States to Watch: Pending Marijuana Legislation
Standard Cannabis Licensing
Why Watch States with Pending Marijuana Legalization Legislation?
It’s essential to watch states with pending marijuana legislation. After all, states with pending marijuana legislation can affect access to a variety of things. Firstly, access to medical marijuana and the legality of recreational use. Furthermore, it affects regulatory frameworks.
By staying informed about what’s happening in the state government, we can learn about new laws that may be coming down the pipeline and take action to begin planning for new cannabis businesses. By keeping tabs on pending marijuana legislation, you ensure that you can position yourself for success and are ready to hit the ground running when applying for a license.
Pending Marijuana Legislation & Ballot Initiatives
FEDERAL - Marijuana Legislation
12.17.25 Update:
President Donald Trump is weighing a plan that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III, The Washington Post reports. It’s a shift that would formally recognize cannabis as having accepted medical use under federal law for the first time.
07.29.25 Update:
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) judge who’s overseen the ongoing marijuana rescheduling process is retiring, saying that “all matters filed in this case will be forwarded to” President Donald Trump’s newly Senate-confirmed agency administrator “for whatever action, if any, he deems appropriate,” as there is for now no judge to hear the issue.
The Justice Department formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift in generations of U.S. drug policy. A proposed rule sent to the federal register recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. The plan approved by Attorney General Merrick Garland would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. The Drug Enforcement Administration will next take public comment on the proposal in a potentially lengthy process. If approved, the rule would move marijuana away from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. Pot would instead be a Schedule III substance, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids.
CALIFORNIA - Pending Legislation
The 2025 California Cannabis Bills address a range of topics including:
- allowing the sale of industrial hemp products by California cannabis licensees;
- adjustment of the cannabis excise tax rate;
- collection of fines and penalties in local administrative orders or decisions for cannabis law violations;
- a prohibition of individuals appointed to specified positions in the California Department of Cannabis Control from engaging in certain activities;
- exempting DEA registered studies into the therapeutic administration of psychedelics to treat military veterans from authorization or review by the California Research Advisory Panel;
- securing workers’ compensation coverage by California cannabis employers;
- allowing licensed California cannabis microbusiness with an M-license to directly ship medicinal cannabis to a medicinal cannabis patient in California;
- allowing a hemp manufacturer to produce and sell low-dose hemp drinks that contain no greater than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per container and imposing an excise tax;
- reinstating the California cannabis task force on state and local regulation of commercial cannabis activity;
- online marketplaces with advertisements for cannabis products or hemp products.
Source: https://www.jennifermcgrath.com/2025-california-cannabis-bills/
FLORIDA - Pending Legislation & Ballot Initiative
PENDING LEGISLATION:
01.15.26: A Florida lawmaker has introduced a new bill to legalize recreational marijuana that also aims to break up what he calls “monopolies” in the state’s current medical cannabis program by revising the business licensing structure. Medical marijuana businesses that apply for adult-use licenses could begin selling cannabis for recreational purposes beginning next January. Under the new bill, current medical cannabis dispensaries—known as medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs)—could apply for retail licenses to sell recreational marijuana. And only cannabis purchased from licensed businesses would be legal to possess. In contrast to the current system of seed-to-sale businesses, regulators would offer individual licenses to cultivate, manufacture, transport and sell cannabis products. There isn’t a specific mandate for an increase in the number of licensed marijuana businesses, but the measure would direct the state Department of Health to adopt rules on “procedures and requirements for…the registration and registration renewal of MMTCs.”
03.25.25: Three bills relating to adult-use cannabis have been filed for this session. All three were filed at the end of February and are either in a Senate or House committee or have just been introduced to the House or Senate. The bills would provide for a regulatory framework and new license types. If passed, the bills would take effect January 1, 2026.
Source: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1501/?Tab=BillText
02.25.25: Bills filed by GOP lawmakers in both the state House and Senate would permit medical marijuana patients to grown their own plants at home. the House bill goes even further, permitting recreational use. It would allow adults 21 and up to purchase up to two ounces of flower and five grams of concentrate. When it comes to the recreational market, the House bill also would move away from the vertical integration, or ‘seed to sale’ model currently in place for the medical marijuana industry in Florida.
Companies wanting to get into the recreational market would be able to choose a cultivator, processor, distributor or retailers license and cultivators could not hold any additional licenses.
BALLOT INITIATIVE:
02.04.25: Smart & Safe Florida has filed for a new ballot amendment as it sets its sights on the midterm elections in 2026. Perhaps one of the biggest changes to the petition falls under provision 8, which would remove the current requirement that licensed marijuana entities have to be vertically integrated.
