Although both recreational and medical marijuana come from the exact same cannabis plant, for legal and taxation purposes, they are classified differently. Find out what the difference between medical and recreational weed is below.
1. What is “Regular” Marijuana?
Regular marijuana is used for recreational and social purposes without medical justification. Adults ages 21+ in 18 US states, plus Washington DC, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, can possess state determined legal amounts of marijuana for consumption on private property.
2. What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is prescribed by a healthcare provider for the purpose of treating a qualifying condition to alleviate any associated symptoms. Medical marijuana users require a medical diagnosis and doctor’s recommendation. Qualifying conditions vary state by state.
3. Different Effects of Medical vs. Recreational Marijuana
While medical vs. recreational weed are often the exact same, the main differentiator between cannabis products are the levels of THC, CBD, and presence of terpenes. Different forms of marijuana, such as edibles, tinctures, smokable flower, high potency concentrates, topicals, and more, will also produce varying effects.
3.1. THC & CBD Levels
CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, assists with managing pain, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD has been popular for users with chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and opioid addiction. THC, a mind-altering cannabinoid, has been used by patients with insomnia, anorexia, nausea, and more. Marijuana product options include high CBD/low or no THC, hybrid with equal amounts of THC/CBD, and high THC/low or no CBD. If you are a medical marijuana patient, talk to your healthcare provider about which types of products would most suit your needs. For recreational users, talk to your local budtender for product recommendations.
3.2. Ease of Access & Availability
To find medical or recreational dispensaries in your area, check out weedmaps.
3.3. Quality
Not every state requires testing of medical or recreational marijuana for contaminants. To be sure, look for proof of testing on products before purchasing, or ask your local dispensary for more details.
3.4. The Difference in Shopping Experiences
Medical marijuana patients in the United States often, but not always, have lower or zero marijuana taxes on their purchases made at state licensed dispensaries, are allowed to possess higher quantities of marijuana, and are allowed to purchase more marijuana compared to recreational users. When shopping, you will either need to provide a state license/passport to show proof of age, and/or a state medical marijuana license.
3.5. State by State Recreational vs. Medical Marijuana Laws
Navigating the laws surrounding medical & recreational marijuana can vary widely from state to state. To make life a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of what you need to know about recreational + medical marijuana use in the United States. Currently, adult-use marijuana consumption by those ages 21+ is permitted in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Guam, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC. See below for state specific regulations between medical vs. recreational marijuana.
1. Alaska Marijuana Laws.
Recreational Marijuana Use in Alaska
- Adults 21+ can legally use & possess cannabis for personal use.
- Cannabis must be consumed on private property.
- Home grow is permitted of up to 6 marijuana plants, only three of plants can be mature & flowering.
Medical Marijuana Use in Alaska
- Must provide original, signed physician’s statement stating the patient has a qualifying debilitating medical condition, a photocopy of Applicant’s Alaska Driver’s License or Alaska Identification Card to apply.
In Alaska it is illegal to:
- Consume cannabis in public.
- Consume or possess cannabis on federal land (such as national parks, forests, or federal property), Alaskan waterways (including cruise ships), or by air carrier.
- Drive a car/boat/ATV/aircraft/scooter under the influence of marijuana (no amount of THC is tolerated & can result in a DUI even if used for medical purposes).
- Transport marijuana outside the state of Alaska (even to legalized states).
For more information on Alaska’s marijuana regulations, visit dhss.alaska.gov or read through the responsible consumer fact book.
2. Arizona Marijuana Laws.
Recreational Marijuana Use in Arizona
- As of November 30, 2020, the consumption, possession, or transferring of up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use is legal for adults ages 21 & over.
- Possession, transportation, cultivation, or processing of no more than six marijuana plants for personal use at the individual’s primary residence is permitted.
- Marijuana cultivation must take place within a closet, room, greenhouse, or other enclosed area on the grounds of the residence equipped with a lock or other security device that prevents access by minors.
Medical Marijuana Use in Arizona
- Only online MMJ applications are accepted.
- Must have a qualifying medical condition, state law also allows for request of additional conditions.
