. As patient numbers increase, dispensaries may open satellite locations. | ||
| Maine | X | Medical cannabis cards are optional for patients and some caregivers in Maine. Doctors can certify any patients they believe cannabis may help. Patients may possess up to eight pounds of cannabis and may grow up to six mature plants. Caregivers may also grow for patients. The health department regulates dispensaries, and caregiver storefronts are allowed. Also, in November 2016, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Maryland | X | Doctors can register patients with any severe condition “for which other medical treatments have been ineffective if the symptoms reasonably can be expected to be relieved by” cannabis. Physical ID cards are optional. Regulators have approved more than 100 dispensaries along with growers and processors. In July 2023, it became legal for all adults 21 and older to possess, grow, and buy cannabis. All dispensaries are now dual-use: medical and adult-use. | ||
| Massachusetts | X | The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission issues medical cannabis cards for patients diagnosed with cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or any other condition that substantially limits life activities as approved by a patient’s physician. As of July 2023, 93 medical cannabis dispensaries are licensed. Patients are limited to a 60-day, 10-ounce supply, with exceptions to be specified by a physician. Additionally, for patients facing financial hardship or those who live far away from a dispensary, permission to grow at home in an enclosed, locked location is granted. Also, in November 2016, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Michigan | X | Medical cannabis cards are managed by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, and are issued to patients diagnosed with cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s disease, nail patella, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, severe and chronic pain, cachexia, severe nausea, seizures, severe and persistent muscle spasms, or any other conditions added by the department. Patients or caregivers are allowed to grow up to 12 plants in an enclosed, locked location. Possession for medical purposes is limited to two and a half ounces. Also, in November 2018, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Minnesota | X | Minnesota’s Department of Health issues medical cannabis cards for patients diagnosed with cancer, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, Tourette’s, ALS, seizures, severe spasms, Crohn’s, terminal illnesses, PTSD, autism, obstructive sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, tic disorders, and other conditions added by the department. Minnesota licensed two manufacturers, which may have up to four dispensaries each. Patients are limited to a 30-day supply as determined by a pharmacist. Also, in 2023, the legislature made it legal for all adults 21 and older to possess, cultivate, and buy cannabis. Adults may possess up to two pounds at home and grow up to eight plants (four mature) securely at home. Adult-use stores may not open until 2025, other than on Tribal lands within the state. | ||
| Mississippi | X | Mississippi's Department of Health issues medical cannabis cards for patients diagnosed with qualifying conditions including chronic pain (which is narrowly defined), cancer, Parkinson's, Huntington's, muscular dystrophy, glaucoma, spastic quadriplegia, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, ALS, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, sickle cell anemia, Alzheimer's, agitation of dementia, PTSD, autism, spinal cord disease, or severe injury. They must also have a doctor’s certification. As of May 2023, over 175 dispensaries and 90 cultivators are licensed. Possession and purchase limits are calculated based on "Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units" of 3.5 grams of flower, up to 100 mg of THC in infused products, and up to one gram of concentrate. | ||
| Missouri | X | The Department of Health and Senior Services issues ID cards to patients with a wide range of qualifying conditions, including cancer, HIV, glaucoma, and severe pain – provided the patient’s health care provider approves of the treatment. With a cultivation registration card, patients and caregivers may cultivate up to six plants in their homes. In 2022, voters legalized cannabis possession, use, and cultivation for all adults 21 and older. As of July 2023, there are 213 licensed dispensaries. | ||
| Montana | X | Montana’s Department of Health and Human Services issues medical cannabis cards to patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cachexia, intractable nausea or vomiting, seizure disorder, Crohn’s disease, painful peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, admittance to hospice care, and in some cases, severe pain or spasms. Patients or their providers can possess up to four mature plants, 12 seedlings, and one ounce of usable cannabis. A 2016 voter initiative created protections for dispensaries. Also, in November 2020, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Nebraska | X | In 2014, lawmakers approved a law intended to allow the University of Nebraska Medical Center to conduct a pilot study on low-THC, high-CBD cannabis oils for patients with intractable seizures. | ||
| Nevada | X | Patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, PTSD, severe pain, cachexia, severe nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, autism, anxiety disorder, autoimmune disease, anorexia nervosa, opioid dependence, neuropathic condition, or any other condition approved by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services are eligible to receive medical cannabis cards. Up to 66 dispensaries are allowed, as are growers, labs, and infused product manufacturers. Patients are allowed to possess up to two and a half ounces every 14 days and a set quantity of cannabis-infused products. Patients or caregivers authorized to grow cannabis may possess up to 12 plants. Also, in 2016, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, buy, and, in some cases grow, cannabis. | ||
