How Many States Have Legalized Medical Marijuana in 2021?

Benefits & Side Effects
- What are the effects of marijuana on the body?
Uses
- What are the medical uses of marijuana?

As a psychoactive drug that can be used for both recreational and medicinal purposes, marijuana has been legalized in 39 states as of May 18, 2021. Learn more about the effects of marijuana on physical and mental health.

Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most commonly used recreational drug after tobacco. As a psychoactive drug that can be used for both recreational and medicinal purposes, marijuana has been legalized in 39 states.

As of May 18, 2021, the use of medical marijuana is legal in:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Guam
Hawaii
Illinois
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode island
Vermont
U.S Virgin Islands
Utah
Virginia (with some limitations)
Washington
West Virginia (only for terminally ill patients)

After the new amendments in 2021, marijuana is legal to consume recreationally in several states as well.

What are the effects of marijuana on the body?

Both short-term and long-term exposure to marijuana can impact your physical and mental health.

Impaired brain functioning

You may experience impaired judgment as well as difficulty concentrating, learning, and remembering things after using marijuana.

Although this is a short-term effect that lasts for the first 24 hours after consumption, the effect may be more severe in teens. Teenage marijuana consumption can cause permanent problems in the brain regions that are used for learning skills, memory, and focusing ability.

Lung damage

Long-term use of marijuana can weaken your immune system, inflame your lungs and make you more prone to lung infections.

Increased heart rate

Marijuana can increase the heart rate from 70 to 120 beats per minute. It also releases certain chemicals that may put you at a higher risk of heart attacks.

Increased appetite

Because marijuana use can cause increased feelings of hunger, the drug may help people with AIDS, cancer, or other health conditions that cause a decreased appetite. Research is underway to investigate whether the drug really is safe and beneficial to use in these diseases.

Altered mental state

Getting a “high” is the reason most people try marijuana, due to its main ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain. While some people experience euphoria, others may feel anxiety or panic. Frequent use of marijuana is associated with depression and exacerbating already existing mental illnesses. Higher doses can even lead to someone losing touch with reality.