{"id":286764,"date":"2019-10-16T15:12:27","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T20:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-statistics-what-the-topic-looks-like-in-2019.html"},"modified":"2024-04-30T13:18:41","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T18:18:41","slug":"marijuana-statistics-what-the-topic-looks-like-in-2019","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-statistics-what-the-topic-looks-like-in-2019.html","title":{"rendered":"Marijuana Statistics: Where the Law Stands in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Marijuana Statistics: Where the Law Stands in 2024<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 30, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Federal law imposes criminal penalties for marijuana cultivation, use, and possession. But, most state governments have legalized cannabis in some form.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Only four states deny residents all forms of marijuana use (Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina). Other states allow for marijuana for medical or recreational use.<\/p>\r\n<p>Marijuana use for medical purposes is legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.). Marijuana use for recreational purposes is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C. An additional seven states have decriminalized marijuana.<\/p>\r\n<p>In states that allow it, the cannabis industry involves a range of legal topics, including&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/marijuana-possession-laws-by-state.html\">criminal law<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html\">business and tax law<\/a>, state and federal law, FDA cannabis regulations, mental health, and more.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article covers interesting statistics about both the recreational use of cannabis and medical cannabis in the United States. To stay on the legal side of marijuana use, always check your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/marijuana.html\">state and local laws and regulations<\/a>&nbsp;regarding the sale and use of cannabis,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/is-cbd-legal.html\">cannabinoids (CBD)<\/a>, and edibles.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Criminal Law and Marijuana<\/h2>\r\n<p>States continue to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-vote--the-legal-history.html\">debate the legalization<\/a>&nbsp;of recreational and medical marijuana, along with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/marijuana-legalization-and-decriminalization-overview.html\">decriminalization of marijuana<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following information was gathered from state laws, national&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnevaleassociates.com\/file_download\/inline\/112e620b-7e71-4f96-a9d7-53830982cfa4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consulting firms<\/a>&nbsp;used by lawmakers, and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/health\/state-medical-cannabis-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Conference of State Legislatures<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>As of November 2023,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/health\/state-medical-cannabis-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">twenty-four states and two territories<\/a>&nbsp;have legalized adult-use marijuana. South Dakota residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana use, but their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2021\/11\/24\/1058884032\/south-dakotas-supreme-court-rules-against-legalization-of-recreational-marijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">state supreme court overruled it in 2021<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>To date,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/health\/state-medical-cannabis-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">38 states and the District of Columbia have medical marijuana laws<\/a>&nbsp;and implemented a medical marijuana program.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnevaleassociates.com\/file_download\/inline\/112e620b-7e71-4f96-a9d7-53830982cfa4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">74% of Americans<\/a>&nbsp;live in a state where medical or recreational marijuana is legal<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnevaleassociates.com\/file_download\/inline\/112e620b-7e71-4f96-a9d7-53830982cfa4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">53 % of Americans<\/a>&nbsp;live in a state where medical and recreational marijuana is legal<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnevaleassociates.com\/file_download\/inline\/112e620b-7e71-4f96-a9d7-53830982cfa4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">21% of Americans<\/a>&nbsp;live in a state where only medical marijuana use is allowed<\/li>\r\n<li>According to Gallup polls in October 2023,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/514007\/grassroots-support-legalizing-marijuana-hits-record.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">70% of Americans<\/a>&nbsp;support decriminalization and legalization of marijuana.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Both recreational marijuana for personal use and medical marijuana are legal in the following states:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Alaska<\/li>\r\n<li>Arizona<\/li>\r\n<li>California<\/li>\r\n<li>Colorado<\/li>\r\n<li>Connecticut<\/li>\r\n<li>D.C.<\/li>\r\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\r\n<li>Maine<\/li>\r\n<li>Maryland<\/li>\r\n<li>Massachusetts<\/li>\r\n<li>Michigan<\/li>\r\n<li>Minnesota<\/li>\r\n<li>Missouri<\/li>\r\n<li>Montana<\/li>\r\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\r\n<li>New Jersey<\/li>\r\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\r\n<li>New York<\/li>\r\n<li>Ohio<\/li>\r\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\r\n<li>Rhode Island<\/li>\r\n<li>Vermont<\/li>\r\n<li>Virginia<\/li>\r\n<li>Washington<\/li>\r\n<li>West Virginia<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>While we strive to provide the most current information available, state laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), and ballot initiatives. It&#8217;s best to consult an attorney in your area if you have questions about marijuana laws in your state.