- Physicians, including Allopathic (MD), Osteopathic (DO), Homeopathic [MD(H) or DO(H)], and Naturopathic [NMD or ND], with a valid Arizona license, may certify patients for medical marijuana.
- Patients may possess up to two & a half ounces of usable marijuana.
- If the patient is authorized for home grow, & lives further than 25 miles away from a dispensary, up to twelve marijuana plants are permitted for cultivation in an enclosed/locked area.
In Arizona it is illegal to:
- Drive/fly/boat under the influence of any degree of marijuana.
- Publicly consume or smoke marijuana.
- Transport more than five grams of marijuana in the form of marijuana concentrate.
For more information on Arizona’s marijuana regulations, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services.
3. California Marijuana Laws.
Recreational Marijuana Use in California
- Cultivation of up to 6 plants permitted for adults 21+ (double check with local government for additional rules as some require a permit).
- Adults 21+ can recreationally use marijuana.
- If you’re driving with cannabis, it must either be in a sealed package/container or in the trunk.
Medical Marijuana Use in California
- Must be 18+ with a physician’s recommendation, proof of identity, & proof of residence to qualify.
- Must have an eligible medical condition or chronic/persistent medical symptoms as determined by a physician.
- Medical marijuana cards, while optional, allow patients to be exempt from marijuana sales + use tax.
In California it is illegal to:
- Use cannabis at public establishments such as restaurants or bars.
- Dive with an open container of cannabis.
- Drive under the influence of cannabis.
For more information on California’s marijuana regulations, visit the Department of Cannabis Control.
4. Colorado Marijuana Laws.
Recreational Marijuana Use in Colorado
- Adults 21+ can carry up to 2 ounces of marijuana.
- Coloradans can possess, grow, process, or transport up to six marijuana plants, with three or fewer being mature/flowering plants at any one time, growing must take place in enclosed/locked space & cannot be sold.
Medical Marijuana Use in Colorado
- Patients must have a debilitating medical condition & reside in Colorado.
- Possess no more than two ounces of usable marijuana.
- Home grow of up to six marijuana plants, up to three can be mature/flowering plants.
In Colorado it is illegal to:
- Use cannabis in public indoor/outdoor spaces.
- Drive under the influence of marijuana.
For more information on Colorado’s marijuana regulations, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment site.
5. Connecticut Marijuana Laws.
Recreational Marijuana Use in Connecticut
- Residents over the age of 21 can legally consume & possess 1.5 oz of cannabis.
- Currently no home grow is allowed for recreational use, but all adults will be able to grow starting July 1, 2023.
- At home, landlords may prohibit smoking + vaping, but they generally may not prohibit possession or consumption of other forms of cannabis.
Medical Marijuana Use in Connecticut
- Medical marijuana patients ages 18+ are able to grow up to 3 mature & 3 immature plants indoors at their residence, effective October 1, 2021 onwards, with a cap of 12 total plants per household.
- Monthly allotment of medical marijuana for registered medical marijuana patients of up to 3 ounces per month.
- To be eligible for medical marijuana, patients must be a Connecticut resident, have a debilitating medical condition, & be treated by a Connecticut-licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse.
In Connecticut it is illegal to:
- Home grow if you are not a medical marijuana patient (until July 1, 2023).
Marijuana Doctor offers telemedicine services for those interested in applying for a Connecticut Medical Marijuana Card. The total cost of a new patient certification is $179 and recertification is $149 ($100 State application fee is not included). Our consultations are Risk-Free and if the physician determines that you do not qualify – you don’t pay!
For more information on Connecticut’s recreational and medical marijuana regulations, visit Connecticut’s official state website.
6. Guam Marijuana Laws.
Legal Recreational Marijuana Use in Guam
- Legal since April 2019 for adults ages 21 & up.
- Possession of 1 ounce or less of cannabis, 8 grams or less of cannabis concentrates, or any cannabis infused product containing 800 mg or less of THC.
- Home grow permitted for recreational use of up to 6 marijuana plants, up to three can be mature flowering plants, growing must take place in enclosed/locked space, marijuana produced cannot be sold.
- Patients must have a debilitating medical condition & medical cannabis written certification from a healthcare provider.
- Patients with a Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) Registry Card can carry up to two & a half ounces of medical marijuana.