HAWAII - Pending Legislation
01.15.26: A top Hawaii lawmaker says he will work to advance a bill this session that would put the question of marijuana legalization to voters after repeated failed efforts to enact the reform legislatively in recent sessions. Putting legalization on the ballot would come in the form of a proposed constitutional amendment under Tarnas’s plan, which would require a two-thirds vote in each chamber of the legislature
IDAHO - Pending Legislation & Ballot Initiative
Ballot Initiative:
Update 4/15/2026: Legislature approved SCR 127, a resolution aimed at preventing a medical cannabis initiative from reaching voters. Measure represents a direct intervention in the ballot initiative process, impacting timeline viability. Action escalates legal/political risk for the 2026 initiative campaign.
Source: https://legiscan.com/ID/bill/SCR127/2026
https://norml.org/news/2026/04/09/idaho-lawmakers-pass-resolution-urging-voters-to-reject-medical-marijuana-initiative-effort/
Update 4/1/2026: Backers of a statewide ballot initiative to legalize medical cannabis access announced they have surpassed the number of signatures needed to qualify the question for the November ballot. Signatures have not yet been verified by the state. Following the campaign’s announcement, lawmakers introduced a resolution (SCR 127) urging voters to “reject any effort to bring the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act to the ballot.” Text of the resolution states that the Act “would have devastating impacts on Idaho children and their families … and would effectively legalize widespread recreational use of marijuana.”
Update 2/6/2026: A campaign reported surpassing 45,000 collected signatures toward a 2026 ballot effort. This is progress, but not a state-verified qualification; treat as campaign-reported until the elections office confirms filings/validation.
Update 12/17/25: An Idaho campaign seeking to put medical marijuana legalization on the state’s 2026 ballot is stepping up its efforts by recruiting paid petitioners to gather voter signatures to qualify the measure.
Source: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/idaho-medical-marijuana-campaign-steps-up-push-for-2026-ballot-initiative-by-hiring-paid-petitioners/
An organization is hoping the third time’s the charm for putting a marijuana initiative on Idaho’s ballot. Kind Idaho is launching a petition to put a vote to decriminalize personal marijuana use on the 2026 ballot. The advocacy group has tried twice in the past to get medical marijuana on the ballot. Kind Idaho Treasurer Joe Evans said this petition is different because it aims to decriminalize personal marijuana use and personal production – or growth – of marijuana.
Kind Idaho plans to formally submit its new proposal to the secretary of state’s office on September 17, triggering a roughly monthlong review period. Barring any major procedural hiccups, the campaign says it should be able to begin gathering signatures on November 1.
While details of the new proposal are still being hammered out—the campaign plans to formally present the would-be initiative in the coming weeks—the idea is to remove all criminal and civil penalties around marijuana consumption, possession and home cultivation for personal use. People would not be allowed to use cannabis in public, but they could carry up to either 1 ounce or 3 ounces on their person—a limit still being finalized by organizers. Commercial legalization of marijuana for adults, by contrast, had only about 40 percent support in the earlier poll.
INDIANA - Pending Legislation
Update 01.15.2026:
Two Indiana state representatives have introduced bills to create a path to legal marijuana in the state of Indiana. But the bills take different approaches to the issue:
One thing neither bill does is create a government agency to regulate the cannabis industry. Each of the neighboring states created an agency after legalizing weed, including Kentucky, which only legalized medical marijuana.
Update 04.29.2025:
Senate Bill 478 has been introduced. The bill establishes certain regulatory testing and packaging requirements for the distribution and sale of craft hemp flower products. Creates and modifies certain crimes concerning craft hemp, craft hemp flower products, and THC. Provides that a food is not considered adulterated for containing low THC hemp extract or craft hemp flower. Provides that craft hemp flower product is not included in the definition of “controlled substance analog”, “hashish”, “low THC hemp extract”, or “marijuana”. Prohibits the sale of specified products to a person less than 21 years of age. Establishes a regulatory framework for craft hemp, including the regulation of advertising.
Source: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/478/actions
Note: As of 03.19.25, House Bill 1630 is currently in committee, but may have stalled as there has been no movement since January, 2025.
01.21.25: House Bill 1630, which was introduced by State Rep. Heath VanNatter, would establish a regulated program and allow those 21 and older to purchase, possess and consume marijuana. According to language in the proposal, the legislation would establish a Cannabis Commission to regulate the industry and a fee structure for retail, cultivation, processing, transportation and safety compliance licenses. The business license application period would begin July 1.
Retail permits would be capped at 300, and each of Indiana’s 92 counties would be entitled to at least one.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/indiana-gop-lawmakers-introduce-adult-use-cannabis-legalization-bill/
KANSAS - Pending Legislation
Update 4.1.2026: Kansas House Democrats Blow Horn for Medical, Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Bills. The lawmakers held a press conference on Tuesday at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka to call attention to House Bill 2678 (medical legalization) and House Bill 2679 (adult-use legalization.) Carr remained optimistic that his bills could make headway in 2027.
