As of April, 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis, with the race to become the 25th heating up.
Currently several states are making significant strides toward legalization. Based on recent legislative activity and political momentum, the states listed below are among the most likely to make the leap.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire stands out as the only New England state that has not yet legalized recreational marijuana. However, progress is underway. In March, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 198 by a vote of 208 to 125. The proposal would legalize possession of up to two ounces of marijuana and establish a state-run retail system. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate and, if passed, would take effect January 1, 2026.
Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro has included recreational marijuana legalization in his budget proposal for 2025–2026, with bipartisan lawmakers introducing legislation this session that would do just that. In addition, House Majority Leader Matt Bradford has expressed optimism about advancing legalization this session.
Florida
Florida narrowly missed legalization in 2024, with 56% of voters supporting Amendment 3—just shy of the 60% required. Advocates have already launched a renewed effort to qualify a new initiative for the 2026 ballot. Smart & Safe Florida is spearheading the campaign with major financial support from Trulieve, which donated around $20 million between January and March of this year.
Oklahoma
Known for having one of the most open medical marijuana programs in the country, Oklahoma could soon expand to recreational use. In April, Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action filed a new proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana. If the required signatures are gathered, voters could decide on the measure in 2026. However, recently filed legislation could make it more difficult to get citizen initiatives on the ballot.
Hawaii
In 2024, Hawaii’s Senate and three House committees approved a legalization bill that was killed in the House Finance Committee, the last step before a full House vote. A similar effort this year was postponed by lawmakers who are hoping to reignite the debate in 2026. Governor Josh Green has expressed support for legalization.
Wisconsin
Democratic Governor Tony Evers has included marijuana legalization in his 2025–2027 budget proposal, with companion bills AB50 and SB45 providing a framework for adult-use legalization. These bills propose allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, cultivate up to six plants at home, and establish a regulated market with both medical and recreational components.
Despite these efforts, the Republican-controlled legislature presents significant obstacles. However, recent elections have narrowed GOP majorities, and public opinion is strongly in favor of legalization. A February 2024 Marquette Law School poll found that 63% of Wisconsin voters support adult-use legalization. Additionally, Wisconsin residents spent $121 million in 2022 on cannabis sales in neighboring Illinois, contributing an estimated $36 million to Illinois tax revenue, highlighting the economic incentive for in-state legalization.
