Given most state legislatures are currently on recess, talks surrounding state-level cannabis legalization efforts have slowed for a moment. That said, as 2026 fast approaches, efforts to legalize recreational cannabis is heating up in multiple states.

Shifting politics, growing public support, and new legislative proposals are putting several states in the spotlight as the next to end cannabis prohibition. From well-funded ballot drives to serious proposals in statehouses, these are the leading contenders to legalize in 2026—along with one unexpected state worth keeping an eye on.

Florida

A recent federal court ruling struck down the state’s restrictions on who can collect petitions, removing what had been the campaign’s biggest obstacle. The decision puts Smart & Safe Florida’s initiative well on track for the November 2026 ballot.

The campaign has already submitted nearly 700,000 valid signatures, well on pace to meet the 891,523 required by the February 2026 deadline. Backed by more than $25 million in funding—most of it from Trulieve, which operates over 230 dispensaries nationwide—the effort has the resources for widespread petitioning and advertising.

With the legal barrier removed, strong financial backing, and signature collection running far ahead of schedule, the measure is widely expected to appear on the ballot. If approved, it would legalize recreational marijuana in the nation’s third most populous state, expanding access in a market that already generates more than $1 billion a year under medical-only sales.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s campaign to legalize recreational marijuana is quickly gaining ground. Organized by Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, the initiative behind State Question 837 now has petitions available at more than 400 locations across over 100 cities. Volunteers and supportive businesses are hosting petition stations, making it easier than ever for residents to sign.

The proposal would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing for personal possession, home cultivation of up to 12 plants, and the creation of a licensed retail market with a 10% excise tax. Revenue would be divided between the state, counties, and municipalities.

To qualify for the 2026 general election, organizers need to collect around 173,000 valid signatures by early November. With such a large network of signing sites already active, advocates say they are confident they will meet the threshold.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing multiple approaches to legalization, reflecting the growing momentum in Harrisburg. A newly filed bill in the House, sponsored by Representative David Delloso and several Democratic colleagues, would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older while allowing home cultivation of up to six plants. It would establish a retail system run through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and includes automatic expungements for certain past marijuana convictions.

The proposal contrasts with a separate bipartisan effort backed by Republican Representative Aaron Kaufer and Democratic Senator Sharif Street, which would create a privately run retail system. Both measures highlight a legislature increasingly engaged on the issue, even as the Republican-controlled Senate remains a hurdle.

Governor Josh Shapiro continues to be an outspoken supporter of legalization and has included cannabis tax revenue in his latest budget plan. With multiple bills active, broad public support, and strong executive backing, Pennsylvania remains one of the top contenders to legalize recreational marijuana in 2026.

Hawaii

Hawaii stands out as the only West Coast jurisdiction without legal recreational marijuana, but the state has come close in recent sessions. The Senate has repeatedly passed legalization bills with strong majorities, and Governor Josh Green has been vocal in his support, calling it a priority for lawmakers. In 2024, the Senate approved a proposal that would have legalized possession, personal cultivation, and retail sales through a licensed system, only for the measure to stall once it reached the House.

A similar pattern played out in 2025. The bill advanced through three House committees with solid support, but it died in the Finance Committee when the chair declined to bring it up for a vote before the session ended. Advocates point out that the measure already had enough support in the chamber to pass if it had reached the floor, and they see this as the biggest remaining barrier to legalization.

Heading into 2026, lawmakers plan to revisit the issue, with a strong coalition of senators and the governor already committed. With public backing consistently high and the House leadership facing mounting pressure, Hawaii is once again expected to be a serious contender to finally legalize recreational marijuana.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, public support for legal cannabis has climbed to approximately 70%, with broad bipartisan backing. Multiple bills—ranging from modest possession decriminalization to full legalization—have passed the House, though they’ve stalled in the Senate or landed on Governor Ayotte’s desk where a veto is possible. Some of these, like HB 186, remain alive heading into 2026 and could see movement in a new legislative session.