At the moment the USA is leading the way in the battle to legalise and make marijuana more accessible. Currently there are four states in which marijuana is legal for recreational use in the United States. They are Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. Washington, D.C., also allows the recreational use of marijuana. Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada and California have also voted to allow recreational use. So about 21% of Americans live in a state where it is legal to use marijuana for recreational use.

USA is becoming more cannabis friendly by the day as Washington DC became the latest place where the smoking and possession of cannabis is legal.

The capital of the United States has allowed the recreational use of weed after the states of Alaska, Colorado, Washington and Oregon have already amended their laws.

Residents and visitors can now have as much as two ounces (56 grams) of cannabis on their person and can even grow up to six plants at home – provided they are over the age of 21.

However, smoking spliffs on the streets of Washington would be prohibited as it is only allowed in private places. Buying and selling cannabis remains illegal outside of licensed shops.


Alaska have changed their laws to allow the possession of up to one ounce (28.5 grams) of weed and private cultivation of up to six plants.

In Oregon the recreational smoking of cannabis has also been legal from the year 1914 and it will be available to buy from designated shops.

The personal allowance of eight ounces in Oregon is significantly more generous than the other states and households will also be allowed to grow up to four plants each.

In Colorado, possession of up to one ounce is allowed and up to seven grams is permitted for non-residents. Smoking with discretion has also been advised. The state has also collected at least $60 million in taxes so far from licensed dispensary sales.

The state of Washington voted in favour of decriminalising marijuana in 2012. It is currently legal to purchase up to an ounce to smoke in private areas.