02.04.26: Kansas House introduces HB 2678 (medical) and HB 2679 (adult-use). House journal records introduction of HB 2678 (medical cannabis act) and HB 2679 (adult use cannabis regulation act).
Source: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/chamber/documents/daily_journal_house_20260204124531.pdf https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2679_00_0000.pdf
03.19.25: Legislation is pending (Senate Bill 294) to establish a comprehensive Medical Cannabis Program in Kansas. If passed, this bill would establish a framework for the production and dispensing of medical cannabis products to state-qualified patients.
Source: https://norml.org/act/kansas-provide-patients-with-regulated-access-to-medical-cannabis/
LOUISIANA - Pending Legislation
Update 4.1.2026: HB 373, a bill that could bring legalization to Louisiana through a three-year pilot program. Would allow current medical cultivators to participate in a pilot program for adult-use sales and permit medical dispensaries to sell adult-use and medical.
Source: https://blog.mpp.org/blog/louisiana-to-hear-legalization-pilot-program-bill
Update 04.29.2025: Rep. Candace Newell (D)—who has made repeated attempts to end criminalization—discussed her latest legislation in an interview with Louisiana First News that aired on Saturday, describing a proposed three-year pilot program that is “designed to test and evaluate parameters of the implementation of a permanent adult-use cannabis program,” according to a legislative analysis.
NEBRASKA - Pending Legislation
Update 05.20.25: On Tuesday, May 20, the Nebraska Senate is scheduled to debate LB 677 with Amendment 1251. The bill includes a regulatory framework for legal medical cannabis sales, along with new restrictions. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana is calling for passage of the bill with the amendment and asking supporters to call and email their state senators.
Source: https://blog.mpp.org/blog/neb-senate-voting-on-medical-cannabis-bill/
04.29.25: Legislative Bill 677, from state Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, advanced 5–3 from the General Affairs Committee. It would set up a clearer state regulatory scheme for the medical cannabis system that voters overwhelmingly approved in November. Just two weeks ago, the bill failed to advance 3–5 after no committee member tried to adopt a narrowing amendment.
03.25.25: Legislative Bill 677, from State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, seeks to help carry out the overwhelming voter approval to legalize and regulate medical cannabis in the state last fall. His bill would create a regulatory structure for licensing and detail how patients or caregivers could become registered to obtain up to 5 ounces of physician-recommended cannabis at one time. Applications would become available from October 13, 2025 to December 15, 2025. There would be no more than 5 vertical licenses statewide. Vertical licenses would allow a licensee to have four dispensary licenses (no more than 2 per congressional district), one manufacturer license, and one cultivation license. Nebraska will also be able to issue standalone licenses: 10 dispensary, 5 cultivator, 5 product manufacturer, 5 testing facility licenses, and unlimited transporter licenses. Other pending bills include LB651, LB705, LB483, and LB316.
Source: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/AM/AM297.pdf
03.05.25: LB651 and LB657 come from a bipartisan effort between Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and Senator Ben Hanson of Blair. Both would set up the regulatory framework for the possession, cultivation and sale of medical cannabis. The chairman of the General Affairs Committee, state Sen. Rick Holdcroft said both LB 651 and LB 677 would postpone the deadline for establishing regulations until Oct.1 and issuing of licenses to Jan. 1, 2026.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Pending Legislation
01.15.26: The New Hampshire House of Representatives has approved a bill to legalize marijuana in the state—though its chances of passage in the Senate remain dubious, and the governor has expressed clear opposition to the reform. Also on Wednesday, the House passed a proposal to allow medical cannabis dispensaries to become for-profit businesses. “This bill creates a framework for responsible regulation, testing, and taxation while protecting public safety and freeing law enforcement to focus on serious crimes,” he said. A new Cannabis Commission would be established to license and regulate the marijuana industry, along with a Cannabis Advisory Board. The bill will now head to the House Finance Committee before potentially coming back to the House floor for a final vote and, if approved there a second time, will advance to the Senate for consideration. Sullivan’s legalization bill is one of several cannabis proposals filed for the 2026 session, including legislation from Rep. Jonah Wheeler (D) that seeks to put a constitutional amendment on the state ballot that would let voters decide if they want to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing them to “possess a modest amount of cannabis for their personal use.”
12.18.25: State Rep. Jonah Wheeler, D-Peterborough, pre-filed bipartisan legislation on Dec. 1 for the 2026 legislative session, which proposes a constitutional amendment to allow adults 21 and older the right to possess “a modest amount of cannabis intended for their personal consumption.”
