Which US states could legalize cannabis in 2026?

To date, nearly Half of the U.S. states already allow the cannabis use among adults, and nearly all of them have implemented some form of access to the medical marijuana.

This year, the in the context of the federal reclassification of cannabis could speed things up and encourage reluctant states to at least authorize the medical use of cannabis.

Medical cannabis: growing pressure in states with prohibitionist policies

Idaho, Kansas, and the Carolinas

Supporters of the’Idaho are pursuing a referendum initiative which would establish a strictly regulated medical program. At the same time, lawmakers introduced a competing constitutional amendment aimed at preventing any future legalization driven by voters, underscoring the defensive stance that still prevails in some state legislatures.

Visit Kansas, public opinion is no longer an obstacle. Polls show overwhelming support for medical access, but legislative efforts have failed repeatedly. Governor Laura Kelly has openly called for reform, but Senate leaders remain divided, with some opponents linking legalization to crime despite limited evidence.

The North Carolina and the South Carolina could also undergo changes. In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein warned that the current unregulated market for psychoactive hemp poses risks to consumers and jeopardizes public safety. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, while cautious, acknowledged that there were «compelling» arguments in favor of medical use—an unusual statement in a state where opposition from law enforcement has long dominated the debate.

Wisconsin's Slow Pace

In the Wisconsin, the Medical cannabis remains at a standstill despite bipartisan discussions and public support. Republican leaders in both chambers have acknowledged that the issue will not go away, even if they continue to block votes. Redistricting and the upcoming gubernatorial race could change the political calculus, especially since the’Neighboring Illinois Reaps Economic Benefitscross-border tourism related to cannabis.

Recreational Cannabis: Key States to Watch

Florida, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania

Among the countries considering the legalization of cannabis for adult use, Florida remains one of the most closely monitored states. Lawmakers are unlikely to take direct action, but a referendum initiative supported by the Smart & Safe Florida campaign could give voters another chance to make a decision. A A similar measure failed in 2024 despite support from the majority, it fell short of the 60% threshold required for a constitutional amendment. Legal challenges and political opposition—particularly from Governor Ron DeSantis—continue to cloud the outlook.

À Hawaii, the Legislative efforts have been blocked on several occasions, but momentum is slowly building. The Governor Josh Green supports legalization, and some lawmakers are now considering putting the issue directly to voters. However, divisions within the House of Representatives—particularly among members from Oahu—remain a major obstacle.

New Hampshire illustrates another recurring trend: strong support from the House, coupled with resistance from the Senate and an openly hostile governor. Several bills have been introduced for 2026, including a proposal to put legalization to a statewide vote. As one lawmaker bluntly stated during a committee hearing, the strategy could be to force opponents to publicly block a policy that clearly enjoys popular support.

Visit Pennsylvania, the debate is increasingly centered on tax policy. The The House has already passed a bill on legalization, but it was rejected by the Republican-controlled Senate. Proponents of legalization argue that the regulated sale of cannabis could generate significant tax revenue, while skeptics point to the current federal ban—even though it is expected to be relaxed—to justify a cautious approach.

Virginia and the Issue of Access to Retail Trade

Virginia is a unique case. The possession and home cultivation of Cannabis products have been legal since 2021, but retail sales remain banned. Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed several attempts to establish a commercial market. That could change under Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, who has expressed conditional support for regulated sales, emphasizing labeling standards and earmarked tax revenue. A proposal recently released by a state commission could finally move the process forward in 2026.

A Setback for Legalization: A Weak Signal in Some States

A new category of states is emerging this year : those that support initiatives to revise existing laws. Arizona, the Maine and the Massachusetts all have active or emerging initiatives aimed at dismantling certain parts of their regulatory framework governing adult use. These proposals generally allow for possession while eliminating commercial sales, which amounts to recriminalizing the market without fully reinstating the ban.

In Massachusetts, where sales to adults exceeded 8 billion dollars, regulators warned that the repeal could jeopardize funding for public health and substance abuse treatment programs.