Efforts to expand marijuana laws are gaining momentum in several states ahead of the 2026 election.
From legalization to the establishment of cannabis cafes, organizers in at least five states are actively gathering signatures or pursuing legislative referrals in hopes of putting the issue directly to voters.
Florida
Smart & Safe Florida has relaunched its campaign to legalize marijuana for adult use in 2026 after narrowly falling short in 2024. Amendment 3 received 56% support—just shy of the 60% required for passage. This time, the group is working to requalify a nearly identical initiative that would allow adults 21 and older to possess and purchase marijuana from licensed retailers, including existing medical dispensaries that opt into dual-use licensing.
As of June 25, the campaign has already collected over 388,000 valid signatures—more than 40% of the 891,523 needed to qualify for the ballot by the February deadline.
Meanwhile, Smart & Safe Florida is also suing to overturn new restrictions on the citizen initiative process, arguing that recently enacted laws violate the state constitution.
Oklahoma
Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) is moving forward with a broad legalization initiative known as State Question 837. The measure would legalize marijuana possession for adults 21 and older, including up to eight ounces of flower, one ounce of concentrate, and home cultivation of up to 12 plants. It also explicitly protects parental rights, employment, housing, healthcare, and firearm ownership for marijuana users.
The initiative is currently undergoing a mandatory public comment period through July 7, after which organizers will have 90 days to gather 172,993 valid signatures to place the proposal on the 2026 ballot. A 10% excise tax would be imposed on recreational sales, with revenue divided between the state general fund (40%), counties (30%), and cities where sales occur (30%).
Idaho
In Idaho, two opposing measures could appear on the 2026 ballot. A citizen initiative from the group Kind Idaho would decriminalize the possession, cultivation, and use of marijuana for adults, making such offenses the lowest law enforcement priority across the state. Organizers are currently gathering signatures to qualify the measure.
At the same time, lawmakers have placed House Joint Resolution 4 on the 2026 ballot. If approved, it would amend the state constitution to prevent future marijuana legalization from being accomplished through the ballot initiative process, effectively giving sole authority to the legislature.
Oregon
The Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition has cleared the first hurdle toward legalizing marijuana lounges, collecting over 1,400 verified signatures—enough to secure a ballot title. The group now needs more than 117,000 signatures to qualify the Oregon Cannabis Social Lounge Act for the 2026 ballot.
The measure would allow licensed lounges starting in 2027 where adults could consume marijuana on-site. Patrons would bring their own cannabis, and alcohol and tobacco would be banned. Lounges could sell food, beverages, and hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC.
Licenses would be limited to microbusinesses, excluding existing marijuana retailers. Each lounge would require state and local approval and meet zoning and safety standards. Organizers say the effort will create safe spaces for responsible use and boost the local economy.
