Cannabis Use & Possession

Recreational Use Legalized

A check mark appears in the Recreational Use Legalized column if the jurisdiction has legalized the purchase, possession, or consumption of cannabis for recreational use by an adult.

Underage Prohibitions

The entry displays prohibitions specified by the jurisdiction with respect to cannabis and persons under 21 years of age.  The alternatives are:

• Purchase
• Possession
• Consumption
• Furnishing

A jurisdiction is classified as prohibiting underage Purchase if the law prohibits either actual or attempted purchase.

These data address only prohibitions that are specific to "minors" or persons under the age of 21. 

If the jurisdiction specifies a particular legal knowledge standard or knowledge threshold that must apply to establish a violation with respect to furnishing to an underage person, this information is also included in a row or jurisdiction note.

Public Consumption

The entry indicates whether the consumption of recreational cannabis products in public (outside a private residence or other private location) is either prohibited or restricted by the jurisdiction.  There are three mutually exclusive coding options:

• Prohibited: The jurisdiction specifically prohibits public consumption, with no exceptions or qualifications.
• Restricted: The jurisdiction only allows consumption outside a private residence or other private location if: (a) consumption takes place in a private club or social club setting, (b) the jurisdiction allows in-store sampling or tastings, or (c) the jurisdiction provides for retail recreational cannabis sales for on-premises consumption. Details are included in the Row Notes.  (Note: Provisions addressing retail recreational cannabis sales for on-premises consumption are covered in the Retail Sales variable in Recreational Use of Cannabis)
• None: The jurisdiction has no law either prohibiting or restricting public consumption.