03.25.25: HB 75, has a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today.
Source: https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB75/2025
03.19.25: The New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted 9 to 7 to advance House Bill 198, legislation that would legalize the possession of marijuana for those 21 and older. With today’s committee vote, the bill will now be scheduled for debate and a vote in the full House. If approved, it would move to the Senate for further consideration.
NORTH CAROLINA - Pending Legislation
Update 07.29.25:
Ahead of its first meeting on Tuesday, a governor-created cannabis advisory council in North Carolina is seeking comments from the public about the marijuana policy issues they care about most. After its first meeting on Tuesday, the council is set to convene at least every other month through December 2026. Members will be tasked with developing and submitting initial recommendations on a “comprehensive cannabis policy, including any proposed legislation” to the governor by May 15, 2026.
Final recommendations will be due by December 31, 2026.
Update 05.20.25:
A bill that would establish a regulated marijuana industry (recreational and medical) is stuck in a North Carolina Senate committee. Filed on March 19, Senate Bill 350 proposes a maximum of 10 supplier licenses for eight dispensaries. Dispensaries would be ABC Applicants must have two years of state residency and demonstrate experience in cultivating, producing, and distributing cannabis. The bill would establish a commission responsible for developing regulations, including the creation of at least six tiers of cultivation facilities. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.
03.19.25: State Rep. Jordan Lopez, D-Mecklenburg, filed House Bill 413, the Marijuana Legalization and Reinvestment Act, on March 17 to establish a licensed market to regulate and tax adult-use cannabis in the Old North State. The state’s Department of Public Safety would oversee the registration process for a licensed marketplace for cannabis cultivation, retail, manufacturing, transportation, testing, delivery and on-site consumption establishments. An Office of Community Reinvestment within the department would be responsible for promoting and encouraging an equitable marketplace.
OHIO - Pending Legislation
Update 4.1.26: SB 56 cannabis law revisions take effect statewide. SB 56 officially took effect, modifying Ohio’s adult-use cannabis framework. Changes include updates to tax structure, revenue allocation, and regulatory authority. Marks implementation of legislative revisions to voter-approved legalization.
Source: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/135/sb56
12.18.25 Update – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday he will sign a bill into law that will ban intoxicating hemp products and make various changes to the voter-passed marijuana law from 2023, including new criminal provisions.
05.13.25 Update – Lawmakers in Ohio heard testimony on Wednesday in opposition to a bill that would make major changes to the state’s marijuana legalization law that was passed by voters in 2023. Ohio’s Senate president has also pushed back against criticism of the Senate bill, claiming the legislation does not disrespect the will of the electorate . It would have little impact on products available in stores.
03.05.25: A marijuana bill has passed the Ohio Senate. The bill still has a few steps to go. It’s now heading to the House, and it’s going to go through committees before it’s put to the floor for a vote. The House has also introduced their own bill. Both bills would drastically change Issue 2, the ballot measure that legalized Recreational Cannabis. One of the major changes would take away the Social Equity and Jobs Program. In 2023 and 2024, the Senate overhaul bill then-Senate President Huffman backed didn’t get any traction in the House.
OKLAHOMA - Pending Ballot Initiative
07.29.25:
A campaign to put adult-use marijuana legalization before Oklahoma voters next year will begin gathering signatures on Friday. If Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA) is successful, voters will see a marijuana legalization question on their ballots as early as next June’s primary election, the campaign said. If it qualifies for the ballot and is passed, State Question 837 would:
- Preserve existing MMJ regulations, with sales regulated by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA).
- Allow adults 21 and older to purchase cannabis from existing MMJ dispensaries.
- Impose a new 10% excise tax on adult-use purchases.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/oklahoma-adult-use-marijuana-legalization-campaign-launches-this-week/
SOUTH CAROLINA - Pending Legislation
Update 4.1.2026: The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act, to legalize medical cannabis, awaits a committee hearing in 2026, with Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, continuing to lead the charge on reform in the Palmetto State. No crossover deadline for the legislation to move to the House, but the assembly is scheduled to adjourn May 7, which does not leave a lot of time for the bill to pass.
Davis’ “Compassionate Care Act” (S.53) would legalize the medical use of cannabis products for patients with several medical conditions including chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and multiple sclerosis spasticity. The bill establishes that the following numbers of qualified medical cannabis establishments be licensed:
- 15 cultivation centers
- 30 processing facilities
- 4 transporters
- 3 or fewer therapeutic cannabis pharmacies per county
- 5 independent testing laboratories
Meanwhile, the number of vertically integrated licenses to be awarded would be determined by a commission within the Department of Public Health.
TEXAS - Pending Legislation
07.29.25:
A Texas lawmaker is using a special legislative session, called in part to regulate hemp products, to introduce a bill that would legalize adult-use marijuana.
