As the use of cannabis continues to spread across the United States, more states are looking to legalize recreational and/or medical marijuana. Currently, cannabis is legal in 15 states and the District of Columbia, and many more states are considering regulating it. Here are 8 states that could potentially legalize cannabis by 2023.
New York
New York is one of the most likely states to legalize cannabis in the near future. In 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
New Jersey
New Jersey is another state that is close to legalizing cannabis. In 2019, Governor Phil Murphy proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Connecticut
Connecticut is another state that is considering legalizing cannabis. In 2019, Governor Ned Lamont proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is another state that is looking to legalize cannabis. In 2019, Governor Gina Raimondo proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Illinois
Illinois is another state that is close to legalizing cannabis. In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Michigan
Michigan is another state that is looking to legalize cannabis. In 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Virginia
Virginia is another state that is close to legalizing cannabis. In 2019, Governor Ralph Northam proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Arizona
Arizona is another state that is looking to legalize cannabis. In 2019, Governor Doug Ducey proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Montana
Montana is another state that is close to legalizing cannabis. In 2019, Governor Steve Bullock proposed a plan to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed plan includes expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions, as well as setting up a new regulatory framework for the industry. The state legislature failed to pass the bill in 2019, but the governor has continued to push for legalization and the state is expected to pass a bill in the near future.
Conclusion
As the use of cannabis continues to become more accepted across the United States, more states are looking to legalize it. Currently, 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use, and many more are close to doing the same. These 8 states are likely to legalize cannabis by 2023.