As the momentum for marijuana legalization continues to grow across the United States, several states are on the verge of joining the ranks of those allowing recreational cannabis use.
While 24 states have already legalized marijuana, many others are actively moving toward legalization, including several states that have marijuana initiatives on this November’s ballot.
Based on the latest legislative developments, political support and ballot initiatives, here are 10 states most likely to legalize marijuana next.
Florida
Florida voters will decide on Amendment 3 in November, which seeks to amend the state constitution to allow recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and over. Recent polling shows strong public support, with 66% approval according to Fox News, and 64% favorability reported in a new University of North Florida poll, with 31% of voters opposed.
If the amendment passes, adults could legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana and five grams of cannabis concentrates, available for purchase at licensed dispensaries.
The campaign supporting Amendment 3 has raised over $66 million, making it the most well-funded marijuana initiative in U.S. history.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, Measure 29 represents the third effort in four years by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws (SDBML) to legalize recreational cannabis. This measure would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to three plants for personal use. It also outlines a regulatory system for commercial sales, including licensing and tax provisions aimed at boosting state revenue.
Back in 2020, SDBML successfully passed Amendment A to legalize recreational marijuana, but the state Supreme Court later overturned it. A revised initiative was placed on the 2022 ballot but failed due to low voter turnout during a midterm election year.
With 2024 being a presidential election year and growing support for legalization, advocates are hopeful that Measure 29 will pass and withstand any potential legal challenges.
North Dakota
North Dakota activists have successfully placed a marijuana legalization initiative, Measure 5, on the November ballot. The proposal would legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, four grams of concentrates, and up to 1,500 milligrams of cannabinoid products for adults 21 and older. Additionally, the initiative would establish a licensed and regulated legal marijuana market.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire recently saw a legalization bill pass in the Senate, only to be narrowly rejected in the House with a vote of 178 to 173. Advocates are planning to bring the issue back in 2025, as just three more votes in the House would be enough to send the bill to Governor Sununu, who has indicated he would sign it into law.
A poll conducted earlier this year revealed that 65% of New Hampshire voters support legalizing marijuana.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, Senate Bill 3335, which sought to legalize marijuana, passed through the Senate and three House committees but was narrowly defeated in the full House by a 25 to 23 vote. The bill would have created the Hawaii Cannabis Authority and Cannabis Control Board to oversee the industry, with a 14% tax on recreational marijuana and a 4% tax on medical marijuana.
A survey conducted last year found that 52% of Hawaiian adults support legalization, with 31% opposed. Supporters plan to push for the bill again in 2025.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, State Representative Amen Brown (D) introduced House Bill 2210 in April, with bipartisan backing. The bill would permit adults 21 and over to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana, which could be purchased at licensed dispensaries. It also allows medical marijuana patients to grow up to five plants, though this provision does not extend to recreational users. The bill did not advance before the June 30th budget deadline, but proponents plan to reintroduce it in 2025 with the support of the governor.
Arkansas
An initiative likely to appear on the November ballot in Arkansas seeks to broaden the state’s medical marijuana program and potentially legalize recreational use if marijuana is removed from the federal controlled substances list. The measure would allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own plants and remove the list of qualifying conditions, leaving it to physicians’ discretion. Should the federal government deschedule marijuana, recreational possession of up to one ounce would become legal. Currently, federal legislation to deschedule marijuana has garnered significant support, with 95 sponsors in the House and 18 in the Senate.
Wisconsin
In October a bicameral coalition of 36 state lawmakers filed Senate Bill 486 and Assembly Bill 506 to legalize marijuana for everyone 21 and older. The companion bills would legalize the personal possession of up to five ounces of marijuana, and the personal cultivation of up to six marijuana plants. Licensed marijuana stores would be authorized to sell marijuana and marijuana products, with a 15% tax placed on marijuana sales.
Although the legislation is not currently supported by the majority of Republicans, who control the state’s legislature, it is supported by Governor Tony Evers, who included marijuana legalization provisions in his proposed state budget this year. With elections this November, the dynamics of the state legislature could shift, potentially driving more support for legalization as we head into 2025.
North Carolina
In the recent legislative session, Senator Graig Meyer pushed for a marijuana legalization bill along with six cosponsors. The measure, which proponents plan to refile next year with additional support, would legalize marijuana for those 21 and older, allowing for the possession of up to two ounces of dried marijuana, 15 grams of marijuana concentrates (hash, oil, etc.) and up to 2,000 mg in THC worth of edibles, while allowing for the personal cultivation of up to six plants.
Last month US Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced his support for legalizing marijuana, becoming one of the first GOP senators to do so and adding weight to legalization efforts.
West Virginia
In January, Delegate Sean Hornbuckle put forward House Bill 4483, which was later sent to the House Health and Human Resources Committee. The bill seeks to allow adults 21 and older to legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana and marijuana tinctures, while specifically prohibiting concentrates such as hash, oil, and wax. The proposed law also calls for the establishment of a regulated marijuana retail system under the authority of the Department of Commerce.
Despite not advancing during this year’s legislative session, Hornbuckle plans to reintroduce the bill in 2025, expressing confidence that it will gain significantly more support.
