24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, but that number is poised to grow in 2025.
In 2025, several states are on track to put forth serious efforts to become the 25th legal marijuana state. Below is a list of the four most likely to do so, based on the current political climate and ongoing legislative efforts.
Pennsylvania
Earlier this month, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that his upcoming budget proposal will include a plan to legalize recreational marijuana for everyone 21 and older. The announcement was made two months after a bipartisan coalition of 17 House members introduced a comprehensive legalization bill allowing for the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana, with licensed marijuana businesses regulated by the Department of Agriculture. The measure expires in January, but is expected to be refiled.
Following last month’s election in which Democrats held their one-vote majority in the Pennsylvania House, Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D) confirmed there’s “will in the House to move forward” on legalization next session, saying “That is a new area that the Senate will be likely having to deal with in the very near future”.
Polling by Change Research, released last month, shows strong support for legalization in Pennsylvania, with over 60% of voters in five key House districts favoring regulated and taxed cannabis.
Hawaii
New Hampshire
Earlier this year the New Hampshire Senate voted 14 to 10 to pass legislation that would have allowed individuals 21 and older to possess and use up to two ounces of marijuana, 10 grams of marijuana concentrates, and marijuana products containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC. Additionally, it would have created a system for licensed and regulated marijuana retail outlets. Despite having the support of the Senate and Governor Chris Sununu, the House of Representatives rejected the measure in a close 178 to 173 vote.
Advocates of legalization are planning to bring the issue back before the legislature in 2025. This week State Representative Kevin Verville (R) filed House Bill 75, which includes comprehensive provisions that would remove marijuana from the state’s controlled substances schedule, annul past cannabis-related convictions, and prohibit state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal cannabis laws. Other legalization measures are expected to be filed in the coming weeks.
Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte does not support marijuana legalization, but she also has not stated that she would veto the issue if it were to pass the legislature in a bipartisan manner.
A poll conducted earlier this year revealed that 65% of New Hampshire voters support legalizing marijuana.
Wisconsin
Earlier this month Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers highlighted marijuana legalization as a top priority for the state’s 2025 legislative session. Speaking during a budget listening tour, Evers outlined his post-election plans, ranking “legalizing marijuana” second among his administration’s objectives for the coming year.
Although Democrats do remain in the minority in the state’s legislature, they gained seats during the November election, and there appears to be growing supporting among Republicans, particularly following a poll Tarrance Group poll released in August, which found that over 60% of Wisconsin residents favor legalizing marijuana for adult use.
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