It’s no secret that the cannabis industry has boomed since California first legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes in 1996. Cannabis use, possession ballot initiatives and legislative bills have passed in over 44 states. The industry generated $9 billion in 2017 and experts predict sales will rise to $21 billion by 2021.
But rapid change has induced some confusion. Of the 44 states with laws on their books, only 11 legalized recreational use. The remaining 33 only permit medicinal marijuana. The constantly shifting legalization map represents a challenge for both consumers and growers who want to stay on the right side of the law. And for insurers, it presents an opportunity.
Find out the current legal status in each state with the map below.
Image by Ilona Szentivanyi. Copyright: Benzinga.