If passed, House Bill 195, introduced July 24 by Democratic state Rep. Jessica González, would permit adults 21 and over to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or 15 grams of concentrates. Licensing and oversight would fall under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, with rules in place by November 1, 2026.
The agency would license cannabis growers, processors, testing labs, and retailers.
Cannabis sales would be allowed only in jurisdictions that opt in. Local governments could regulate the number, hours, and locations of businesses.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/texas-lawmaker-introduces-longshot-marijuana-legalization-proposal/
TENNESSEE - Pending Legislation
Update 4.1.26: Three MJ Bills head to Tennessee Legislature. There is a recreational bill headed to a Senate Judiciary Committee. There are multiple medical marijuana ballot questions – one of which would require action if enough yes votes were granted, the others are non-binding (more survey-like.)
Source: https://www.wsmv.com/2026/03/21/three-marijuana-bills-head-tennessee-legislature-next-week/
Update 03.25.25: State Senator Heidi Campbell and Representative Aftyn Behn have announced their first hearing for the “Pot for Potholes Act.” The hearing will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 9 a.m. in front of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. According to HB 703/SB 921, the act is “a bold, common-sense plan to legalize and tax recreational marijuana to generate new revenue for Tennessee’s highways, bridges and regional mass transit projects.” Generally, the department must promulgate rules for (i) the reasonable regulation of marijuana establishments and marijuana research facilities; (ii) the involvement of the state in sanctioning research projects or licensing marijuana research facilities; and (iii) establishment of classes of licensure and qualifications for licensure.
Source: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0703
Update 02.11.25: SB0809 and HB0836 were filed in February of 2025. The bills would allow people 21 years of age and older to possess and/or grow marijuana. It lays out the restrictions, medical use, business licensing, taxation, criminal and consumer protections for the drug. The bill also creates a licensing system for marijuana growers, processors, dispensaries, transporters and testing facilities. It would prioritize licenses for veterans, previous hemp license holders, businesses in economically disadvantaged counties and Tennessee residents. If passed the bill would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
UTAH - Pending Legislation
02.25.25: A bill will be heard to streamline Utah’s medical marijuana regulations. Its goal is to make it more accessible to those who need it. Under this new bill, more pharmacies would be allowed to open physical stores. This would increase the accessibility of medical marijuana. Currently, there are only 15 licenses total allowed for pharmacy locations and all are in use. Amendments would increase the number of licenses to 18 available to be issued in the state.
Source: https://kslnewsradio.com/elections-politics-government/bill-streamlines-medical-marijuana/2176182/
VIRGINIA - Pending Legislation
Update – 4.24.2026
Governor returned cannabis retail bill with recommendations. The CCB public-meetings page lists a Board Meeting for April 16, 2026. The Commission’s Subcommittee on Taxation agenda was posted on April 9 for an April 14 meeting covering cannabis and consumable-hemp data and overview items.
Source: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB642
Update – 3.20.2026
Headline: Virginia cannabis sales legalization bill heads to governor. What changed: Virginia House and Senate lawmakers have sent a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales in the commonwealth to the governor’s desk. Members landed on January 1, 2027 for the launch date of adult-use marijuana sales, as included in the Senate bill.
Source: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB642 https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB542 https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-lawmakers-reach-deal-on-final-bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-sales/
Update – 3.13.2026
Virginia legislature advances competing adult‑use retail framework bills. HB 642 was reported from House Appropriations with substitute (16‑6 vote) advancing the retail cannabis market framework. House and Senate chambers advanced separate cannabis retail bills, setting up reconciliation over tax structure and rollout timing. House version proposes retail sales beginning Nov. 1, 2026, subject to regulatory readiness.
Sources: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB642 https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB642/2026 https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-house-and-senate-approve-differing-marijuana-sales-legalization-bills-setting-up-final-votes-and-negotiations/
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s guide to the 2026 General Assembly session outlines simple ways for the public to follow legislative activity, with cannabis expected to be a key topic. It directs readers to the Virginia General Assembly website for information on lawmakers, legislation, and session schedules.
The guide also highlights tools such as the Legislative Information System for tracking bills and watching meetings, and the “Who’s My Legislator” feature for contacting elected officials. The CCA notes it will keep its Board informed about legislation that may affect the agency.
Source: https://cca.virginia.gov/news/your-guide-to-following-the-2026-general-assembly-sessionnbsp
With Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) widely expected to veto a lawmaker-passed plan to legalize retail marijuana sales in the commonwealth, a new fiscal impact statement makes clear that rejecting the proposal would mean missing out on tens of millions of dollars in annual state revenue—including for pre-kindergarten programs, community reinvestment and substance use treatment. Youngkin has 30 days to act on a bill once it reaches his desk. He can either sign it into law, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature. Lawmakers will reconvene on April 2 to consider overturning any vetoes.
