Several states are on track to legalize recreational marijuana in 2025, joining the 24 other states that have already done so.
Although efforts to legalize cannabis are ongoing in numerous states, the five states listed below are the most likely to actually enact legalization proposals this year.
Hawaii
This month, Hawaii Representatives Gene Ward (R) and Kim Iwamoto (D) introduced House Bill 519, which proposes placing a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for everyone 21 and older on the November 2025 ballot. The measure would amend Article IX of Hawaii’s constitution, allowing for the possession of marijuana and granting the legislature authority to regulate the distribution, use, and taxation of cannabis.
Earlier efforts to legalize marijuana in Hawaii gained significant traction in 2024, with legislation clearing the Senate by a 19-6 vote and advancing through three House committees. However, the measure was blocked by the chair of the House Finance Committee, preventing a full House vote despite confidence from advocates that it would have passed.
With public pressure continuing to grow, proponents of House Bill 519 are optimistic about its chances. A recent survey found that 52% of Hawaiian adults support legalization, compared to 31% opposed, highlighting the potential for broad voter backing.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire continues to make strides toward marijuana legalization, with multiple bills under consideration in 2025. Yesterday, January 23, a public hearing was held for House Bill 75, a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older. The bill includes provisions to 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.
Another legalization proposal, House Bill 186, is scheduled for a public hearing on January 30. This measure would also legalize recreational cannabis.
In 2024, the Senate passed a legalization bill, but it narrowly failed in the House. Despite Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte’s opposition to legalization, she has not stated whether she would veto bipartisan legislation. Advocates remain hopeful, as polling earlier this year revealed that 65% of New Hampshire voters support legalizing marijuana.
Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro says his upcoming budget proposal will include plans to legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older. A bipartisan legalization bill that would allow the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana and establish a regulatory framework overseen by the Department of Agriculture is expected to be refiled in the coming days.
Democrats’ retention of a narrow majority in the Pennsylvania House in the November election has further bolstered momentum for legalization. Majority Leader Matt Bradford recently affirmed the House’s readiness to advance such legislation, noting that the Senate will likely need to address the issue soon.
A poll conducted by Change Research indicates strong public support, with over 60% of voters in key districts favoring a regulated and taxed cannabis market.
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers has identified marijuana legalization as a key priority for the state’s 2025 legislative session, ranking it high on his administration’s agenda during a recent budget listening tour.
Although Democrats remain in the minority in Wisconsin’s legislature, they gained seats in the November election, and there are signs of increasing bipartisan support. A Tarrance Group poll from August found that over 60% of Wisconsin residents favor legalizing marijuana for adult use, creating optimism for progress in the upcoming session.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, legalization efforts are gaining momentum with the introduction of multiple bills this month. Senate Bill 36 and House Bill 105 propose a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. These measures would guarantee individuals the right to possess, use, buy, or sell up to one ounce of cannabis and to cultivate, harvest, and store up to five cannabis plants for personal use. They also task the General Assembly with regulating the production, processing, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derived products. Both bills outline the ballot question for voters and direct the Secretary of State to publish and certify the proposed amendment.
In addition to these measures, Senate Bill 33 was also filed this month. This bill seeks to amend existing statutes to remove criminal penalties for possession of up to eight ounces of marijuana and the cultivation of up to five marijuana plants.
Although Kentucky is arguably the least likely state on this list to legalize marijuana in 2025, the growing momentum for reform cannot be ignored.
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