24 states have legalized recreational cannabis, with several vying to become the 25th, with active legislative in their state legislatures.
Although activists in several states —including Florida and Idaho— are attempting to put legalization initiatives to a vote of the people, in this article we take a look at the state’s with legislation that is currently alive in their legislature.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 198 today with a decisive 208 to 125 vote. The bill would allow adults to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, 10 grams of concentrates, and infused products containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC. However, it does not include provisions for regulated sales or home cultivation.
In addition to HB 198, a separate measure, HB 75, cleared the House last month. This bill would decriminalize marijuana possession and use without establishing a commercial market. Both bills now await Senate approval before they can be sent to Governor Kelly Ayotte.
North Carolina
Bicameral legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana in North Carolina was filed last week in the House and Senate. Initially the proposals had a combined 8 sponsors between the two chambers, but that has since grown to 24.
The legislation would allow those 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, 15 grams of concentrates, and products containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC. It also allows the home grow of up to six plants, and it would establish a licensed and regulated system of marijuana businesses including retail outlets.
Texas
In Texas, House Bill 2975, also known as the Texas Regulation of Cannabis Act, was recently assigned to the House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee for review. If enacted, it would legalize marijuana for individuals 21 and older and establish a regulatory framework for cultivation, processing, and sales.
Under the proposed law, adults could possess up to two ounces of flower and 15 grams of concentrates. The bill sets a 10% sales tax on cannabis, with local governments given authority to regulate marijuana businesses. With recent polling showing that 62% of Texans support legalization, the bill has a chance to advance in the legislature, despite the state’s historically conservative stance on cannabis policy.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has made marijuana legalization a priority in his 2025-2027 budget proposal, pushing for a system similar to the state’s alcohol regulations. As a result, bipartisan lawmakers introduced Assembly Bill 50 and Senate Bill 45 to legalize and regulate cannabis last month.
If approved, the legislation would allow Wisconsin residents 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, with nonresidents allowed a quarter-ounce. Home cultivation of up to six plants would also be permitted. The proposed taxation structure includes a 15% wholesale excise tax and a 10% retail excise tax, with revenue projections exceeding $58 million in the first year.
In addition to legalization, the bills include provisions for record expungement and sentence reductions for individuals with past marijuana convictions. While Wisconsin has yet to fully embrace legalization, these developments indicate growing legislative and executive support for cannabis reform.
Tennessee
House Bill 836, titled the Tennessee Cannabis Act and filed last month, would allow everyone 21 and older to possess up to 60 grams of marijuana flower and 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. It would also allow home cultivation of up to 12 plants, and sales via licensed retail outlets. The proposal includes a 15% tax on marijuana sales, with most revenue directed to the state’s general fund.
The proposal currently awaits consideration by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
A separate bill to decriminalize marijuana has been scheduled for a March 31 hearing and potential vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
West Virginia
In February, Delegate Sean Hornbuckle (D) along with four cosponsors introduced House Joint Resolution 27 to the West Virginia Legislature, proposing a 2026 ballot measure to legalize cannabis. If placed on the ballot and approved by voters, HJR 27 would legalize up to two ounces of cannabis, allow personal cultivation of four plants, and allow expungement of certain past convictions. It also authorizes the Legislature to regulate cannabis sales and manufacturing.
A day prior, nine West Virginia lawmakers introduced House Bill 2887, which would also legalize recreational cannabis, but would do so without voter approval. The proposed law would allow those 21 and older possess up to one ounce of cannabis and authorizes the production, sale, transfer, and transport of cannabis within counties that approve such measures through local referendums. The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health would oversee the permitting and licensing of cannabis-related businesses, while the Department of Revenue would manage taxation.
