As of April 2025, 39 U.S. states have legalized medical cannabis and established comprehensive statewide programs.
With momentum building in several others, the race is on to see which state will become the 40th. Here are seven states most likely to cross the finish line next:
North Carolina
North Carolina is making significant strides toward medical cannabis legalization. In April 2025, lawmakers introduced a bill to legalize medical marijuana for patients with debilitating conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD, including establishing a system of licensed dispensaries.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s Senate passed the Compassionate Care Act in February 2024, which would legalize medical cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions. However, the bill stalled in the House without receiving a vote. In January 2025, Senator Tom Davis reintroduced the Compassionate Care Act (Senate Bill 53), aiming to establish a regulated medical cannabis program. As of now, the bill has not advanced in the House, but proponents are hopeful that reform could come during the 2025 or 2026 session.
Kansas
Kansas is among the few states without a comprehensive medical cannabis program, but that may change soon. Recent legislative efforts have focused on legalizing medical marijuana, and advocacy groups are optimistic about progress in 2025. Hopes were raised even further when, earlier this month, Governor Laura Kelly said “it’s finally time to legalize medical cannabis”.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize medical cannabis this year, reflecting growing bipartisan support. While previous attempts have stalled, the increasing public demand and regional trends may influence legislative action this year.
Idaho
Idaho remains one of the most restrictive states regarding cannabis, but advocacy efforts continue. While no significant legislative progress has been made recently, increasing public support and regional pressures may prompt future action toward medical marijuana legalization. Proponents of reform are aiming to place a decriminalization bill on the 2026 ballot, although this wouldn’t establish a medical cannabis program.