Youngkin is ineligible to run for reelection, and advocates hope his replacement will be more favorable to regulated sales. They’ve noted that a handful of Republican leaders in other states have been more open to marijuana reform.
WISCONSIN - Pending Legislation
01.21.25: Wisconsin’s Republican Senate majority leader says it’s possible that the legislature could pass a medical marijuana legalization bill in the 2025 session, though he’s cautioning that his chamber likely will not go along with a prior proposal from Assembly GOP leadership to establish state-run dispensaries.
2.6.2026: Democratic lawmakers held a public rollout/unveiling for a new marijuana legalization bill this week. Legislative materials for cannabis proposals are available on the Wisconsin Legislature’s official site (bill/proposal pages vary by vehicle).
Source: https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-democrats-marijuana-cannabis-legalization-legislation
Passed Legislation and Ballot Initiatives
COLORADO - Local Ballot Initiative (PASSED)
08.27.2024 Update: It is increasingly likely that voters in Colorado Springs will decide two cannabis-related questions this November. They’re both related to the sale of recreational cannabis in the city, and one has the potential to put away the debate for good.
Come November 5, local voters will decide if recreational marijuana sales can finally become a reality within city limits. The question made it onto the ballot Thursday after the required number of signatures were verified.
Dueling initiatives related to the sale of recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs are in the process of being added to the upcoming November ballot. The measure to ban recreational marijuana sales passed out of Monday’s July 22 work session and now must be approved twice by the City Council during separate August meetings before getting on the ballot. The community-led initiative still needs 8,000 signatures.The City Council will vote on this ordinance on August 13 and August 27. If the ordinance passes, voters will consider the charter amendment prohibiting retail marijuana establishments on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Source: https://www.fox21news.com/news/dueling-ballot-initiatives-on-marijuana/
DELAWARE - Marijuana Legislation (PASSED)
04.29.2025 Update: Governor Matt Meyer signed HB110 into law, amending requirements for fingerprint-based background checks for Delawareans who wish to work in, own, or help run a licensed marijuana business. HB110 is a legislative fix and a necessary step to meet federal requirements and gain access to national FBI background information. The law also updates other parts of Delaware’s licensing rules to make sure background checks are handled clearly and fairly when deciding who can get a cannabis license.
Source: https://news.delaware.gov/2025/04/25/governor-meyer-signs-hb110-into-law/
07.23.2024 Update: The governor of Delaware has signed several marijuana bills into law, including measures that would allow existing medical cannabis businesses in the state to begin recreational sales on an expedited basis, transfer regulatory authority for the medical program and make technical changes to marijuana statutes. The dual licensing legislation is meant to allow recreational sales to begin months earlier than planned, though critics say the legislation would give an unfair market advantage to larger, more dominant businesses already operating in multiple states. Fees from the license conversions—which are estimated to bring in more than $4 million—will be used for financial assistance to social equity-owned cannabis businesses. Under the legislation, the Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) will need to open applications for conversion licenses by August 1 of this year. The application window will close on November 1. Another amendment from Osienski made a number of other changes before House passage last month, including increasing the conversion licensing fee from $100,000 to $200,000, making it so the licenses will expire after 24 months instead of 48 months and requiring applicants to “provide an attestation” that they will continue to serve medical cannabis patients.
07.09.2024 Update: The state’s General Assembly sent new legislation, House Bill 408, to Carney’s desk June 27, following a 16-5 vote in the Senate and a 29-11 vote in the House. The legislation aims to create temporary conversion licenses for existing Medical Marijuana Compassion Centers to operate for adult-use cannabis purposes.
The Delaware House has passed a bill to quickly launch recreational marijuana sales by using existing medical cannabis dispensaries. This legislation aims to expedite the introduction of recreational marijuana, boost local economic growth, and promote social equity. The bill prioritizes communities historically affected by cannabis prohibition, ensuring they benefit from legalization.
Source: https://thedalesreport.com/cannabis/cannabis-news-today-june-20th-2024/
MARYLAND - Marijuana Legislation (PASSED)
Maryland regulators will license up to 15 marijuana consumption lounges under legislation signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore – but under some of the strictest rules in the country. Consumption lounge permits are reserved for social equity applicants, and no smoking of marijuana is allowed.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/maryland-governor-approves-marijuana-consumption-lounges-but-with-no-smoking/
NEBRASKA - Ballot Initiative (PASSED)
Ballot Initiative
11.06.2024 Update: A majority of Nebraskans voted Tuesday to embrace legalizing and regulating medical cannabis, though the final say will likely be up to the courts, not the ballot box. Whether medical cannabis becomes legal in the state post-election, however, depends on the outcome of legal challenges currently playing out in Lancaster County District Court.
