24 states plus the District of Colombia have legalized adult-use marijuana in various forms. 25 dominoes have fallen, 26 more to go until cannabis is legal from sea to shining sea.

2012

Colorado, Washington

2014

Alaska, Oregon, District of Colombia (voters legalized marijuana possession in the drug war’s birthplace!)

2016

California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada

2018

Michigan

2019

Illinois

2020

Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, Vermont

2021

Connecticut, New Mexico, New York, Virginia

2022

Rhode Island, Maryland, Missouri

2023

Delaware, Minnesota, Ohio

NEAR FUTURE

Florida voters had a business-centric model and 60% threshold to contend with when they voted to legalize in November 2024. There was no home grow option with the legislation. The issue failed with a 56% Yes vote.

I predict Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Hawaii will be among the next states to legalize marijuana possession.

Pennsylvania and New Hampshire lawmakers are feeling the pressure being in proximity to several legal states. I think Pennsylvania will legalize before New Hampshire.

Voters in Hawaii might have a chance to legalize in the coming years, despite opposition from certain politicians. There are also legalization efforts underway by trailblazers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Louisiana.

Timeline source: USA Today