States with Cannabis Legalization Bills

States with Cannabis Legalization Bills

Sabrina
JANUARY 30TH, 2025

Seven states have introduced medical or recreational cannabis legalization legislation so far this session. Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin have cannabis bills in the legislative process, creating opportunities for those interested in starting a cannabis business.

Hawaii Cannabis Legislation

Hawaii lawmakers have introduced a bill that would put recreational cannabis on the November 2025 ballot. Once voted in, it would allow the Hawaii State Legislature to enact legislation for the regulation and sale of cannabis.

 Learn more about Hawaii’s cannabis legislation

 

Indiana Cannabis Legislation

Indiana State Representative Heath VanNatter introduced House Bill 1630, which would create a regulated program allowing those over 21 years of age to possess and consume cannabis. The legislation would establish a Cannabis Commission to regulate the industry.

The bill allows for a maximum of 300 cannabis retail licenses, with at least one in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. Additionally, 15% of the allowable licenses would be reserved for those who qualify under minority or veteran status. If passed, Indiana’s cannabis license application process would begin on July 1, 2025, creating significant cannabis business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Learn more about Indiana’s cannabis legislation

 

Nebraska Cannabis Legislation

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act was voted in during the November 2024 election. The act legalized the possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery, and dispensing of marijuana for medical purposes. It establishes the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate and provide the necessary registration for the medical marijuana program. The commission will consist of at least three but no more than five members. The three Nebraska Liquor Control Commission members would be ex officio members of the new commission. The governor will also appoint two additional members, subject to approval by the state legislature, to serve six-year terms on the commission. The commission will be charged with establishing criteria and registration processes.

 

A new bill is pending that would limited number of licenses (Cultivation, Manufacturing, Dispensary, Testing, Vertically Integrated), allowing for only 10 vertically integrated licenses. The limits on other license types are to be determined. Applications for licenses are anticipated by Q4 of 2025.

Learn more about Nebraska’s cannabis legislation

 

Pennsylvania Cannabis Legislation

The Republican chair of a key Senate Committee in Pennsylvania is expected to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. Multiple bills have been introduced, including one focusing on decriminalization, another presenting a state-run model for cannabis retail businesses, and a bipartisan bill prioritizing social equity and small businesses. Lawmakers will likely vote on these bills in early spring.

The bipartisan bill would include a comprehensive social equity and economic development plan developed by the Department of Agriculture and Commonwealth Financing Authority. This legislation creates a scored, merit-based application process for a limited number of cannabis business licenses in Pennsylvania.

Learn more about Pennsylvania’s cannabis legislation

 

South Carolina Cannabis Legislation

South Carolina Senator Tom Davis prefiled State Bill 53, the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act. This bill would create a highly regulated medical marijuana program. If passed, medical cannabis patients would gain access to marijuana through State Board of Pharmacy-licensed “therapeutic cannabis pharmacies.”

The bill currently establishes a merit-based, scored licensing process. Additional points are awarded to applicants who meet specific criteria, including owning an agricultural or production/manufacturing business in South Carolina for over two years, owning a hemp business in South Carolina for over two years, or having over 50% ownership by South Carolina residents.

The bill limits the number of licenses available:

  • Cultivation Center Licenses: 15
  • Processing Facility Licenses: 30
  • Transporter Licenses: 4
  • Therapeutic Pharmacy Licenses: No more than 3 per county
  • Testing Laboratory Licenses: 5
  • Integrated Operator Licenses: to be recommended by the commission

The Department of Public Health will have one year after the act’s effective date to promulgate regulations and begin accepting cannabis business applications no later than 30 days after the effective date of the regulations.

Learn more about South Carolina’s cannabis legislation

 

Virginia Cannabis Legislation

A Virginia Senate committee greenlit a proposal to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana sales. The bills that have been reintroduced (SB 970 and HB 2485) would give the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority the ability to oversee licensing and regulation. Under these proposals, existing medical cannabis businesses in Virginia could open up to five additional retail establishments.

The bills also establish a microbusiness program focused on social equity. To qualify, applicants would need to meet specific criteria, such as having past cannabis convictions, family members with previous convictions, veteran status, living in disproportionately impacted areas, attending schools where at least 30% of students are eligible for Pell grants, or having received a Pell grant themselves. If passed, retail cannabis sales in Virginia could begin on May 1, 2026.

Learn more about Virginia’s cannabis legislation

 

Wisconsin Cannabis Legislation

The minority leader of Wisconsin’s Senate plans to introduce a medical marijuana legalization bill during this legislative session. This bill would reintroduce elements from a 2022 proposal, assigning the Department of Health Services to oversee the medical marijuana program. Previous attempts to legalize medical cannabis in Wisconsin stalled due to opposition to state-run dispensaries. However, legislators hope to reach a compromise this session to advance Wisconsin’s cannabis legalization efforts.

Learn more about Wisconsin’s cannabis legislation

 

Start preparing early! Call 602-290-9424 or email info@thecannabisbusinessadvisors.com today to learn more about cannabis business licensing opportunities in Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Don’t miss your chance to enter these emerging markets!

Need help developing an effective business plan? Shop our templates today!

 

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