10.29.2024 Update: The Hall County Election Commissioner has been called to testify in a civil case to determine whether signatures on medical marijuana petitions are valid. So far, only Egbert and Todd face charges, and a total of 202 signatures have been considered to be invalid with evidence significant enough to merit charges. In addition to Overstreet, election commissioners from Saunders and Lancaster counties were subpoenaed to testify. Egbert has also been called to testify.
10.08.2024 Update: Attorney General Mike Hilgers, in a legal filing Friday on behalf of Secretary of State Bob Evnen, told a Lancaster County District Court judge that an ongoing investigation “casts serious doubt regarding the ultimate validity of approximately 49,000 signatures” on two medical cannabis petitions.
07.23.2024 Update: Medical marijuana advocates in Nebraska are making another concerted effort to get their issue on the ballot. The next steps for the campaign involve the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office distributing signatures for verification, followed by a review of the petition language by the Attorney General’s Office.
07.09.24 Update: Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana collected signatures “until the very last moment” Wednesday before turning in more than 114,000 for each of its two petitions by mid-afternoon. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office will next distribute signatures to respective county election officials statewide. Once received, county officials will have 40 days to verify and return the signatures. The petition language then goes to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office for review, one of the last hurdles to reach the November ballot.
The Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, if passed, enacts a statute that makes penalties inapplicable under state law for the possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery, and dispensing of cannabis for medical purposes by registered private entities, and establishing a Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate such entities.
Source: https://nebraskamarijuana.org/
Pending Legislation
Earlier this month, Democratic Sens Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney proposed Legislative Bills 52 and 71 to legalize marijuana. While consumable hemp is already legal in Nebraska, these bills would provide the legal framework to grow, produce, and sell marijuana. Anyone 21 years or older would be able to purchase it. While the bills are new, the idea isn’t. Nebraskan lawmakers have tried two other times in recent history to legalize marijuana. The current bills are different from previous proposals in a couple of ways:
- They would legalize all marijuana instead of only medical marijuana
- One bill would tax retailers and growers at 25%, the other at 16%
Source:High Property Tax for NE Homeowners Sparks Debate on Marijuana and Ammo Tax Bills | Kiplinger
08.06.2024 Update: Two newly filed marijuana legalization bills in Nebraska had initial committee hearings on Friday. A fiscal note on McKinney’s bill estimates the measure would bring in $18.9 million in fiscal year 2025, which would increase over time to an estimated $98.0 million in fiscal 2028. Annual state expenses for operations, meanwhile, are expected to start at $1 million annually and rise to $2.5 million by fiscal year 2028. Five percent would fund business development grants “in disproportionately impacted areas and for social equity applications,” the fiscal note says.
Nebraska Senators flooded the clerk’s office with bills on Monday, the last day to introduce them for the special session. State Sen. Justin Wayne submitted 23 bills Monday, including LB52, which would legalize, regulate, and tax recreational cannabis.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Marijuana Legislation (PASSED)
Chris Sununu, signed both Senate Bill 357 and House Bill 1278 into law. The first expands the scope of healthcare providers eligible to certify patients for the state’s therapeutic cannabis program. The legislation now includes any licensed provider who can prescribe medication and is primarily responsible for the patient’s care related to their qualifying condition. Additionally, it mandates that minors seeking cannabis treatment must receive certification from two healthcare providers, one of whom must be a pediatric care specialist. This change is expected to increase access to medical cannabis across the state. The second, HB 1278, adds a new subparagraph to legislation determining the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. It effectively enables patients aged 21 and older to be certified for medical cannabis if they have any debilitating or terminal condition that, in the clinical opinion of their healthcare provider, would benefit from cannabis use. The certifying provider must document the specific condition or symptom and affirm that the potential benefits outweigh the health risks. Set to come into force in 60 days, this change is a substantial shift from the state’s earlier approach, which limited cannabis use to a specific set of conditions. The law also reflects a growing recognition of cannabis’s potential benefits across a broader range of health issues.
RHODE ISLAND - Regulations (PASSED)
4.15.26 Update: Rhode Island’s first recreational retail-license lottery was put on hold after a federal judge blocked enforcement of the state residency requirement. That pause leaves nearly 100 applicants in limbo and directly affects permit timing.
Source: https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/04/14/cannabis-control-commission-appeals-ruling-halting-license-rollout-after-closed-door-meeting/
03.11.25 Update: Rhode Island is currently reviewing all public comments and is in the process of completing their regulatory process. Once completed they will publish final rules and regulations.