For more information on Guam’s marijuana regulations, visit the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) site.
7. Illinois Marijuana Laws.
Legal Recreational Marijuana Use in Illinois
From January 1, 2020 onwards, adults 21+ can legally purchase, consume, & possess cannabis for personal use. One thing to note in Illinois is that the possession limits vary between residents and non-residents.
- Cannabis can be consumed at entities with an on-premises consumption license, as well as on private property subject to the discretion of the property owner.
- Cannabis can be transported in a vehicle but cannot be accessible by any occupant of the vehicle & must be in a child-resistant container.
- Possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis flower for Illinois residents & 15 grams for non-residents.
- Possession of up to 500 milligrams of THC infused products for Illinois residents & 250 milligrams for non-residents.
- Possession of up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates for Illinois residents & 2.5 grams for non-residents.
Medical Marijuana Use in Illinois:
- Home grow permitted in enclosed/locked space for registered qualifying patients under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act.
- Limit of 5 marijuana plants that are more than 5 inches tall per household.
In Illinois it is illegal to:
- Consume cannabis in public spaces or inside a vehicle.
- Operate any motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or snowmobile under of the influence of cannabis.
- Give away or sell home grown marijuana plants as a medical marijuana patient.
For more information on Illinois’s marijuana regulations, visit the Chicago government website.
8. Maine Marijuana Laws.
Recreational Marijuana Use in Maine
Adult-use became legal from November 8, 2016 onwards.
- Adults 21+ can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, with no more than 5 grams of marijuana concentrate.
- Cultivate up to three mature marijuana plants per person for recreational use.
Medical Marijuana Use in Maine
- Patients may possess up to eight ounces of harvested marijuana.
- Medical provider must provide certification to recommend marijuana for patient.
- Home grow up to six mature marijuana plants, 12 immatures plants, & unlimited seedlings.
In Maine it is illegal to:
- Consume cannabis as a passenger or driver in a vehicle
For more information on Maine’s marijuana regulations, visit the Maine Legislature webpage.
9. Massachusetts Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Massachusetts
- Adults 21+ may carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana, no more than 5 grams of marijuana concentrate.
- Up to 10 ounces of marijuana possession allowed at home.
- Cultivation of no more than 6 marijuana plants for personal use.
Medical Marijuana Use in Massachusetts
- Must be 18+ & a resident of Massachusetts to qualify for the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program.
- Individuals under 18 will need parental or guardian approval, along with certification by two Certifying Health Care Providers, one of whom must be a pediatrician or pediatric specialist.
- Must have a qualifying medical condition.
- Legal possession of up to 10 ounces of medical marijuana, and if needed, a Certifying Health Care Provider can request for more if medically necessary.
- Must renew your medical marijuana patient status annually.
Please note there are no longer any registration or renewal fees associated with applying for a Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program registration card. For more information on Massachusetts’s marijuana regulations, visit the Massachusetts government website.
10. Michigan Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Michigan
- Adults 21+ can carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana with a maximum of 15 grams of concentrates at one time.
- Grow as many as 12 plants at home.
- Can possess up tp 10 oz of marijuana in secured location at home.
Medical Marijuana Use in Michigan
- Must be Michigan resident, age 18 & up.
- Be diagnosed with debilitating condition.
- Visit M.D. or D.O. licensed in Michigan.
In Michigan it is illegal to:
- Publicly consume marijuana.
- Drive under the influence of marijuana.
For more information on Michigan’s marijuana regulations, visit the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency.
11. Montana Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Montana
- From January 1, 2021 onwards, adults 21+ may possess & use up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
- Home grow permitted of up to two seedlings + two mature marijuana plants for personal use.
Medical Marijuana Use in Montana
- Must provide proof of Montana residency to apply.
- Home grow permitted for medical marijuana cardholders of up to four seedlings + four mature marijuana plants in a private residence.
- Registered cardholders may purchase up to 1 ounce of medical marijuana per day, five ounces per month, or petition for an exception to purchase limits.
- Marijuana possession inside a motor vehicle on the highway must remain locked in a glove/storage compartment/trunk.
For more information on Montana’s marijuana regulations, visit the Montana Department of Revenue site or read the House Bill (HB) 701.
