· Medical Marijuana Sixteen states, plus the District of Columbia have legalized possession of medical marijuana. But U.S. attorneys across the country have been sending letters to local officials warning that local laws -- particularly those that allow marijuana dispensaries -- may violate federal drug laws. Roll over the dark green states for more details on what's legal.



States that have legalized medical marijuana States with pending legislation



Sources: Procon.org; 420 Magazine; NPR.org; Norml.org, individual state statutes

· Decriminalization Oregon was the first state to decriminalize marijuana -- or make the possession of a small amount of marijuana a civil rather than criminal offense -- in 1973. As of July 2011, 14 states have decriminalized; roll over the green states for details on possession limits and penalties.



Sources: Norml.org; Procon.org; individual state statutes, Marijuana Policy Project; 420 Magazine; Connecticut General Assembly