In 2025, at least four states are poised to join the ranks of those that have legalized recreational marijuana.
Three states — North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida — have marijuana legalization initiatives on this November’s ballot, potentially increasing the number of legal states to 27. Additionally, several states came close to legalizing this year and have garnered enough momentum and support (or are close to it) to pass marijuana legalization bills in 2025.
With that said, here are the four states we believe will legalize marijuana next year.
New Hampshire
Legislation to legalize recreational marijuana made significant strides this year, passing the full Senate and advancing to a final vote in the House of Representatives. However, it was narrowly defeated in the House with a vote of 178 to 173. Advocates for legalization are determined to push forward in 2025. If just three House members shift their votes, the bill could reach Governor Sununu, who has promised to sign it into law. Recent polling shows that 65% of New Hampshire voters are in favor of legalization.
Hawaii
This year, Senate Bill 3335, aimed at legalizing marijuana, successfully passed through the Senate with a vote of 19 to 6. It advanced through three House committees, and the full House approved it 25 to 23 on its second reading before it was stalled by the Finance Committee chair. Advocates plan to renew their efforts in 2025. If enacted, adults 21 and older would be permitted to purchase and possess marijuana. The bill also proposed creating the Hawaii Cannabis Authority and Cannabis Control Board to oversee licensing and regulation, with a 14% tax on sales and a 4% tax on medical marijuana. Last year’s polling indicated 52% support among Hawaiian adults.
Pennsylvania
In April, State Representative Amen Brown, along with five bipartisan cosponsors, introduced House Bill 2210, sparking a hearing by the Health Subcommittee on Health Care. The bill would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana, purchasable from licensed retailers, while medical marijuana patients could grow up to five plants. Although the bill did not progress before the June 30 budget deadline, supporters remain committed to passing it in 2025. HB 2210 complements a bipartisan Senate bill introduced in July.
Wisconsin
A coalition of 36 state lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 486 and Assembly Bill 506 in October to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. The bills propose legalizing possession of up to five ounces and cultivation of up to six plants, with licensed stores selling marijuana subject to a 15% tax. Despite the lack of majority Republican support, Governor Tony Evers backs legalization and included it in his state budget proposal. The upcoming elections could change the legislative dynamics, potentially increasing support for legalization in 2025.
More articles from The Marijuana Herald can be found below.