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Federal Initiatives on Marijuana Use and Crimes<\/h2>\r\n<p>Does cannabis legalization in Washington, D.C., mean marijuana is legal on a federal level? Not necessarily. Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Currently, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/controlled-substances-act-csa-overview.html\">Controlled Substance Act<\/a>&nbsp;(CSA) makes marijuana a Schedule I drug and illegal to possess, distribute, or possess.<\/p>\r\n<p>But, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/controlled-substances-act-csa-overview.html\">Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevent and Control Act of 1970<\/a>&nbsp;reduced federal penalties for marijuana and decriminalization in the states. There is also a movement for the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/opa\/pr\/dea-announces-steps-necessary-improve-access-marijuana-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DEA to approve<\/a>&nbsp;marijuana research facilities.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Marijuana as a Schedule I Drug<\/h3>\r\n<p>Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act, a federal law. This means the federal government does not approve any cannabis substance use, even medical use.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under federal law, possession of a small amount of marijuana results in a misdemeanor. If it is a second offense, it can result in a felony. If caught selling under 50 kilograms of marijuana, you can face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 federal fine.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Department of Health and Human Services recommended to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in August 2023 that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/crsreports.congress.gov\/product\/pdf\/IN\/IN12240\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cannabis be reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III<\/a>. A Schedule III substance is a substance that is \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/crsreports.congress.gov\/product\/pdf\/IN\/IN12240\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States<\/a>.&quot;<\/p>\r\n<p>If the DEA changes marijuana&#8217;s classification, then possession, distribution, and use would be legal under federal law (the CSA). An in-depth look at the HHS&#8217; recommendation and effect on federal law can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/legal\/litigation\/with-2023-rearview-mirror-what-should-cannabis-industry-expect-2024-2024-01-09\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Current Federal View on Marijuana<\/h3>\r\n<p>However, the federal government defers to each state to individually handle the penalties or fines for marijuana use. Absent legislation that could change at any time at the discretion of the Department of Justice.<\/p>\r\n<p>One federal initiative does exist, called the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/117th-congress\/house-bill\/3617\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act)<\/a>, which would decriminalize marijuana and remove it as a Schedule I drug.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Pardon Initiative<\/h3>\r\n<p>In 2022, President Biden proclaimed&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/briefing-room\/statements-releases\/2022\/10\/06\/statement-from-president-biden-on-marijuana-reform\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">states should not imprison individuals on simple marijuana charges alone<\/a>. This was his view, but it did not mandate states to follow his proclamation. Remember, states are allowed to make their own marijuana laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n<p>That same year, President Biden&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/pardon\/presidential-proclamation-marijuana-possession\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">proclaimed pardon availability<\/a>&nbsp;for simple federal marijuana possession prior to October 2022. In December 2023, this proclamation was extended through 2026.<\/p>\r\n<p>The pardon program also expanded to include potential pardons for charges before December 22, 2023, for:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Offenses under federal law for attempted possession of marijuana;<\/li>\r\n<li>Additional offenses under the D.C. Code for simple marijuana possession; and<\/li>\r\n<li>Violations of certain sections of the Code of Federal Regulations involving simple marijuana possession and use.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Individuals can apply for a certificate of pardon on a federal level using&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/usdoj-media\/pardon\/media\/1254846\/dl?inline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this form<\/a>. The pardon does not apply to state-level offenses.<\/p>\r\n<h2>General Marijuana Use Statistics<\/h2>\r\n<p>Much debate surrounds the decriminalization of marijuana and the various methods employed by each state to protect minors from marijuana abuse. Some statistics around this issue are below.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/research-reports\/marijuana\/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">52.5 million Americans reported<\/a>&nbsp;using cannabis in the last year<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/data\/sites\/default\/files\/reports\/rpt42731\/2022-nsduh-nnr.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In 2022<\/a>, 15% percent of people over 12 (or 42.3 million people) used marijuana in the past month (5.2% or 14.7 million people vaped)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/data\/sites\/default\/files\/reports\/rpt42731\/2022-nsduh-nnr.