Which US states should legalize cannabis in 2017?

The arrival of Donald Trump in the White House is unlikely to halt the locomotive of the American states legalizing cannabis. Last November's elections brought to 29 the number of states that have authorized the therapeutic use of cannabis in one form or another in the USA, and to 8 (plus the District of Washington) the states where recreational cannabis is legal in the US. Here is our list of US states expected to reform their cannabis laws in 2017.

South Carolina

The legalization of medical cannabis in South Carolina would allow access to cannabis-based medicines for serious illnesses such as cancer, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical cannabis oil has been authorized in South Carolina since 2014, but patients are obliged to obtain their supplies from outside the state, which has failed to set up a legal production and distribution network within its borders.

Connecticut

Cannabis possession has been decriminalized in Connecticut since 2011. Medical cannabis is also authorized. State legislators hope to fully legalize cannabis for adults over 21 in 2017, following the introduction of a bill on January 4. The arrival of the legal market could help the state manage its $1.5 billion deficit. 63% of its population was in favor of full cannabis legalization in 2015.

Missouri

People of voting age in Missouri should be asked to choose whether they want to legalize medical and recreational cannabis there. A petition has gathered the necessary number of signatures to put a legalization initiative on the ballot, which would allow adults over 21, with and without prescriptions, to access cannabis.

New Hampshire

Senator Jeff Woodburn had stated in December 2016 that he planned to introduce a bill to legalize cannabis in 2017. His proposal would allow adults to consume cannabis, in the same way as alcohol, which is only legal for people over 21.

Other members of parliament have called for a study of laws concerning the legalization, regulation and taxation of cannabis, to examine the impact of cannabis on the surrounding states (Maine and Massachusetts).

New York

In January, New York State filed a petition to decriminalize cannabis. Despite Governor Andrew Cuomo being an outspoken opponent of cannabis, he wrote in his 2017 agenda that «data continually shows that recreational cannabis users pose few, if any, public safety issues.».

Rhode Island

Since Maine and Massachusetts have legalized cannabis, Rhode Island is also considering following the path taken by its New England neighbors. Two House members have submitted a proposal to authorize adult-use cannabis, and tax sales at 23%.

Tennessee

Two Tennessee cities have already decriminalized cannabis, and reduced penalties for possession. However, some state representatives are expected to file a bill during the 2017 legislative season to make cannabis available for medicinal purposes.

Texas

The Lone Star State (Lone Star State) has always been very strict about cannabis use. However, in the early days of 2017, several petitions were filed to decriminalize cannabis. They would reduce the charges for possession and consumption from prison sentences and criminal record entries to a civil offence and a fine of 250$. The equivalent of contraventionnalisation proposed by certain politicians in France.

Virginie

The governor of the state of Virginia has already repeatedly expressed his desire to legalize medical cannabis in 2017. A bill was filed in early January 2017 to decriminalize cannabis, which would reduce penalties for possession to fines, in lieu of prison sentences and criminal record offenses.

Wisconsin

Medical cannabis isn't actually legal in the state, but people suffering from epilepsy can consume products based on cannabis extracts. The legislature wants to expand its current medical cannabis program to make all forms of medical cannabis legal, for anyone who needs it.