How to Read the Map

Our interactive maps use colors and symbols to show cannabis legal status at a glance. Here's how to understand everything you see.

Map Colors

Main Status Colors

The map uses four colors to show overall legal status:

🟢 Green - Legal

• Recreational cannabis is fully legal for adults
• Licensed dispensaries operate legally
• Possession and use permitted within limits

🟡 Yellow - Medical Only

• Medical cannabis programs exist
• Recreational use remains illegal
• Requires doctor's recommendation or medical card

🔵 Blue - Decriminalized

• Small possession not a criminal offense
• May result in civil fines (like a traffic ticket)
• Sale and distribution still illegal

🔴 Red - Illegal

• Cannabis possession, sale, and use prohibited
• Subject to criminal penalties
• No medical or recreational programs

Location Detail Page

When you click a location, you'll see a detailed page with:

Status Badge (Top Left of Map)

Shows the primary legal status with matching color:

• Color square indicator
• Status label (Legal, Medical Only, etc.)

Quick Facts Legend (Below Status)

Compact information with colored dots:

🟢 Rec: Legal or 🔴 Rec: Illegal

• Green dot = Recreational is legal
• Red dot = Recreational is illegal

🟢 Med: Legal or 🔴 Med: Illegal

• Green dot = Medical program exists
• Red dot = No medical program

🔵 Possession

• Maximum legal amount you can possess
• Example: "Up to 1 oz" or "30g limit"

🟣 Buy/Sell

• Where and how to legally purchase
• Example: "Licensed dispensaries" or "Pharmacies only"

🟠 Tourists

• Special rules for visitors
• Example: "Same as residents" or "Residents only"

Understanding Combined Status

Rec Status	Med Status	Overall Badge
Legal	Legal	🟢 Legal
Illegal	Legal	🟡 Medical Only
Illegal	Illegal	🔴 Illegal
Decriminalized	Illegal	🔵 Decriminalized

Map Legend Symbols

Dot Colors Mean:

• 🟢 Green = Allowed/Legal
• 🔴 Red = Not Allowed/Illegal
• 🔵 Blue = Information (Possession limits)
• 🟣 Purple = Information (Buying/selling)
• 🟠 Orange = Information (Tourist rules)

Reading Quick Facts

Example 1: California, USA

🟢 Rec: Legal
🟢 Med: Legal
🔵 Possession: Up to 1 oz
🟣 Buy/Sell: Licensed dispensaries
🟠 Tourists: Same as residents

Translation: Recreational and medical both legal. Can possess up to 1 oz. Buy at licensed stores. Tourists have same rights.

Example 2: Texas, USA

🔴 Rec: Illegal
🟢 Med: Legal (limited)
🔵 Possession: Low-THC only
🟣 Buy/Sell: Registered dispensaries
🟠 Tourists: Residents only

Translation: Recreational illegal. Medical program exists but limited. Only low-THC products. Medical program for residents only.

Example 3: Georgia (Country)

🔴 Rec: Illegal
🔴 Med: Illegal
🔵 Possession: Criminal offense
🟣 Buy/Sell: Illegal
🟠 Tourists: Prohibited

Translation: Everything illegal. No possession allowed. Criminal penalties. Tourists should avoid completely.

Interactive Features

Click for Details

• Click any location on map for full information
• See policy timeline and history
• Read recent news articles
• View legal sources

Zoom and Pan

• Zoom in/out with mouse wheel or +/- buttons
• Pan by clicking and dragging
• Double-click to zoom to location

Search

• Use search bar to find specific locations
• Shows status immediately
• Click result to view full details

Policy Timeline

On detail pages, you'll find:

Timeline Dots

• 🟢 Green = Became legal
• 🟡 Yellow = Medical program started
• 🔵 Blue = Decriminalized
• 🔴 Red = Became illegal/restricted

Timeline Information

• Date - When policy changed
• Policy Type - Type of legislation
• Description - What changed
• Sources - Official references

Additional Page Sections

Legal Sources

Blue badge below status shows:

• Official government sources
• Legal documentation
• Verification links

Recent News

Latest news articles about cannabis in that location:

• Source publication
• Article title and excerpt
• Published date

Detailed Information

Full legal text including:

• Current laws and regulations
• Penalties and restrictions
• Historical context

Map Navigation Tips

Finding Locations

Search by:

• Country name (e.g., "Canada")
• State/province (e.g., "California")
• City name (e.g., "Amsterdam")

Or browse:

• World map for countries
• US map for states
• Click to zoom into regions

Understanding Borders

• State borders - Different laws within same country
• International borders - Never cross with cannabis
• Tribal land - May have different laws than surrounding area
• Federal property - May differ from state law

Common Questions

Why different colors in same country?

Many countries (like USA) have different laws by state/province. Each jurisdiction is colored separately.

What if map shows two colors?

Some locations have partial legalization (e.g., medical only). We show the most restrictive status.

Gray areas?

Gray indicates no data available or unclear legal status. Click for details or check back for updates.

How current is the data?

We update regularly from official sources. Each location page shows last update date and sources.

Using on Mobile

Touch Gestures

• Tap location for details
• Pinch to zoom in/out
• Drag to pan around map
• Tap legend to understand colors

Mobile Quick Facts

On mobile, Quick Facts appear:

• Below the map (smaller screens)
• In overlay on map (larger screens)

Tips for Best Use

✅ Do:

• Click locations for complete information
• Check "Last Updated" date
• Read legal sources for verification
• Note possession limits before traveling

⚠️ Remember:

• Colors show general status
• Click for specific details
• Laws change frequently
• Local ordinances may differ

Need More Help?

Can't find what you're looking for?

• Browse other help articles below
• Use site search for specific topics
• Check recent news for updates
• Verify with official government sources

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Related Articles:

• What Does Recreational Mean?
• What Does Medical Mean?
• Possession Limits Explained