Which US states can still legalize cannabis in 2021

Over the past 5 months, 7 U.S. states have legalized cannabis, the most recent being New York and the New Mexico. And by the end of the year, four more states could legalize cannabis for adult use.

Connecticut

Two bills to legalize [the issue] are under consideration in the Connecticut General Assembly, one of which is supported by the state governor, who has already stated that if lawmakers fail to pass a reform bill, he expected voters to decide the issue in a referendum.

If cannabis ends up on the ballot, its legalization is likely to receive overwhelming support. A survey A survey published last month revealed that 66 % of Connecticut adults support legalization, and that the same percentage of respondents support expunging cannabis-related criminal records.

Delaware

A bill to legalize cannabis for adult use in Delaware was approved by the House’s first committee in late March, despite fierce opposition from some Republican members of the committee.

The bill, as introduced, would regulate the production and sale of cannabis and impose a tax of 15% on sales. However, growing cannabis at home for personal use would remain illegal.

The author emphasized that the proposed legislation is «the first step» and that it will be subject to revisions in its next committee, the House Appropriations Committee. The latest version Furthermore, it does not allow existing medical cannabis dispensaries to begin selling cannabis during the transition period between the enactment and full implementation of legalization.

This led four of the state’s six medical cannabis operators to oppose legalization, a decision that prompted certain organizations to accuse companies to be driven by profit while blocking broader reform.

Minnesota

Four House committees have already approved a bill to legalize cannabis in Minnesota, and it is expected to come before the full House in May.

However, even if the legislation passes the House, it is likely to face a significant challenge in the Republican-controlled Senate, where lawmakers have indicated that they are more interested in overhauling the state’s existing medical cannabis program than in legalizing adult-use cannabis.

The measure would allow Adults aged 21 and older may purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces (42 g) of cannabis and grow up to eight plants, including four that are flowering.

If legalization does not go through the legislative process, voters can always try to put it on the ballot for the November 2022 election.

Rhode Island

Two legislative initiatives are pitted against each other in the state of Rhode Island. Although the proposals have not yet been voted on or decided, lawmakers have discussed legalization as inevitable within the state, particularly with neighboring states that have adopted the reform.

«We know there will be many contributions from various organizations and individuals—and we hope that over the next two months, we will be able to finalize the legislation,» said Joshua Miller, head of the State Health Committee. He added that enacting the legalization bill this year is a priority for the Senate and the administration.

Both measures would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce (28 g) of cannabis. However, only one of the two bills would allow home cultivation.