39 states have legalized medical cannabis. Here’s a look at the states most likely to become the 40th in 2025.
Although efforts to legalize medical marijuana are ongoing in most of the 11 states without medical marijuana, the below five states are the most likely to do so this year.
South Carolina
Efforts to legalize medical cannabis in South Carolina have gained traction with the introduction of Senate Bill 53, known as the Compassionate Care Act, and a similar House measure, House Bill 3019, the Put Patients First Act. Filed by State Senator Thomas Davis and Representative Todd Rutherford, respectively, both bills propose a regulated system allowing registered patients with a doctor’s recommendation to access medical marijuana.
SB 53, which has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Medical Affairs, would allow qualifying patients to obtain specific amounts of cannabis products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, patches, and other non-smokable forms. The measure outlines THC limits for each category, ensuring controlled dosages. The bill covers a range of debilitating conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, and severe chronic pain for which opioids could be prescribed.
HB 3019 has been assigned to the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.
With bipartisan support and growing momentum, South Carolina is one of the most likely states to legalize medical cannabis in 2025.
Kansas
Kansas remains one of the few states without a medical cannabis program. However, recent legislative sessions have seen renewed efforts to change this status. Advocates are optimistic that bipartisan support is building, especially as neighboring states advance their own medical cannabis laws. According to a poll released in October, over 70% of voters in the state support the move.
North Carolina
Efforts to legalize medical cannabis in North Carolina have gained renewed momentum, bolstered by strong public support. A recent Meredith College Poll found that 71% of North Carolina voters favor legalizing medical marijuana, with backing from a majority of every demographic group, including conservative voters.
Although previous attempts to pass the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act have failed, lawmakers are expected to reintroduce similar legislation in 2025. The bill would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and cancer. Advocates point to the overwhelming voter support and growing acceptance within the medical community as key factors that could push legalization forward this year.
With North Carolina among the few remaining states without a medical cannabis program, it remains one of the strongest candidates to become the 40th medical marijuana state.
