Five States That Could Legalize Marijuana in 2025

With cross-chamber disagreements and dwindling federal support, cannabis legalization efforts stalled in 2024. Only one state, Nebraska, advanced medical marijuana reforms last year, but lawmakers quickly filed a motion to overturn legalization. Still, several states are slated to address legalization in 2025. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are the most likely to ratify laws in the upcoming months. Other states, like Hawaii and Kansas, face opposition. While the legal landscape surrounding marijuana will evolve throughout 2025, here are our predictions for which states will tackle legalization in the coming months.

Likely

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is actively considering adult-use cannabis legalization. Currently, residents travel to neighboring states like New York and New Jersey to purchase cannabis. Governor Josh Shapiro believes this money would benefit PA residents, noting, “We’re losing out on revenue that’s going to other states instead of helping us right here.” He has encouraged legislators to move forward with a bill that includes regulatory measures and expungement provisions for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.

While lawmakers continue to debate aspects such as tax rates, bipartisan efforts are underway to develop a plan that balances economic opportunity with responsible regulation. Given ongoing discussions, Pennsylvania may see progress in late 2025.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, conversations around cannabis reform have been ongoing, with advocates pushing for a structured approach to legalization. Governor Tony Evers has advocated for the cause since 2019, but Assembly Speaker Rob Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu are unwilling to compromise on their vision for the future of cannabis. While discussions are still in the early stages and Wisconsin is currently reviewing budget plans, legalization could be considered as early as 2025.

Maybe

South Carolina

Since 2014, South Carolina has battled to decriminalize medical marijuana. The latest effort,  Senate Bill 53, would amend the Compassionate Care Act, allowing sales for patients with specific conditions. The bill would permit medical marijuana sales if consumers can prove they have one of twelve qualifying conditions, including cancer, sickle cell anemia, autism, and end-of-life care.

However, the bill maintains restrictions on home cultivation and limits methods of ingestion and dosage amounts. The last time South Carolina introduced a similar proposal in 2024, it died in the House due to inaction. While Senate Bill 53 was referred to the Committee of Medical Affairs on January 14th, little has been said about this life-changing proposal. With a long history of blocking reform efforts, South Carolina is a firm “maybe” on legalization.

Unlikely

Hawaii

Hawaii has a unique legal landscape. While the state allows medical marijuana usage and recently decriminalized possessing small amounts, recreational use remains outlawed. House Bill 1246, which aimed to establish a regulatory agency for adult-use cannabis, was expected to pass until Representative Chris Todd introduced a motion to delay legislation until 2026. According to Todd, “On this particular bill, it became clear that we did not have enough support to pass the measure in this session.”

Despite setbacks, legalization efforts continue with Senate Bill 1613, which was approved on February 13th. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means was set to hold a public hearing on February 26th, but removed the bill from the schedule two days prior. Currently, Senate Bill 1613 is in limbo, with no further updates. Unless either bill is revived and reviewed by the governor, it is unlikely Hawaii will legalize marijuana in 2025.

Kansas

In the past few years, Kansas lawmakers have tried to legalize medical marijuana with varying degrees of success.  The most recent efforts in 2021 ended with a 79-42 vote in the House to advance House Substitute for Senate Bill 158. Senate President Ty Masterson, however, refused to call the bill for a vote, and follow-up attempts have failed. Ongoing discussions highlight concerns about public health and safety, particularly regarding youth exposure. 

On February 19th, an amendment was proposed to a bill expanding terminally ill patient access to experimental drugs, which would have allowed access to medical marijuana. The proposal ultimately failed. While public support remains strong - 73% of voters favor legalization, according to an Emerson College Polling survey - Kansas lawmakers have yet to act. A voter referendum could shift the conversation in the coming years.

Summary:

1. Pennsylvania

2. Wisconsin 

3. South Carolina

4. Hawaii

5. Kansas

Looking Ahead

The landscape of marijuana legalization in 2025 remains complex, but state-level measures continue to gain traction. Despite significant hurdles, including stalled legislation and opposition from key figures, changing perspectives and growing public support may influence future decisions. As 2025 unfolds, legalization efforts will hinge on political negotiations, public opinion, and legislative actions in the coming months.