Cannabis Legal Status: Comprehensive Guide for All 50 States
- Ohio has become the 24th state in the U.S to legalize adult-use cannabis, marking a significant shift for the traditionally conservative state. The new law is expected to launch the adult-use market by 2024 and could generate $1.65 billion in sales by 2027.
- President Joe Biden announced in October 2022 that he would pardon all U.S. citizens convicted of federal marijuana possession and asked for a review on how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Despite this, analysts at TD Cowen continue to believe federal legalization will not occur in 2023.
- Three additional states, Florida, Hawaii, and New Hampshire, could potentially legalize recreational cannabis in 2024. Each state is at a different stage in the legalization process, with Florida facing a court challenge over the language of the ballot measure, Hawaii having a pro-legalization governor and Attorney General, and New Hampshire’s governor ready to sign a bill with the right policy framework.
Ohio’s New Cannabis Law Leads the Way for Other “Ruby Red” States
Ohio has become the 24th state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis, following Delaware and Minnesota earlier this year. This move is part of an ongoing trend, with three more states potentially legalizing recreational marijuana in 2024.
As a result of Ohio’s decision, over half of Americans now reside in a state where marijuana is legal. This is a significant milestone, considering the federal government still considers cannabis as dangerous as illicit drugs like heroin.
Even in traditionally conservative states like Ohio, public opinion is shifting, evidenced by a 57% voter approval for the cannabis legalization measure. Currently, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults, and 38 have legal medical marijuana programs.
In a push towards cannabis law reform, President Biden has pledged to pardon all U.S. citizens convicted of federal marijuana possession. Moreover, he has asked for a review of how marijuana is classified under federal law. Despite this, a research paper from TD Cowen suggests federal legalization is unlikely to occur in 2023.
Public support for cannabis legalization is on the rise, regardless of political affiliation. A recent Gallup poll found 70% of Americans support legalization, including 87% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans.
Potential Legalization in Florida, Hawaii, and New Hampshire
Looking into the future, three additional states could vote to legalize recreational cannabis in 2024. Currently, in Florida, the state with the largest medical market, a legal battle about the language of a ballot measure is underway. In Hawaii, Governor Josh Green has voiced support for legalizing adult-use cannabis. Finally, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has expressed readiness to sign a bill with the “right policy” and “right framework.”
These potential changes highlight the growing acceptance and normalization of cannabis use, both medically and recreationally, across the United States.
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