| New Hampshire | X | The qualifying conditions are PTSD, moderate to severe chronic pain, or any injury or condition that produces one of the following: elevated intraocular pressure, cachexia, chemotherapy-induced anorexia, wasting syndrome, seizures, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, moderate to severe insomnia, constant or severe nausea, moderate to severe vomiting, or severe, persistent spasms. Patients may possess no more than two ounces of cannabis. There are four nonprofit alternative treatment centers (ATCs), which operate a total of seven dispensary locations. | ||
| New Jersey | X | The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission issues medical cannabis cards to patients with chronic pain, PTSD, ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, terminal illness, seizure disorders, intractable skeletal muscular spasticity, glaucoma, anxiety, migraine, muscular dystrophy, Tourette's Syndrome, and other conditions added by the department. The program establishes three license types: cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission sets the number of retail and manufacturing licenses. In 2021, the legislature enacted implementing legislation for a 2020 voter referendum to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| New Mexico | X | The Department of Health issues medical cannabis cards to hospice patients and to patients suffering from any of nearly 30 conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, opiate use disorder, autism, epilepsy, cancer, Crohn’s, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, intractable nausea or vomiting, or any other conditions added by the health department. As of July 2023, there were over 1,047 dispensaries. In 2021, the legislature legalized the possession, cultivation, and purchase of cannabis for adults 21 and older. Patients can purchase about 15 ounces every 90 days. There is no possession limit at home. All adults can grow six mature plants and six seedlings. | ||
| New York | X | The Office of Cannabis Management issues ID cards to patients who have any condition deemed clinically appropriate by their health care provider. Ten manufacturers — with four locations each — have been approved to dispense medical cannabis. Patients may possess a 30-day supply. Smoking is not permitted. In 2021, the legislature legalized the possession and purchase of cannabis for adults 21 and older. Home cultivation of up to six plants (three mature) is now allowed for patients. Home cultivation will be allowed by adults by mid-2024. | ||
| North Carolina | X | North Carolina authorizes the use of hemp extracts with at least 5% CBD and no more than 0.9% THC for patients with intractable epilepsy. In 2016, the state began allowing industrial hemp cultivation, as long as it has no more than 0.3% THC. | ||
| North Dakota | X | The North Dakota Department of Health issues ID cards to patients with conditions including a terminal illness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, glaucoma, epilepsy, a medical condition that produces cachexia or wasting, autism, anxiety disorder, intractable nausea, or, in some cases, severe and debilitating pain. Patients are allowed to obtain up to a 30-day supply from regulated dispensaries. The department licensed eight compassionate care centers and two manufacturers. Home cultivation is not allowed. The first dispensary opened in March 2019. | ||
| Okla. | X | The Oklahoma Department of Health issues medical cannabis licenses for patients with a doctor’s recommendation. There is no list of qualifying conditions. Medical cannabis dispensaries may sell to patients. Patients are limited to possessing three ounces of cannabis (or eight at home), six mature plants, and six seedlings. They may possess up to an ounce of concentrates and 72 ounces of edible cannabis products. As of July 2023, 2,821 dispensaries and 6,378 growers were licensed in Oklahoma. | ||
| Oregon | X | The Oregon Department of Human Services issues medical cannabis cards for patients diagnosed with cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, a degenerative or pervasive neurological condition, cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, PTSD, persistent muscle spasms, and any other condition added by the health department. Medical cannabis dispensaries may sell to patients and receive cannabis from patients, caregivers, and registered grow sites. Patients are limited to possessing 24 ounces of cannabis, six mature plants, and 18 immature plants. Also, in 2014, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, grow, and buy cannabis. | ||
| Penn. | X | Pennsylvania’s health department issues ID cards to qualifying patients with conditions including cancer, ALS, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, IBD, neurodegenerative diseases, Huntington’s, Crohn’s, PTSD, seizures, autism, sickle cell anemia, anxiety disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, substitute therapy for opiate addiction, and severe chronic or intractable pain. State law allows up to 50 dispensaries with up to three locations each and up to 25 separate growers/ processors. The first dispensaries opened in February 2018. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| Rhode Island | X | Rhode Island’s Department of Public Health issues medical cannabis cards for patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, hepatitis C, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, severe debilitating pain, cachexia, severe nausea, seizures, persistent muscle spasms, autism, and any other conditions added by the health department. In 2022, the legislature and governor legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Home cultivation is allowed for both patients and adults 21 and older. | ||