12. Nevada Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Nevada
- Adult use for those 21+ is permitted.
- Possession of up to one ounce of cannabis.
- Possession of up to ⅛ ounce of cannabis concentrates.
- Home grow of up to six marijuana plants is only permitted if there are no state-licensed cannabis shops within 25 miles of residence.
Medical Marijuana Use in Nevada
- Maximum possession of two & one half ounces of usable marijuana in any one 14 day period (defined in NRS 453A.160).
- Home grow up to twelve marijuana plants.
In Nevada it is illegal to:
- Purchase marijuana from any other source that is not a state-licensed retail store.
- Consume marijuana in a moving vehicle as a driver or passenger.
- Have unlawful amounts of medical marijuana in the blood or urine while operating a vehicle, per N.R.S. 484.379, 10 nanograms per milliliter of urine & 2 nanograms per milliliter of blood.
- Embark on an amusement ride while under the influence of medical marijuana.
- Have physical possession of a firearm while under the influence of medical marijuana.
For more information on Nevada’s marijuana regulations, visit the State of Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board website.
13. New Jersey Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in New Jersey
From February 22, 2021, regulated cannabis became legal, effective immediately.
- Personal use/possession of cannabis for adults ages 21 & up.
- Possession of up to six ounces of cannabis.
Medical Marijuana Use in New Jersey
Unless visibly impaired while driving, New Jersey police are also no longer able to stop and search individuals based upon the smell of marijuana or are to use trained K9s to detect marijuana (unless the marijuana is in such large quantities as for distribution/selling purposes). For more information on New Jersey’s regulations, read the personal use cannabis rules defined by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
14. New Mexico Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in New Mexico
- Adults 21+ can purchase up to two ounces of cannabis, 16 grams of cannabis extract, & 800 milligrams of edibles at one given time.
- Any excess amounts of cannabis (from the amount determined above) must be stored in a private residence.
Medical Marijuana Use in New Mexico
- In a three month (or 90 day) period, patients can purchase up 230 units of medical cannabis
- 1 unit equals 1 gram of dried flower
- For infused products such as edibles, 1 unit equals 200 milligrams or .2 grams of THC in the product
- Medical providers can petition for medical cannabis unit increases if desired.
- 28 qualifying conditions, full list here.
- If your condition is not listed you can also petition the Medical Advisory Board for medical marijuana access.
- Must transport & store medical cannabis products in original dispensary packaging.
For more detailed information on marijuana laws in New Mexico, please visit the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department website.
15. New York Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in New York
- Adults 21+ may buy/possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower & up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrates.
- May only purchase from a NY state licensed dispensary.
- Consumption permitted at private residence or state-licensed on-site consumption sites (coming soon).
- Although landlords can ban cannabis consumption on their properties, they cannot refuse to rent to a tenant who uses cannabis.
- While home cultivation is not available yet, adult New Yorkers 21+ will eventually be able to grow up to six marijuana plants (three mature + three immature) for personal use.
Medical Marijuana Use in New York
- Must have a qualifying condition.
- Registered organizations can dispense up to 60 day medical marijuana supply to registered patients, in accordance with recommendation issued by patient’s practitioner.
- Home grow of up to six marijuana plants currently under 60-day public comment period (although not legal yet).
Marijuana Doctor offers telemedicine services for those interested in applying for a New York medical marijuana card. Click here to speak to one of our medical marijuana practitioners online. If you qualify, our physician will provide you with a certification that may be used the same day at a nearby medical cannabis dispensary. After your online certification is approved, the NY State Health Department will mail you an official medical marijuana card within 7 days.
For more detailed information on marijuana laws in New York, please visit the New York State Office of Cannabis Management website.
16. Oregon Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Oregon
- Adults 21+ can possess, use, and buy marijuana from a licensed marijuana retailer.
- Public possession of one ounce of usable marijuana, one ounce of cannabinoid extracts/concentrates, 16 ounces of cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 ounces of cannabinoid product in liquid form, ten marijuana seeds, & four immature marijuana plants.
- Possession on private property of up to eight ounces of usable marijuana (dried leaves + flowers), one ounce cannabinoid extracts/concentrates, 16 ounces of cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 ounces of cannabinoid product in liquid form, ten marijuana seeds, & four marijuana plants.
