The last decade has brought a wave of legalization and decriminalization across most of the country. Despite this, there are still a few states in the U.S. where you can get a felony for weed possession. So far, 18 states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, and 37 have created medical programs.
In the states where weed is still fully illegal, many have decriminalized it heavily. This accounts for a total of 32 states. If you’re traveling or considering moving, it is worth noting which states have not decriminalized cannabis. What follows are the states where you can get a felony for possessing weed.
States Where You Can Get a Felony For Weed
Alabama
In Alabama, possession of cannabis for any reason other than “personal use” is considered a Class C felony.
Florida
In Florida, possession of any amount of cannabis over 20 grams is a felony.
Georgia
Georgia classifies possession of greater than one ounce of cannabis as a felony.
Idaho
Greater than three ounces of cannabis is a felony in Idaho.
Indiana
It is possible to get a felony for weed in Indiana if you have a prior offense and are caught with over 30 grams.
Iowa
Possession in Iowa is a misdemeanor, but possession with intent to distribute is a felony.
Kansas
Possession with intent to distribute is a felony in Kansas.
Kentucky
Possession of 5 or more plants in Kentucky is a felony.
Oklahoma
If you have had a prior offense, then possession of cannabis is a felony in Oklahoma.
Pennsylvania
Growing cannabis in Pennsylvania is a felony.
South Dakota
Possession of more than two ounces of cannabis is a felony in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Possession with intent to distribute is a felony in Tennessee.
Texas
Possession of more than 4 ounces of weed is a felony in Texas.
Utah
Possession of one pound or more of weed is a felony in Utah.
Wisconsin
Subsequent possession of cannabis will result in a felony charge in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Possession of more than 3 ounces is a felony in Wyoming.
States Where Weed Is Recreationally Legal
Just for a point of reference, I wanted to include the states where marijuana is recreationally legal. You can legally buy weed in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
States Where Weed Is Medically Legal
Weed is medically legal in even more states in the U.S. at a whopping 37. These states include Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
Conclusion
It’s always better to air on the side of extreme caution when consuming or possessing cannabis in any illegal state. Though weed is recreationally legal in 18 states, and medically legal in 37 states, you can’t openly possess weed everywhere in the United States. Use this guide as a way to stay informed of any updates on the criminalization of cannabis in these states where possession will earn you a felony.