| South Carolina | X | Qualifying patients with severe forms of epilepsy that are not “adequately treated by traditional medical therapies” may be given cannabidiol or any preparation of cannabis with no more than 0.9% THC content and no less than 15% CBD. Although the CBD law itself does not include access, the state also has an industrial hemp law, defined as less than 0.3% THC. | ||
| South Dakota | X | The Department of Health issues registry cards to patients with a practitioner's certification and a qualifying medical condition: HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, ALS, cancer or its treatment (in some cases), Crohn's, epilepsy, PTSD, or a medical condition that produces: wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating pain; severe nausea (not associated with pregnancy); seizures; or severe and persistent muscle spasms. Patients may possess up to three ounces of cannabis and cultivate two mature and two immature plants. As of July 2023, there are 77 licensed dispensaries, 17 manufacturers, and 41 cultivators. | ||
| Tenn. | X | Patients with a doctor’s certification and a qualifying condition may possess cannabis oils with less than 0.9% THC. There is no provision for in-state access, though an industrial hemp law and the FARM Act provides a source. The conditions are: Alzheimer's disease; ALS; end-stage cancer; inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; epilepsy or seizures; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson's disease; HIV or AIDS; and sickle cell disease. | ||
| Texas | X | Texas allows certain patients to be prescribed cannabis with at least 10% CBD but no more than 1% THC. The qualifying conditions are epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, ALS, autism, terminal illness, PTSD and neurodegenerative diseases. Medical cannabis may be cultivated, processed, and dispensed by a handful of organizations regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Because the CBD oil must be prescribed under the law, participating doctors seem to be at risk under federal law. However, some doctors are participating, and dispensaries are operational in the state. | ||
| Utah | X | Utah’s qualifying conditions include: HIV, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, cancer, cachexia, persistent nausea that is not significantly responsive to traditional treatment (with exceptions), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, epilepsy, debilitating seizures, multiple sclerosis, debilitating muscle spasms, PTSD (provided certain conditions are met), autism, a terminal illness (with six months or fewer remaining), hospice care, or acute or chronic pain (provided that certain conditions are met). Patients may also petition the "compassionate use board" to become a qualifying patient for other conditions. The health department licenses and regulates growers and dispensaries. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| Vermont | X | The Cannabis Control Board issues medical cannabis cards to patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, glaucoma, chronic pain, cachexia, severe nausea, or seizures. Patients may possess up to two ounces and may grow up to six mature plants and 12 immature plants in an enclosed, locked facility. Five dispensaries were open as of July 2023. In addition, adults 21 and older may possess, cultivate, and buy limited amounts of cannabis. | ||
| Virginia | X | Patients qualify with a written certification from a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. There is no list of qualifying conditions. The state has approved five “pharmaceutical processors” and up to 25 dispensing locations will be approved. Twenty-one dispensaries are open as of July 2023. In 2021, the legislature legalized cultivation, use, and purchase of cannabis for adults 21 and older. However, many of the provisions for regulated, licensed sales required re-authorization by the legislature, which has not happened due to a change in control. | ||
| Wash. | X | Qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, seizure and spasm disorders, intractable pain, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, PTSD, and diseases causing nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss. Registered patients may grow six plants, while unregistered may grow four. Also, in 2012, voters approved an initiative to allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and buy cannabis. | ||
| West Virginia | X | The Bureau of Health issues identification cards to qualifying patients with a terminal illness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, neuropathies, Huntington’s disease, Crohn’s disease, PTSD, intractable seizures, sickle cell anemia, or — in some cases — intractable pain. As of April 2023, there were 48 dispensaries open in the state, along with growers, processors, and testing labs. Home cultivation is not allowed. | ||
| Wisconsin | X | Wisconsin allows anyone diagnosed with seizure disorders to possess “cannabidiol in a form without a psychoactive effect.” Any physician or pharmacy that has been given an investigational drug permit by the FDA is allowed to dispense cannabidiol, but it is unlikely as it relies on federal cooperation. Without an investigational drug permit or other federal permission, patients can only access CBD from a state that allows medical cannabis and allows out-of-state patients to use dispensaries. In addition, in late 2017, the state enacted a pilot program to license industrial hemp production, which may provide a means of access | ||
| Wyoming | X | Wyoming allows “hemp extracts” with up to 0.3% THC content and at least 5% CBD content for residents who suffer from intractable epilepsy or seizure disorders. Minors qualify if a parent or legal guardian monitors their use. The health department issues registration cards to qualifying patients. There are no means of access in the state, and any extracts must have an accompanying certificate of analysis verifying its THC/CBD content. | ||
| Totals | 38 | 3 | 8 | Idaho is the only state without any type of medical cannabis or low-THC law. |