Several states are making notable progress toward legalizing marijuana for adult use, with strong public backing and rising legislative interest.
While 24 states have already enacted recreational legalization, the following eight are among the most likely to join them next.
Florida
After narrowly missing the 60% supermajority required to pass Amendment 3 in 2024, legalization advocates in Florida have launched a new push for the 2026 ballot. The campaign, led by Smart & Safe Florida, has already gathered over 377,000 signatures toward the nearly 900,000 needed and raised more than $20 million. The group has until February 2026 to collect the remaining signature, putting them well on track to do so.
Pennsylvania
Although the Senate recently rejected HB 1200, a House-passed bill to legalize marijuana through a state-run system, momentum has not stalled. Lawmakers including Senators Sharif Street (D) and Dan Laughlin (R) have signaled interest in reviving a bipartisan proposal that would allow licensed private retailers. Governor Josh Shapiro continues to urge action, and recently said he’s optimistic that the legislature can send him a legalization bill to sign by the end of June.
Oklahoma
Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action is advancing State Question 837 for the 2026 ballot, which would legalize possession of up to eight ounces and allow adults to grow up to 12 plants. The measure also includes protections related to employment, housing, and firearms. The campaign is currently in the constitutionality review stage and could begin signature gathering as early as August.
North Carolina
Governor Josh Stein has taken initial steps toward legalization by forming a statewide advisory council to examine marijuana policy, including potential adult-use legalization and expungement of past convictions. While the state has yet to pass comprehensive reform, Stein has expressed support for legalization and says he’s open to proposals developed by the council, which includes law enforcement, lawmakers, public health officials and farmers.
New Hampshire
In 2025, New Hampshire once again made strides to legalizing recreational marijuana, before hitting a roadblock. House Bill 198, which would have allowed adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, 10 grams of concentrate, and up to 2,000 milligrams of THC in infused products, passed the full House in March with strong support.
Despite this momentum, the Senate voted 12 to 10 in May to table the measure, effectively blocking it for the rest of the year. Governor Kelly Ayotte remains opposed to legalization and has pledged to veto any such bill. Still, recent polling shows that 70% of New Hampshire residents support legalizing marijuana, and advocates are optimistic that growing public support could push lawmakers to revisit the issue during the 2026 session.
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers has included marijuana legalization in his latest budget proposal, and Democrats have introduced companion bills allowing possession, home cultivation, and retail sales. Though Republicans still control the legislature, their majority is shrinking, and polling shows strong voter support. The growing bipartisan conversation and economic impact of cross-border cannabis sales are fueling hope for progress in the near future.
Hawaii
A bill to legalize marijuana passed the Senate in 2024 but stalled in the House. A similar 2025 effort was postponed, with lawmakers now targeting the 2026 session. Governor Josh Green supports legalization, and Hawaii remains the only West Coast state without a legal adult-use market, making it a strong contender for future reform.
South Dakota
After voters approved legalization in 2020 only to see it overturned by the courts, the issue remains unresolved. No ballot measure is currently underway, but organizers say there’s a 50/50 chance a new initiative could be launched for either 2026 or 2028. Given past voter approval and ongoing discussions, South Dakota remains in the mix as a possible legalization state.
