With 24 states having legalized recreational marijuana, attention has turned to which state will be next to join the list, becoming legal cannabis state #25.
Across the country, momentum is growing as lawmakers, advocates, and voters push forward new proposals to end prohibition. Whether through state legislatures or ballot initiatives, the path to legalization is gaining momentum in multiple states across the country. Driven by shifting political landscapes, widespread public support, and the economic and societal success seen in legal states, several states stand out as the most likely to become the 25th to legalize recreational marijuana.
Florida
Smart & Safe Florida is again spearheading an effort to legalize marijuana through the 2026 ballot after falling just short of the required 60% supermajority in 2024. The campaign has already collected over 600,000 signatures and raised more than $21 million, putting it well on pace to meet the 891,523-signature threshold by the February 2026 deadline. The proposal is similar to 2024’s Amendment 3, but reworked slightly to address voters’ concerns.
Pennsylvania
Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania gained fresh momentum this month with the introduction of a new bipartisan bill in the Senate. Filed by Senator Dan Laughlin (R) and Senator Sharif Street (D), the proposal would allow individuals aged 21 and older to purchase, possess, and consume marijuana legally. It would also authorize home cultivation of up to five plants and establish a licensing system for growers, processors, and retailers.
Unlike previous efforts, this bill proposes a privately operated cannabis market overseen by a newly created Pennsylvania Cannabis Regulatory Control Board, rather than a state-run system. The bill also includes provisions for expungement of past marijuana convictions and prioritizes licenses for social and economic equity applicants.
In the House, the legislation recently gained a key backer: Representative Amen Brown (D), who became a lead sponsor in support of the Senate effort. Brown emphasized the importance of a regulated market that promotes public safety, economic growth, and fairness for communities disproportionately impacted by past marijuana laws.
With bipartisan backing in both chambers and growing public support, Pennsylvania is increasingly seen as a top contender to become the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana.
Oklahoma
A new push to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma is officially underway, with the campaign behind State Question 837 set to begin its signature drive on August 6. Organized by Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA), the initiative would allow those 21 and older to purchase, possess, and use marijuana legally, while also authorizing licensed sales.
The measure includes broad protections for cannabis users, covering areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, driving privileges, and licensed firearm ownership. It would impose a 10% excise tax on marijuana sales, with revenue divided between the state’s general fund (40%), counties (30%), and municipalities (30%).
After clearing the legally required public review period without challenge, ORCA now has 90 days—until November 4—to collect 172,993 valid signatures to qualify the measure for the 2026 general election ballot. Supporters are being encouraged to get involved through volunteer efforts and donations at orca4ok.com. If successful, SQ 837 would be the most expansive cannabis reform measure ever considered in Oklahoma.
New Hampshire
Support for marijuana legalization in New Hampshire continues to climb, with a recent University of New Hampshire poll finding that 70% of residents now favor legalizing possession for personal use. That figure is up from 65% in June 2024, with support crossing party lines—84% of Democrats, 72% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans back legalization.
Despite strong public backing, legalization efforts in the legislature have again stalled. Earlier this year, the House passed House Bill 198 by a vote of 208 to 125. The bill would legalize possession of up to two ounces of marijuana, 10 grams of concentrate, and infused products containing up to 2,000 milligrams of THC, but it does not include provisions for legal sales or home cultivation. Public consumption would remain prohibited.
A second measure, HB 75, was also approved by the House and would remove criminal penalties for possession and use of marijuana. However, neither bill advanced in the Senate, where opposition remains strong, and Governor Kelly Ayotte has indicated she may veto any legalization measure that reaches her desk. Despite the setbacks, advocates remain hopeful that growing public support could help push reform forward in future sessions.
Hawaii
Hawaii is the only West Coast jurisdiction without legal recreational marijuana. A 2024 Senate-passed bill stalled in the House, and a 2025 attempt was delayed. Lawmakers are now eyeing the 2026 session, with Governor Josh Green publicly endorsing legalization and a super-majority supporting it in the Senate. The bill also has strong support in the House, being approved recently through three committees, but the chair of the Finance Committee failed to give the proposal a vote before the end of the session.
South Dakota
South Dakota remains a state to watch despite the absence of a currently active campaign to legalize recreational marijuana. In 2020, voters approved a legalization initiative at the ballot box, only to see it overturned by the state Supreme Court on procedural grounds. A subsequent effort was rejected by voters, with some blaming voter turnout due to it not being an election year.
While organizers have yet to launch a formal campaign, discussions are ongoing about pursuing a new initiative for either the 2026 or 2028 ballot. Advocates believe the state’s prior approval and polling that continues to show strong support give South Dakota a solid foundation for another push. Its past success—despite the legal setback—keeps it in the conversation as a state with high potential to become the 25th to legalize recreational marijuana.
Wisconsin
Support for legalizing recreational marijuana remains strong in Wisconsin, with a recent Marquette Law School poll finding that 67% of voters back legalization. While partisan divisions persist—88% of Democrats and 79% of independents support legalization, compared to just 44% of Republicans—the issue continues to gain traction across party lines.
Despite broad public backing, legislative progress has stalled. Wisconsin remains one of the few Midwestern states without any form of legal marijuana, recreational or medical. However, 77% of voters now support establishing a citizen-led ballot initiative process, which could offer an alternative route to reform if lawmakers continue to resist change.
On the political front, marijuana legalization is shaping up to be a potential issue in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Republican candidate Bill Berrien, a former Navy SEAL and manufacturing executive, recently said he is open to discussions on legalization. He mentioned the possibility of using THC beverage tax revenue to attract corporate investment but has not yet laid out a full plan. Meanwhile, Democratic Governor Tony Evers, a longtime supporter of full legalization, has not announced whether he will seek another term.
North Carolina
Momentum for marijuana legalization is growing in North Carolina, driven by legislative efforts, executive support, and ongoing tribal sales. The Marijuana Justice and Reinvestment Act (HB 413 and SB 350), filed earlier this year to legalize marijuana, gained 24 sponsors before the end of the legislative session.
Governor Josh Stein has also taken an active role, tasking a State Advisory Council on Cannabis with developing a regulatory framework and recommending how marijuana tax revenue could support public health and justice initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates the nation’s largest legal marijuana store, which is on tribal land in Cherokee and open to all adults since September 2024.
Adding to the momentum, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who has historically opposed cannabis law reform, recently endorsed a national framework to regulate marijuana like tobacco and alcohol. Together, these developments make North Carolina a serious contender to legalize cannabis in the near future, although they remain one of the least likely on this list to become the 25th.
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