As 2025 unfolds, marijuana legalization advocates are sharpening their focus on a few key states where significant reforms might finally gain traction. With legislative sessions starting across the U.S., proponents are optimistic about adult-use and medical cannabis legalization efforts in places like Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, and the Carolinas.
Pennsylvania: The Keystone State Eyes Adult-Use Legalization
Pennsylvania is emerging as a potential leader in marijuana reform this year. With Governor Josh Shapiro (D) openly supporting legalization and hinting at its inclusion in his upcoming budget proposal, the conversation around cannabis reform is gaining momentum.
Recent legislative efforts in the state have included bipartisan initiatives, such as a marijuana legalization bill introduced by Reps. Aaron Kaufer (R) and Emily Kinkead (D), alongside 15 co-sponsors. Meanwhile, discussions about establishing a state-run cannabis market are also underway, signaling a broad interest in regulation.
Yet challenges remain. Past sessions have seen limited progress in building consensus on what a legal cannabis market should look like. The Republican-led Senate committee has indicated cautious support, emphasizing the importance of responsible measures to ensure public safety. “This is a topic that we have to approach with caution,” said Senator Dan Laughlin, hinting at the complexities of balancing public input with policymaking.
Hawaii: A New Push With Key Political Shifts
Hawaii is another hotspot for marijuana reform in 2025. Although previous attempts to legalize recreational cannabis have passed the Senate, the House of Representatives has historically stalled progress. This year, however, advocates are hopeful due to key changes in political leadership.
Governor Josh Green (D) has been a consistent supporter of cannabis reform, and new House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (D) appears more open to legalization than her predecessor. “The hope is that it’ll be able to get through all of the committees it’s referred to in the House,” said Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). Advocates are optimistic that Hawaii will cross the finish line this time, building on momentum from the narrowly missed opportunity last year.
Medical Marijuana in Kansas and the Carolinas
The push for medical marijuana legalization is heating up in traditionally conservative states like Kansas, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Kevin Caldwell, Southeast legislative manager at MPP, described Kansas as a “hard target for cannabis policy reform” but acknowledged growing interest. Meanwhile, North Carolina and South Carolina show promise, with increasing bipartisan support for medical cannabis bills despite significant opposition.
“The South is opening up to the idea of reform,” Caldwell noted, expressing cautious optimism about the potential for progress over the next two years. While these states are unlikely to leap into adult-use legalization, establishing medical programs could pave the way for future reforms.
Renewed Efforts in Wisconsin and Virginia
In Wisconsin, both medical and adult-use marijuana reforms are expected to re-enter the legislative spotlight. Advocacy groups like NORML are watching closely as renewed efforts gain traction. Meanwhile, Virginia remains a state of interest, with proponents pushing to expand an existing noncommercial legalization law into a regulated sales model. However, significant political hurdles persist, particularly within Republican-led chambers.
The Trump Factor: Could Federal Moves Shift the State-Level Landscape?
The looming presence of Donald Trump as the incoming president has introduced a new dimension to cannabis advocacy. Trump has previously voiced support for medical marijuana and has influenced GOP attitudes toward cannabis reform. Kevin Caldwell suggested that if Trump takes a pro-reform stance, it could sway conservative lawmakers at the state level, especially in Republican-dominated areas.
David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), highlighted the potential impact of rescheduling cannabis at the federal level. “If they do end up moving cannabis to Schedule III, then I think we’re going to have a very, very different conversation,” he said. Such a move could encourage conservative legislators to reconsider their stance on legalization, especially as public opinion continues to shift in favour of reform.
Challenges and Opportunities in 2025
While advocacy groups are optimistic, they acknowledge the hurdles that remain. For states like Pennsylvania and Hawaii, internal disagreements about the structure of legal cannabis markets could slow progress. In conservative regions, long-standing opposition to marijuana reform continues to pose challenges.
However, with growing bipartisan support and increasing public demand for legalization, 2025 could be a pivotal year for marijuana reform in the United States. Whether through state legislatures or ballot initiatives, the push for cannabis legalization shows no signs of slowing.