- Gifting/giveaway of marijuana is allowed (but may not have any financial consideration).
Medical Marijuana Use in Oregon
- Individuals must have a qualifying condition + recommendation from an attending physician, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), to apply for medical marijuana.
- A medical marijuana patient or caregiver may possess 24 ounces of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of a medical cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 ounces of a medical cannabinoid product in liquid form, 16 ounces of a cannabinoid concentrate, five grams of a cannabinoid extract, four immature marijuana plants, & 50 seeds.
For more information on Oregon’s marijuana regulations, visit the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission site.
17. South Dakota Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in South Dakota - To Be Determined
- Adult use legalization bill must go before executive board before full legislature in 2022.
- Not yet legal as of yet.
Medical Marijuana Use in South Dakota
- As of November 8, 2021, physicians licensed in accordance with SDCL 36-4 can now began certifying medical cannabis patients.
For more information on South Dakota’s medical marijuana program, visit the Medical Cannabis in South Dakota website.
18. Vermont Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Vermont
- Possess up to one ounce of cannabis, five grams of hashish.
- Home grow permitted of up to two mature cannabis plants or four immature cannabis plants.
Medical Marijuana Use in Vermont
- Possession limit of two mature marijuana plants, seven immature plants, & two ounces of usable cannabis.
- Cannabis harvested from home grow does not count towards the two ounce cannabis limit if stored at the indoor facility where cultivation occurs.
- Must have a debilitating medical condition to qualify.
- Must renew medical marijuana card annually.
- Registered patient must designate only one dispensary to purchase from.
- Dispensary delivery services available for licensed patients in Bennington, Brandon, Brattleboro, Burlington, Middlebury, Montpelier, & South Burlington.
For more information, please visit the State of Vermont Cannabis Control Board.
19. Virginia Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Virginia
- From July 1, 2021 onwards, adults 21+ may possess up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use.
- Home cultivation of up to four marijuana plants permitted per household for personal use.
- Home grow plants must be labeled with a legible tag with the adult's name, driver's license/ID number, & note that says the marijuana is home grown for personal use as authorized by state law.
- Adult use sales will begin after January 1, 2024.
Medical Marijuana Use in Virginia
- Written certification issued from a board-registered practitioner required.
- Current active patient registration issued by the Board of Pharmacy required.
- Must renew annually.
In Virginia it is illegal to:
- Manufacture marijuana concentrate from home grow.
- Sell any amount of marijuana.
For more information, please visit the Cannabis Control Authority site.
20. Washington Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Washington
- Adults 21+ can purchase up to one ounce of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana edibles, 72 ounces in liquid form, or seven grams of marijuana concentrate.
Medical Marijuana Use in Washington
- Adults 21+ can purchase three ounces of usable marijuana, 48 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, 216 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form, or 21 grams of marijuana concentrate.
- Home grow up to six plants for personal use, with up to eight ounces of usable marijuana from their cultivation.
- Must be Washington resident, diagnosed with a qualifying condition, & receive a medical marijuana authorization from health care practitioner.
- No age restriction if deemed medically necessary.
- Department of Health compliant High-THC products may only be sold by a medically-endorsed retail store & be purchased by a qualifying patient/designated provider.
In Washington it is illegal to:
- Drive under the influence of marijuana with more than 5 nanograms of active THC per milliliter of blood.
- Purchase marijuana from anywhere other than a state licensed retail store.
Please note that many cannabis retail stores in Washington only accept cash payment. For more information, please visit the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board site.
21. Washington, D.C. Marijuana Laws
Recreational Marijuana Use in Washington, D.C.
- From February 26, 2015 onwards, adults 21+ may possess & use up to two ounces of marijuana for personal use on private property.
- Home grow up to six marijuana plants, with no more than three mature plants.
- Marijuana parties with adults 21+ at a private residence permitted.
Medical Marijuana Use in Washington, D.C.
- Washington DC residents & minors may be eligible for medical marijuana if diagnosed with a qualifying condition or related side effect.
- Purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis during a 30 day period.
- Possess up to two ounces of marijuana.