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In 2022,<\/a>&nbsp;young adults aged 18 to 25 (4.3 million people) vaped marijuana at the highest rate<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/247wallst.com\/special-report\/2023\/06\/26\/this-state-consumes-the-most-weed-ranking-use-by-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vermont&nbsp;<\/a>is the state with the highest number of cannabis users<\/li>\r\n<li>California has the highest number of cannabis sales (<a href=\"https:\/\/cfah.org\/marijuana-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$5.7 billion<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Cannabis products must have&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/science\/is-cbd-legal-heres-what-you-need-to-know-according-to-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3% mg of THC or less<\/a>&nbsp;to be legal<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cfah.org\/marijuana-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">15% of men smoke weed compared to 9% of women<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>48% of Americans have&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/marijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reported using marijuana<\/a>&nbsp;in their lifetime<\/li>\r\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cfah.org\/marijuana-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">percent of support among different generations<\/a>&nbsp;is: 51% Millennials (1981 to 1996), 50% Baby Boomers (1946 to 1964), 49% Gen X (1965 to 1990), and 19% Traditionalists (before 1946).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/data\/sites\/default\/files\/reports\/rpt42731\/2022-nsduh-nnr.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Survey on Drug Use and Health<\/a>&nbsp;(NSDUH) conducts annual surveys on drug use and can offer updated statistics on the use of marijuana.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Marijuana Sales and Economic Impact Statistics<\/h2>\r\n<p>The sale of marijuana or cannabis products continues to grow yearly. These&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mjbizdaily.com\/us-cannabis-sales-estimates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">statistics from Marijuana Business Daily<\/a>&nbsp;help show the large impact the marijuana industry already has and where the economic trends might be heading:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Estimated $11.1 billion in medical marijuana sales in 2023<\/li>\r\n<li>Estimated $22.5 billion in recreational marijuana sales in 2023<\/li>\r\n<li>It is estimated there will be $36.8 billion in recreational marijuana sales by the end of 2026<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>California tax revenue from recreational cannabis sales reached over&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/1124538\/tax-revenue-from-cannabis-sales-by-state-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$1 billion in 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Looking for Marijuana-Related Legal Help?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Marijuana legalization and the regulations surrounding it will continue to change and adapt. Knowing your state&#8217;s specific laws and how to stay within the law helps you understand law enforcement and find legal dispensaries in your state.<\/p>\r\n<p>When you need help, an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney with a focus on marijuana-related crimes<\/a>&nbsp;can be essential in protecting your right to use marijuana or reducing cannabis-related charges.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            <p>Cannabis is a complex area of law. Start by learning what you need to form and operate a cannabis business:<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business.html\">Starting your cannabis business<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/Federal-and-State-Marijuana-Laws-and-Your-Pot-Business.html\">Federal and state cannabis laws<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\">The medical cannabis industry<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Then, protect your rights by calling a business lawyer familiar with cannabis laws. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL0815\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html\">\n                        Cannabis Licensing, Permits, and Planning\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\">\n                        Medical Marijuana Laws by State\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-investment-legal-information-about-marijuana-stocks.html\">\n                        Investing in Cannabis\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannabis Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Defense Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business and Commercial Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h3 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    DIY Forms for Cannabis Business\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Restrictive federal laws and ever-changing state laws make the marijuana industry a dynamic environment for cannabis business owners. Before you open a cannabis business, make sure it is legal in your state, and follow your state laws. Once you decide on an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp business, you can register your business entity online using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" title=\"DIY business formation forms\">DIY business formation forms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recent marijuana statistics show the changing industry, taxes, criminal charges, and legalization issues across the states. Learn more about the evolving legal topics and the impact the marijuana industry has on Americans on Findlaw&#8217;s marijuana statistics page.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":286760,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2725],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-286764","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-cannabis-law"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=286764"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286764\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399415,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286764\/revisions\/399415"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=286764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=286764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=286764"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=286764"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=286764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}