Cannabis Laws in Wyoming
Cannabis remains illegal for all uses; possession carries criminal penalties. Limited hemp-derived exceptions apply.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check current rules with official sources or a lawyer.
Wyoming has not budgeted or legalized medical cannabis despite repeated legislative efforts and majority public support. Possession of any amount carries criminal charges—no decriminalization exists. The state sits between Colorado and Montana, both legal, creating a sharp legal boundary. Hemp-derived CBD is legal under federal 0.3% THC limits. If you cross the border with legal cannabis, it becomes a felony instantly.
Legal Status
Cannabis is illegal in Wyoming for both recreational and medical use. The state has not legalized adult-use cannabis, does not operate a comprehensive medical marijuana program, and has not decriminalized simple possession.[1] Strong evidence
Wyoming remains one of a minority of U.S. states without a functional medical cannabis program. Repeated legislative efforts to establish medical cannabis access—including bills in 2021, 2022, and 2023—have failed to advance out of committee. Strong evidence A 2022 University of Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center poll found that 54% of Wyoming residents supported legalizing medical cannabis, yet this public support has not translated into law.[2] Strong evidence
Disclaimer: This article is informational and is not legal advice. Cannabis law changes frequently. Verify current status with the Wyoming Attorney General's office or a licensed Wyoming attorney before relying on any information here.
Possession Penalties
Wyoming penalties under Wyo. Stat. § 35-7-1031:[1] Strong evidence
- Use or being under the influence: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail and $750 fine.
- Possession of 3 oz or less (plant form): Misdemeanor, up to 12 months jail and $1,000 fine.
- Possession of more than 3 oz (plant form): Felony, up to 5 years prison and $10,000 fine.
- Possession of hashish or concentrates: As little as 0.3 grams of liquid concentrate can trigger felony charges; thresholds vary by form.
- Sale or delivery of any amount: Felony, up to 10 years prison.
- Sale to a minor: Up to 20 years prison.
Wyoming does not have a 'personal use' exemption or decriminalization provision. A first-time possession charge results in a criminal record unless diverted through a court drug court or similar program.[1] Strong evidence
Hemp-Derived CBD and Limited Exceptions
Wyoming allows two narrow categories of cannabis-related products:
Hemp-derived CBD: Under the Wyoming Hemp Act (2019), products derived from hemp containing 0.3% THC or less by dry weight are legal to possess and sell, consistent with the federal 2018 Farm Bill.[3] Strong evidence These products are widely available in retail stores and online.
Low-THC hemp extract for intractable epilepsy: Wyoming Statute § 35-7-1901 permits patients with physician-certified intractable epilepsy to use hemp extract containing at least 5% CBD and no more than 0.3% THC. [4] Strong evidence In practice, this program sees minimal use because the Wyoming Department of Health does not produce or distribute the product; patients must source it from out of state, raising federal interstate commerce complications.
Delta-8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids: These exist in a legal gray area. Wyoming has not passed a specific delta-8 ban as of October 2026, but products that exceed 0.3% delta-9 THC are prohibited under state law. Weak / limited
Cross-Border and Driving Issues
Wyoming shares borders with Cannabis Laws in Colorado and Cannabis Laws in Montana, both of which permit adult-use cannabis. This creates a sharp legal boundary.
Interstate transport: Cannabis purchased legally in Colorado, Montana, or any other state becomes illegal the instant it crosses into Wyoming. There is no legal reciprocity or 'personal use' exemption for out-of-state purchases.[1] Strong evidence Federal law also prohibits interstate cannabis transport, even between legal states.
Driving under the influence: Wyoming uses a 'per se' standard under DUI statutes—driving with any detectable amount of a controlled substance metabolite can support a DUI charge, though prosecutors typically must demonstrate impairment to secure a conviction.[1] Strong evidence
Civil asset forfeiture: Wyoming permits law enforcement to seize cash and property suspected of being connected to drug crimes. Following reforms in 2016 (HB 14), most civil forfeitures now require a criminal conviction.[5] Strong evidence
Medical Landscape and Reform Efforts
Public opinion and failed ballot measures: A 2022 citizen initiative campaign led by the Wyoming chapter of NORML attempted to gather signatures for two ballot measures—one decriminalizing possession and one establishing a medical cannabis program. Neither qualified for the ballot. Strong evidence
Legislative structure: Wyoming's legislature meets in short sessions (20 days in even-numbered years, 40 days in odd-numbered years), which limits time available to debate contested bills. Medical cannabis proposals have repeatedly died in the House Judiciary Committee without floor votes. Strong evidence
Federal landscape: A potential federal rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III (under DEA consideration as of May 2024) would not automatically legalize cannabis in Wyoming. State law would continue to prohibit possession and sale.[6] Strong evidence
How to Stay Current
Wyoming cannabis law changes infrequently, but it is your responsibility to verify before acting. Consult these official sources:
- Wyoming Legislature bill tracker: www.wyoleg.gov (search for bills containing "cannabis" or "marijuana")
- Wyoming Attorney General office: Published guidance on controlled substances
- Wyoming Department of Agriculture: Information on hemp program compliance (agriculture.wyo.gov)
- A licensed Wyoming attorney: Before making any legal decision involving cannabis
Last verified: October 2026
Sources
- Government Wyoming Statutes Title 35, Chapter 7, Article 10 — Controlled Substances Act, § 35-7-1031.
- Reported University of Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (2022). Wyoming Election Year Survey, cannabis policy results.
- Government Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill), Pub. L. 115-334, § 10113.
- Government Wyoming Statute § 35-7-1901 — Hemp extract; use in treatment of intractable epilepsy.
- Government Wyoming HB 14 (2016) — Civil asset forfeiture reform requiring criminal conviction prior to most forfeitures.
- Government U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (2024). Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Marijuana. Federal Register, May 21, 2024.
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