Cannabis laws vary widely around the world, and even within the United States, rules can change sharply from one state to another. In Wyoming, cannabis remains illegal under some of the strictest laws in the country.
Recreational cannabis and medical cannabis are prohibited, setting Wyoming apart from most neighboring states. The only narrow exception involves limited use of non-psychoactive CBD products that meet specific legal requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis remains illegal in Wyoming for both recreational and medical use, with strict criminal penalties for possession, cultivation, and sale.
- Hemp-derived CBD is legal if it contains no more than 0.3% THC, but all THC-containing cannabis products are prohibited.
- Legal reform efforts have repeatedly failed, although public support for physician-prescribed medical cannabis remains strong.
Historical Overview of Cannabis Regulation in Wyoming
Cannabis regulation in Wyoming has long reflected a cautious and restrictive approach. The state first moved to prohibit cannabis in the early 20th century. However, historical records vary on the exact timing, with bans cited as early as 1913 and as late as 1929. These early prohibitions aligned with broader national trends that framed cannabis as a public health and moral concern rather than a medical substance.
For decades, Wyoming maintained firm prohibition with little public debate. More organized reform efforts began to surface in the 2010s, primarily driven by national shifts around medical cannabis and hemp-derived products.
In 2015, advocates attempted to place a medical cannabis initiative on the 2016 ballot. However, Wyoming’s stringent ballot initiative rules, which require high signature thresholds and geographic distribution, prevented the measure from advancing.
Between 2016 and 2021, multiple legislative and voter-driven efforts sought to decriminalize possession, legalize medical cannabis, or introduce broader reform. These included failed bills in the Wyoming House of Representatives, repeated but unsuccessful signature-gathering campaigns, and dual ballot initiatives backed by the Libertarian Party. None ultimately reached voters. By 2023, additional attempts, including a local decriminalization effort in Cheyenne, also failed.
Throughout this period, hemp-derived CBD was carved out as a narrow legal exception, reflecting federal hemp reforms rather than a broader shift in state cannabis policy.
Medical Cannabis in Wyoming: Legal Provisions and Accessibility
Medical cannabis is not legal in Wyoming, and the state doesn’t operate a medical marijuana program. Patients cannot obtain marijuana-based products for medical use, regardless of condition. This places Wyoming among a small number of U.S. states with no comprehensive medical cannabis framework.
That said, a limited exception was introduced in 2015. Under House Bill 032, Wyoming allowed the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for patients with intractable epilepsy or severe seizure disorders. This law was extremely narrow and required a written recommendation from a licensed neurologist. Importantly, it did not create any system for in-state production or distribution, meaning patients had no legal way to obtain marijuana-derived CBD within Wyoming.
Access to CBD changed significantly following federal hemp reforms. The 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills distinguished hemp from marijuana by defining it as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% THC. In response, Wyoming passed House Bill 230 in 2017 and later House Bill 171 in 2019, signed by Mark Gordon. These laws removed hemp from the state’s controlled substances list and legalized hemp-derived CBD for all adults.
Current Legal Status of Recreational Marijuana in Wyoming
Recreational cannabis is illegal in Wyoming, and the state does not permit adult-use marijuana under any circumstances. Wyoming law treats recreational and medical cannabis the same, with both remaining fully prohibited despite shifting policies in many other parts of the United States. Recent legislative efforts to legalize medical cannabis or reduce penalties for personal possession have repeatedly failed, leaving the existing legal framework unchanged.
Under current law, possession of cannabis carries significant criminal consequences. Having less than three ounces of marijuana can lead to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of three ounces or more is charged as a felony, which can result in substantially harsher penalties, including prison time. Growing, selling, and distributing cannabis is also illegal and subject to severe enforcement.
Wyoming does not recognize any form of lawful recreational use, and there is no decriminalization policy in place. This means that even small amounts of cannabis can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Possession, Cultivation, and Consumption: What’s Allowed in Wyoming?
Cannabis laws in Wyoming are strict and leave little room for legal use. Possession of marijuana is illegal in all circumstances. Having up to three ounces is treated as a misdemeanor and can result in up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Having over three ounces is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines reaching $10,000. Possessing marijuana within 500 feet of a school carries an additional $500 fine.
Cultivation is also prohibited. Growing any number of marijuana plants, even a single plant for personal use, is illegal and classified as a misdemeanor, with penalties of up to six months in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
Selling any amount can lead to up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. Distributing cannabis to a minor is treated even more severely and may carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Concentrates and hash are regulated separately, with possession of over 0.3 grams treated as a felony. Cannabis paraphernalia offenses and driving under the influence of marijuana also carry criminal penalties, including jail time and license suspension.
What Future for Cannabis Legislation in Wyoming?
The future of cannabis legislation in Wyoming remains uncertain, with limited signs of near-term change. Public opinion surveys suggest a clear divide between recreational and medical cannabis. Research published in 2020 by the University of Wyoming found that 56% of residents are in favour of adult recreational use, with 85% indicating strong and consistent support for physician-prescribed medical cannabis. Support for medical use has remained high for decades, and the opinion surrounding recreational use has become steadily more positive in later surveys.
Despite this public sentiment, legislative and ballot efforts to legalize or decriminalize cannabis have repeatedly failed, mainly due to political resistance and Wyoming’s demanding ballot initiative requirements. While discussions around reducing penalties or introducing narrowly tailored medical programs occasionally surface, no active legislation has yet gained meaningful traction.
In the short term, broad legalization appears unlikely. However, medical cannabis remains the most plausible area for future reform if lawmakers choose to align policy more closely with public opinion and developments in other states.
To Sum Up
Is marijuana legal in Wyoming? No. Cannabis remains illegal in Wyoming for both recreational and medical use, making it one of the most restrictive jurisdictions in the United States. While hemp-derived CBD products are legal under state and federal law, marijuana and marijuana-derived products remain prohibited. Past efforts to introduce medical cannabis or reduce penalties have not succeeded, despite public support for physician-supervised medical use. For now, anyone affected by Wyoming’s cannabis laws should stay informed about legislative developments and review official state guidance as policies continue to be discussed nationwide.
Rita Ferreira
Rita is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience, having worked with globally renowned platforms, including Forbes and Miister CBD. Her deep knowledge of hemp-related businesses and passion for delivering accurate and concise information distinguish her in the industry. Rita's contributions empower individuals and companies to navigate the complexities of the cannabis world, and her work remains a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of its potential.
