As policymakers continue to consider the implications of the recent move to advance federal cannabis rescheduling, the most promising opportunities to advance cannabis reform this year remain at the state level. As MPP mobilizes with allies across the country to combat a series of attempts by groups to gut and roll back adult-use laws by exploiting the ballot initiative process, the organization is continuing to press forward in supporting legalization efforts in multiple states.
Hawai'i (adult-use)
In Hawai'i — the only state where Democrats control both the executive and legislative branches that has not yet passed an adult-use legalization law — MPP is making a renewed push on multiple fronts to bring Hawai'i in line with the 24 legalization states.
MPP, as the convener of the Hawai'i Alliance for Cannabis Reform, is working with local partners and policymakers to advance legislation to either directly legalize and regulate cannabis for adults over 21 or, alternatively, to place a legalization initiative on the ballot for direct consideration by voters later this year.
New Hampshire (adult-use)
New Hampshire is an outlier in New England, surrounded by legal states yet still prohibiting adult-use cannabis. While Gov. Ayotte (R) has long been vocally opposed to legalization, momentum is nonetheless building in the legislature to address this increasingly untenable contradiction. Lawmakers have already proposed legalization bills this year, and there is also a potential path through a legislatively initiated constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide legalization directly.
MPP continues to play a key role by educating legislators, supporting allies, and making the case that legalization is both politically viable and fiscally responsible. With public opinion increasingly supportive, sustained advocacy could finally tip the balance this year.
Pennsylvania (adult-use)
Like New Hampshire, Pennsylvania borders multiple states that have already enacted adult-use cannabis laws. The state House has passed legalization legislation in previous sessions, and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has voiced support for enacting a legalization law. However, lawmakers have so far been unable to coalesce around a consensus approach to overcome opposition in the Senate.
MPP is actively engaged in Pennsylvania, amplifying the economic and public-safety benefits of legalization, mobilizing advocates, and helping build broad-based support that includes nonprofits, businesses, and community stakeholders.
Virginia (adult-use sales)
Virginia legalized possession and home cultivation in 2021 but still lacks a legal adult-use sales market, leaving consumers unprotected and unable to access safe, regulated cannabis through licensed retail businesses. Following the recent election of pro-legalization Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), lawmakers are advancing legislation to establish a long-overdue legal retail system, keeping full legalization squarely in play this year.
MPP is supporting efforts in Virginia by providing policy guidance, public education, and advocacy support aimed at completing the legalization process voters were promised.
Medical cannabis opportunities
In Idaho, the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI) is launching a campaign to place a medical cannabis initiative on the ballot this year. To qualify, the campaign must collect 70,725 valid signatures, including signatures from at least six percent of registered voters in 18 of Idaho's 35 legislative districts. At the same time, the campaign is putting pressure on lawmakers to move forward with legalization through legislation.
MPP is also monitoring opportunities to advance medical cannabis legislation in Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
For more information:
Marijuana Policy Project
[email protected]
www.mpp.org