- Allowed forms include flower, concentrates, edibles, transdermal products, seeds, or seedlings.
- Reciprocity allows for non-resident medical marijuana patients from Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, & West Virginia to purchase from DC dispensaries.
In Washington, D.C. it is illegal to:
- Operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of marijuana
- Sell marijuana to another person
3.6. Marijuana Taxes
Medical Marijuana Tax in Alaska: Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Alaska: No statewide tax, 5% local excise tax in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, & Mat-Su Borough, 3% excise tax in Juneau
For more information visit the Alaska Department of Revenue.
Medical Marijuana Tax in Arizona: No additional tax
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Arizona - 16% excise tax
For more information visit the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Medical Marijuana Tax in California - 15% excise tax
Recreational Marijuana Tax in California - 15% excise tax
Medical Marijuana Tax in Colorado - 2.9% state sales tax + local tax (if applicable)
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Colorado - 15% state sales tax + local tax (if applicable)
For more information visit the Colorado General Assembly website.
Medical Marijuana Tax in Connecticut - Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Connecticut - 6.35% state sales tax + 3% town/city sales tax + 10-15% THC tax of sales price, total is roughly 20%
For more information visit the Connecticut Official State website.
Medical Marijuana Tax in Guam - Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Guam - Sales tax exempt
In Guam, marijuana taxes are paid by cultivation operations. For more information visit the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation.
Medical Marijuana Tax in Illinois - 1% state sales tax
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Illinois - 6.25% state sales tax + local taxes up to 3.5% + additional tax dependent on the product purchased: 10% tax on flower/products with less than 35% THC, 25% tax on products with 35% & above THC content, 20% tax on cannabis infused products
For more information visit the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Medical Marijuana Tax in Maine - 5.5% state sales tax, 8% for edibles
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Maine - 10% sales tax
For more information visit the Maine Legislature site.
Medical Marijuana Tax in Massachusetts - Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana Tax in Massachusetts - 6.25% sales tax + 10.75% excise tax + up to 3% local excise tax
For more information visit the Massachusetts Department of Revenue site.
Medical Marijuana in Michigan - 6% sales tax
Recreational Marijuana in Michigan - 10% excise tax + 6% sales tax
For more information read the State of Michigan Department of Treasury Revenue Administrative Bulletin.
Medical Marijuana in Montana - 4% retail tax on medical marijuana
Recreational Marijuana in Montana - 20% retail tax on recreational marijuana
For more information visit the Montana Department of Revenue Cannabis Control Division.
Medical Marijuana in Nevada -
Recreational Marijuana in Nevada - 10% excise tax
For more information visit the State of Nevada Department of Taxation.
Medical Marijuana in New Mexico - Tax exempt during rolling 90 day supply
Recreational Marijuana in New Mexico - 12% excise tax + 8% sales tax
For more information visit the New Mexico Legislature site.
Medical Marijuana in New York - 7% excise tax
Recreational Marijuana in New York - 9% state excise tax + 4% local excise tax
For more information visit the New York Department of Taxation & Finance.
Medical Marijuana in Oregon - Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana in Oregon - 17% retail tax + potential 3% tax for localities
For more information visit the Oregon Marijuana Tax Program page.
Medical Marijuana in Vermont - Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana in Vermont - 6% sales tax + 14% excise tax
For more information read Vermont’s Taxation of Sales of Medical Marijuana and Related Paraphernalia.
Medical Marijuana in Virginia - Sales tax exempt
Recreational Marijuana in Virginia - 21% state sales tax
For more information visit the Commonwealth of Virginia website.
Recreational Marijuana in Washington - 37% excise tax
Medical Marijuana in Washington: Sales tax exempt
For more information visit the Washington State Department of Health.
4. Workplace Tolerance
Whether you are a recreational or medical user, the regulations may vary by state. Most states allow businesses to enforce their own drug policies. Although, in New York, employers are prohibited from discriminating against adults 21+ who legally consume marijuana outside of work, and cannot fire an individual based upon the smell of marijuana.
5. Conclusion
Marijuana regulations, for both recreational and medical, continue to evolve over time. It’s important to keep up to date on your state’s laws by checking government websites periodically to steer clear of legal repercussions.