Source: https://ccc.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur991/files/2025-03/Cannabis%20Office%20Presentation.pdf
01.07.2025 Update:
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission met Thursday afternoon for the first time in over two months, spending most of its first meeting of 2025 behind closed doors. The hiring of a chief public affairs officer, however, dominated the meeting. The commission’s three members spent 15 minutes in executive session where they voted to extend a job offer to a candidate. The commission will next meet on Wednesday, Jan. 8, when it is scheduled to vote to post its inaugural draft regulations for the state’s budding cannabis industry for public comment, as is required under the state’s Administrative Procedures Act.
09.10.2024 Update: An initial proposal approved by the three-member panel on Friday called for applications to first be screened based on merit, with qualifications such as “ability and readiness for licensure,” according to a presentation on the proposal. Once the applicant pool has been whittled down based on merit, the cannabis board voted to hold a random drawing, assuming the number of remaining applicants exceeds the number allowed in each geographic zone. Friday’s vote authorized staff to draft formal regulations, which will require another vote. That’s because the licensing fee for dispensaries was $500,000, while the fee for new stores will be $30,000, a significantly lower barrier to entry. The commission is aiming to get the regulations finalized by the end of the year.
08.27.2024 Update: The state of recreational cannabis in Rhode Island has been in a peculiar grey area for months, with regulations that will govern the multimillion-dollar sector now being drafted for an industry that for almost two years has been partially up and running.
Rhode Island’s marijuana regulator has asked a federal judge to toss a challenge brought by a Florida resident alleging the state’s scheme for awarding retail cannabis licenses is unconstitutional, saying that process hasn’t even been established yet…
Source: https://pbn.com/r-i-cannabis-agency-plodding-ahead-as-counterpart-in-mass-in-chaos/ & https://www.law360.com/articles/1871795/ri-pot-regulators-eye-dismissal-of-fla-resident-s-challenge
Gov. Dan McKee nominated Michelle Reddish as the first administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office. commission chair Kim Ahern said. “Her regulatory and industry experience will help ensure our commission continues its thoughtful and thorough progress as we carefully expand the adult-use market in Rhode Island.”
Source: https://patch.com/rhode-island/portsmouth/gov-mckee-nominates-1st-administrator-ri-cannabis-office
Rhode Island passed The Rhode Island Cannabis Act in 2022, legalizing recreational cannabis. The state is currently promulgating regulations. Under the law, after issuance of the final rules and regulations, in addition to the hybrid cannabis retailer certificates that may be issued under the provisions of this chapter, the commission may grant twenty-four (24) retail licenses, subject to the following restrictions:
As per the law, the retail licenses shall be issued under specific geographic zones, as specified in § 21-28.11-10.3, ensuring a fair and balanced distribution across the state.
No more than four (4) retail licenses exclusive of any hybrid cannabis retail certificate shall be permitted in each geographic zone. Of the four (4) retail licenses in each geographic zone:
(i) One shall be reserved for a workers’ cooperative applicant, and
(ii) One shall be reserved for a social equity applicant.
Source: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE21/21-28.11/21-28.11-10.2.htm
TEXAS - Marijuana Legislation (PASSED)
05.20.25 Update – At Monday’s Senate committee meeting, Republican Sen. Charles Perry, the sponsor of a HB 46 companion bill in the Senate, SB 1505, said that the legislation is a “work in progress” that would likely be amended before final passage. He added that some of the provisions still being debated include the number of additional medical cannabis dispensaries that will be added.
05.13.25 Update – The Texas House of Representatives gave initial approval to a bill to significantly expand access to medical cannabis by adding new qualifying conditions, approving additional product forms, and authorizing new dispensary licenses. HB 46 would require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to issue 11 dispensary licenses within the 11 designated public health regions across the state. It would further allow dispensaries to open satellite locations if approved. An amendment that was adopted on the floor would grandfather existing medical cannabis dispensary satellite locations, ensure a competitive business licensing application process, create a timeline for when new licenses must be issued, and amend background check rules.
03.25.25: The Texas Regulation of Cannabis Act, was recently introduced to the House; it establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products in Texas. The bill mandates new regulations for the cannabis industry, including licensing requirements.
Source: https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/tx/89/bills/TXB00080121/
HJR 70, a joint resolution from Rep. Ron Reynolds (D), calls for a constitutional amendment that if approved by voters would direct the legislature to “authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for medical use in this state.” Other medical bills include SB 170, from Sen. José Menéndez (D), which would effectively expand the state’s low-THC medical cannabis system into one more resembling programs in other legal states, replacing references in state law to “low-THC cannabis” with “medical cannabis.” It would also add new sections on product testing, packaging and labeling, retail locations across the state, caregivers and other details of the expanded program.